We love our dogs.
They give us so much joy and treat us to so much unconditional love that it can be easy to spoil them with little treats and tidbits that they really don't need.
If your dog is anything like my dog then it's not so much the rewards to his reflexive begging that will really make him happy and repay all that happy tail-wagging.
It's the one thing a dog loves most that will give him the most happiness! He loves to walk and run on the beach.
So if I really want to bond with him, this is what I need to do the most.
Sometimes, however, it can seem a bit of a grind to get up from the comfy bed and get out.
But it needs to be done! How do you react when your dog appears by the side of your bed? It's all too easy to pat him on the head and roll over, hoping he'll settle down on the floor.
Another way to approach this is to seize the opportunity to get up and get active.
He's awake and active already so his energy should be infectious.
Isn't is amazing how a dog will constantly nag you for more attention.
It can be in many ways...

• Barking
• Chewing furniture
• Begging at the table
• Digging in the garden
• Protecting you unnecessarily when you're out walking

Some of this stuff can be amusing but, on the whole, most of it is going to cause some problems.
You need to create a relationship with your dog that rewards you both and results in the kind of behavior you want.
But hang on...
isn't that what your dog expects of you? He wants the kind of behavior that will make him happy.
And that's not a bad thing if you take it as a prompt for more exercise and an opportunity to get out in the open.
Now some people will probably moan that I'm letting the dog control me but...
that's not strictly true.
Although I'm going to give the dog what he wants, I'm doing it on my terms.
Here are a few ways you can frame that situation.

• When your dog appears by the bed and urges you to get up then acknowledge him with affectionate strokes and voice tones (come on...
  you really think he understands your words) but then leave him for a minute or two.
  This builds the expectation of the dog.
  What's coming next.
  
• When you get up out of bed (remember, you need the exercise just as much as the dog and you're going to be trimmer for doing it) do it with energy.
  Your dog will be delighted that something exciting is definitely happening.
  Talk to your dog in encouraging tones and engage his interest.
  
• Once you're dressed you can build it up a little bit more.
  Your furry pal is always a bit peckish in the morning so practice a little bit of obedience training.
  He's going to get a snack, but only if he does what you want.
  Call him, make him sit, make him wait and then let him take the snack after a while.
  Then make a whole lot of fuss over his behavior and he'll be delighted.
  
• If you use a harness or leash for your dog, put it on the dog and let him wear if for a while before heading out.
  You can even have a cup of coffee while you let him anticipate the walk.
  
• Then, the main attraction! Step outside and fill your lungs with cleansing fresh air as you stride off into the sunrise with your canine pal.
  

Building a relationship with your dog doesn't have to be a complicated matter and there's plenty of advice online about how to do it.
What you do, yourself, while on a walk is a different matter.
It's a perfect time to reflect on your life and start to build positive expectations of your day.
The way you do this is up to you but I think I've found a positive way of doing this.
At the end of the day, walking your dog is going to build a great relationship and do you both good.
Making sure your dog behaves the way you want with dog walking rituals is going to lead to dog walking heaven for you both!