If you think that being lenient on your dog and letting him have his way will make your dog love you then think again. Connections and bonds formed by dogs go far beyond feeding and occasional petting of the dog. Love in dogs comes from an understanding that they are secure and well taken care of by their owner. A dog that is comfortable with the owner is corrected when he I wrong and has had plenty of time to build strong bond will become very attached to his owner.

Love is more than a feeling, it is the missing link in communication between you and your dog. How do you make your dog love you is the million dollar question?

- Connections start to be made when the puppy is young. This period is usually the make and break period for a relationship. Spending time with the puppy, holding him, petting him is an important step that will begin the process of establishing a link.

- Do not punish the dog, this does not mean you let the dog get away with mistakes, rather correct them but do not use physical punishment. Dogs learn faster if they understand the reason behind what you are trying to teach them. Hitting a dog because he made a mess on the floor is pointless and should be avoided.

- Even if you are busy, take a break and go spend some fun time with your dog. Play a game, run around or just walk around your block. This time is not training time though you may teach your dog a trick, it is meant

- Take authority. Dogs are pack animals that appreciate when someone takes leadership of the pack. When you are in control your dog will have someone to look up to for guidance.

- Training: This is not to make your dog love you but is part of the bond forming process. Training aims to establish a communication channel. It is easy for your dog to be please you if he know what you expect from him. Correct behaviour will result in praise and that together with a sense of accomplishment will make the dog happy that you are happy with him.

- Understand your dog, what makes him happy and what doesn't? What is the dog afraid of? Which are his favourite games? Favourite food? Which places does he like to go? Dogs in many ways are like small children, pleasing them only requires a bit of effort on your part to understand them.

- Do not neglect your dog when he needs you most, abandoning your dog when he is incapacitated by an injury or is diagnosed with a fatal disease is a very wrong move on your part. If your dog has served you well over the years and has been there for you through good and bad, doesn't he deserve the same kind of treatment?

- Lastly providing the dog with his vital needs is also a good sign to the dog, this means shelter, food and good health.