Soul Dog: Finding a Dog Who Steals Your Heart

The idea of a soul dog might feel as elusive as a human soulmate to some people. And many dogs can indeed boost your serotonin levels, but there’s something undeniably deeper about a soul dog connection. 

“I met my soul dog here at Austin Pets Alive!,” shares Heather Dickerson, a dog matchmaker who pairs pups with their ideal homes. His name was Dustin, and after several months of hosting him for sleepovers, Dickerson knew Dustin was “the one.” Not in a position to adopt Dustin herself, Dickerson did the next best thing, she helped Dustin find a forever home. “I constantly think about him to this day,” she says. 

So, how do you know if you’ve found your soul dog? Dickerson lays out the signs, but like any deep relationship, cultivating and maintaining a soul dog connection takes some work.

What is a soul dog?

What’s the meaning of a soul or heart dog? They’re the pup who gets you, the one who responds to your moods with uncanny accuracy. Meghan Daum beautifully captures this sentiment in her essay “The Gift of a Great Dog”: “There will always be that dog that no other can replace, the dog that will make you cry even when it’s been gone for more years than it could ever have lived.” 

Can you have more than one soul dog?

Yep, the term “soul dog” or “heart dog” doesn’t have to be solely reserved for one special pet. You might even find that you have more than one soul dog or soul pet at the same time. 

What are the signs of a heart dog connection?

On special occasions when there’s an immediate spark, Dickerson says it’s as if the dog melts into their human’s arms. “It’s almost like the dog is saying, ‘Finally, you’re here.’” 

However, the connection between a person and their soul dog often takes months or even years to truly blossom, as was the case for Dickerson and Dustin. Regardless of the timeline, here are 10 unmistakable signs that your dog is your soul dog:

1. Mutual trust exists between you and your pup.

2. They choose to be by your side, even in the face of distractions, such as other pups or toys. 

3. Even if they’re not by your side, they seem to know where you are at all times (and vice versa.)

4. They’re always happy to see you.

5. You’re both relaxed and secure when the other is around. 

6. Your dog isn’t just mirroring or reacting to your actions; they sense and respond to your emotions.

7. They lean on you for support, literally and figuratively. 

8. They possess a deep understanding of you.

9. Your dog is always there for you.

10. They’re always enthusiastic to embark on new adventures.

How can you increase the bond with your dog?

Immediate connections can certainly happen. However, a deep connection with anyone, including your pup, typically develops gradually. You’ll bond through shared experiences, mutual respect, and learning to understand one another. It may take several days, weeks, or even months to build a strong bond with a newly adopted rescue dog. 

“The shelter is a high-stress environment for dogs, and sometimes their personalities don’t fully shine until they are comfortable in a home with people they feel safe with,” Dickerson explains. It’s the reason why shelter staff reference the 3-3-3 rule: three days to decompress, three weeks to learn your routine, and three months to feel “at home.”

To become more bonded with your dog, try these tips:

• Offer personal space. Provide your pup with a space all their own to relax, whether it’s a quiet room with their favorite toys, a kennel with privacy, or a cozy bed in a quiet corner.

• Spend quality time together. Engage in activities, such as scent walks, a game of fetch, or simply sitting together. 

• Carve out time for training. Positive reinforcement training not only teaches wanted behaviors but is fun for you and your pup. The more well-mannered your dog, the more enjoyable your time together will be. 

• Use a positive approach. Avoid punishment and negative body language because they can scare your dog and even harm your relationship. 

• Be consistent. Dogs thrive on the predictability of routine. Plus, clear and consistent communication about rules will help you clearly understand one another. 

• Take part in daily care. Maintain an active role in your dog’s daily care, including feeding and walking. While tasks can be shared, a stronger bond often forms with those involved in daily care routines.

How do you find a heart dog?

Building a strong bond with your pet comes from investing effort in the relationship, rather than fate. In other words, a “soul dog” is cultivated, not merely found. That said, selecting a dog based on personality and lifestyle ensures a better match between you and the pup, which increases the likelihood of a successful relationship, Dickerson explains. 

“How the dog looks doesn’t matter,” she adds. “Dogs don’t care what we look like, and we get unconditional love from them, so shouldn’t it be the same?”

Dickerson says she considers a potential adopter’s home setup and lifestyle to better match them with a dog who will be happy and safe, including:

• What are you looking for in a dog?

• Do you live in an apartment or house?

• Do you have a fenced yard?

• Do you have other pets or children in the home?

• How often would the dog be left home alone?

• Do you have a high-traffic or low-traffic home?

Answering these questions truthfully will guide you in finding a pup who has the potential to become your soul dog. If you’re a first-time dog parent or could use a refresher in dog care, training, or socialization, many shelters provide education and assistance to make the transition to home smoother and help you and your new pup bond.