If you are bringing home or are already bringing home a new dog or puppy, one of your first thoughts should be about bonding with him or her. Although most dogs enjoy being loved, building a real bond takes some work. If you are a new dog owner, here are some tips.
Spend quality time with your dog
Your dog will crave your attention from the start, so you should spend as much time with him as possible. This creates a bond and creates loyalty in your pet. Remember that dogs are pack animals and need company. If you are busy, try to set aside a certain amount of time each day to spend with your dog and make sure you stick to this time commitment without fail.
Take regular walks
No activity is more revered in a dog’s mind than a walk. They need this activity for their health, but it can also be a great bonding experience. The amount of walking time required varies slightly by breed. Walks for dogs such as pugs, French bulldogs and other brachycephalic dogs should be kept short and sweet, while other breeds such as German Shepherds may require much longer walks. In any case, take them once or twice a day and make sure you make it a regular activity.
Take a training course
Most dogs thrive with training. Not only will it teach them how to behave in this world of theirs, but the discipline will also be a bonding experience. When you give them assignments, they realize who is in charge and understand the order of their world. Dogs as pack animals need to know the chain of command.
Sleep in the same room
Everyone has different opinions on whether a dog should sleep in the bed, but if you want to develop a strong bond, they should ideally sleep in the same room. This could be the bed, a comfortable blanket on the floor or perhaps a crate. In any case, your pup will feel much more comfortable if he is in the same room with you at night.
Use positive reinforcement
Praise and treats go much further than scolding when training your pet. They also help you bond by forming trust instead of fear. Be careful not to get carried away and cause excessive weight gain. Use healthy treats that are suitable for your happy dog.
Join an animal club
The more activities you can do with your pet, the better. Social clubs for certain breeds are particularly effective. This allows your dog to get some playtime with similarly sized animals that also have similar temperaments. It can also help you make friends while bonding with your dog. Make sure your dog is fully vaccinated before you start.
