What does it look like to create positive memories with your dog?

Can you think of a favorite trip you've taken? A favorite restaurant that you frequent? The best group of people like you like to be around? These happy memories are incredibly powerful. They solidify your choices and preferences. If you have a bad experience at a restaurant, chances are you aren't going to want to go back there.

Dogs want to build happy memories at different locations with you just as strongly as you want to build happy memories with your friends. If they have a bad experience at a particular location, the psychological response that begins to form in a negative direction can absolutely be overwritten. However, it often takes more than one positive experience to overwrite one negative experience. Your dog wants to build great experiences with you on a regular basis.

What is your dog's favorite game? What is their favorite location to visit? Do they have another doggie friend that they like to play with? These are all great questions to ask yourself to build great experiences, but keep in mind that new and exciting experiences can be even better for their long term health.

What new and rewarding experiences have you created with your dog lately? If this was the key to having a balanced and mutually respectful relationship with your dog, what would you do differently to create these good events?