Successful relationships take hard work. Here are some pro tips on how to maintain a healthy and happy relationship with your dog once the honeymoon phase has fizzled.
1. Open communication is important
Healthy couples speak openly and honestly without the distraction of phones, tablets, laptops, Kong toys, rawhides, etc.


2. Don’t try to make your dog jealous
Jealousy is a part of even the healthiest relationships, so it’s unnecessary for you to make an effort to incite even more of this emotion within your partner.


3. Be sure to take care of the business side of your relationship
Money is the cause for nearly one third of all divorces. There’s no shame in your dog being a “stay at home pup,” but it is important to have direct and honest chats about your expectations surrounding money with your little furball.


4. Make time for the things you loved at the beginning of your relationship
The longer you are in a co-dependent relationship, the easier it is to stop making an effort with your dog. The honeymoon period may be over, that doesn’t mean that you and your pooch are doomed for a lifetime of boring routine.


5. But also make time to try something new together
Another way to keep your relationship with your canine companion from getting stale is to try something together that neither of you has done before.


6. Stay connected physically
Sometimes when the newness of a relationship wears off, we forget the things that differentiate our relationship with OUR dog versus any rando dog on the street.


7. Never go to bed angry
Maybe he pooped in your shoe. Maybe you forgot to bring home the treats. Either way, take a breath, step back and think: Is this worth getting upset over?


9. Remember: little gestures go a long way
Sometimes we get so busy that we forget to remind our partner how much we appreciate them.


8. Continue to compliment one another
When you truly mean it, a compliment can go a long way towards making your pooch feel seen and appreciated.


9. Build in some time apart
Being able to do your own thing sometimes and remain independent is vital to any relationship.


When you spend too much time with your dog without taking any time for yourself, it can create an unhealthy codependence. So encourage your pup to hit the park with his friends while you take that pottery class you’ve had your eye on. When you link back up later you’ll have lots to talk about, plus you’ll appreciate each other’s company that much more.
10. Make plans for the future
Setting goals is as important to your overall happiness as a couple of bozos.


You’ll both feel more secure if you take time to talk about what you’d like the future to look like. Perhaps that means talking about how many kids more dogs you want. If you’re a planner and your pooch is a more go-with-the-flow kind of guy, you can start small: think planning a road trip, or planning what kind of kibble you should make for dinner.
11. Do your best to keep an open mind
People/dogs change over time.


True love means accepting your partner for who they are on the inside, rather than only being concerned with their outward appearance. Your dog should be big enough to accept you for who you are on the inside — even if you both know that bangs probably don’t work for your face shape but you wanted to try them anyway. Both of your appearances will inevitably change over time. It’s imperative that the two of you try your best to accept each other wholeheartedly.
Implementing these tips will help your relationship with your dog grow stronger, happier, and healthier. Not only will you both feel more desirable to one another, you will help those around you by inspiring them with your loving, secure relationship.
Featured image via @mamaandgriff/Instagram