6 Fun Ways to Bond with Your New Dog

Hello and welcome back to the Lead & Collar Blog, where our goal is to provide high value education and resources for beginner dog owners. Today's blog post is all about building a bond with your new dog.

I don’t know about you, but every dog I’ve met over the years generally has one person who they are attached to more than anyone else. Even within a couple, there is likely to be one person who the dog will respond to more. 

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing - but we want you to have all the tools and understanding you need to maximize your dog’s opportunity to bond with you. Especially if you’re sharing the responsibilities with someone else (e.g., like walking), you’ll want to make sure your dog trusts and respects you, so you can confidently control them when you’re out in the community. 

So, let’s jump into 6 key ways to bond with your new dog. 

Patience:
This one is pretty obvious, but it’s worth mentioning, because patience is the key to forming a deep bond with your new pup. When you first bring your puppy home, they are going to need some time to adjust to their new environment, and it may take time for them to feel comfortable. This might look like increased whining, barking, or chewing, as they’re trying to figure out where they are (and why their mum and siblings are no longer around, if they’re a puppy). 

Stay tuned for our next blog post where we’ll break down some of the most common puppy challenges - and what you can do to address them. 

Avoid overwhelming your puppy with too many new experiences at once. Don’t worry if you make mistakes, because that’s to be expected. It’s a journey, and the more you interact with your puppy, the more you will start to sense how much exposure they can handle. Allow them to explore at their own pace, and provide positive reinforcement along the way like praise and affection.

Consistent Routine:

Dogs thrive on routine, so establishing a consistent schedule from the very beginning helps them feel secure and build trust with you. An easy way to do this is to set specific times for meals, walks, playtime, and training sessions. 

This will actually make it easier for you to manage all the daily responsibilities associated with your dog. Plus, by adhering to a routine, you create a predictable and stable environment that your dog can rely on, which will ultimately strengthen your bond.

Training:

Training is not just about teaching commands; it's an opportunity to work on you and your pup’s bond. Being confident and precise with what you want out of the training session as well as setting realistic standards can really help make these sessions a great experience.  We recommend using positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and play to reward good behavior. 

Some negative reinforcement can also be used. However, if you’re going to incorporate this, you need to be mindful, patient and consistent with your pup. Focus on gentle guidance rather than harsh discipline and try not to fuss at them on the small details of the skills you are teaching. Sometimes we need to be happy with small wins rather than fussing at them when they don’t get it perfect - because they’re still learning. This approach will foster trust and cooperation, and make it easier to progress to more advanced skills later on.

Quality Time:

Sometimes I think we underestimate the importance of intentional quality time for dogs. They are incredibly social creatures and they thrive when they get to be around you as much as possible. Like we mentioned before, this quality time can be incorporated into your daily routine, and can be any activity they enjoy, such as interactive play, throwing the ball or walks. It doesn’t need to be anything elaborate, but this one-on-one time allows you to connect on a deeper level and understand their individual needs and preferences.

Affection:
This one really speaks for itself. Physical touch is such a powerful tool for bonding with your dog. You can gently stroke their fur, give belly rubs, or cuddle together. Physical affection releases oxytocin, often called the "bonding hormone," promoting feelings of love and trust for you both. 

Plus, there's nothing better than cuddling up with your pup after a long day!

Explore New Adventures:

Create opportunities for shared experiences and adventures. Take your pup on new and exciting outings, such as visits to dog-friendly parks, pet-friendly stores, or even dog sports activities. These experiences will not only provide mental, physical and social stimulation but also strengthen your bond as you navigate the world together.

Conclusion:

Bonding with your new dog is a journey that requires patience, understanding, and consistent effort. However, these strategies will lay the foundation for a strong and enduring relationship based on trust and mutual respect. 

Remember, every interaction is an opportunity to strengthen your bond, so enjoy this journey with your pup and enjoy the small moments. There’s arguably nothing better than watching a dog get so excited about chasing after a ball, and it’s a good reminder that life really doesn't need to be that complicated to be awesome. 

As always, if you have any questions about the ins and outs of owning a dog, feel free to reach out to us via our contact page. We can’t wait to hear from you!