Bonding Tips For New Dog Owners
If you are bringing home or have already brought home a new dog or puppy, one of your first thoughts should be about bonding to them. While most dogs are happy to be loved on, true bonding takes some work. If you are a new dog owner, here are some tips.
Spend Quality Time With Your Dog
Your dog will be craving your attention from the start, so you should spend as much time with them as possible. This will create a bond and instill loyalty in your pet. Remember, dogs are pack animals and need companionship. If you are busy, try to set aside a certain amount of time each day to spend with your canine and make sure you keep this time appointment without fail.
Take Frequent Walks
No activity is more revered in the mind of a dog than a walk. They need this activity for the sake of their health, but it can also be a great bonding experience. The amount of walk time needed will vary a bit by the breed. Walks for dogs like Pugs, French Bulldogs and other Brachycephalic dogs should be kept short and sweet while other breeds like German Shepherds may need much longer walks. In any case, take them one to two times a day and keep it a regular activity.
Take A Training Class
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. As you give them commands, they realize who is in charge and they 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 about whether a dog should be in the bed, but they should ideally sleep in the same room if you want to develop a strong bond. This could mean the bed, a comfy blanket on the floor or perhaps a crate. In any case, your pup will feel much more comfortable being in the same room with you at night.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Praise and treats go a lot further when training your pet than scolding. They also help you bond by forming trust instead of fear. Just be sure to not get carried away and cause excessive weight gain. Use healthy treats that are size appropriate for your happy canine.
Join A Pet Club
The more activities that you can get involved in with your pet the better. Social clubs for particular breeds are especially effective. It allows your dog to get some playtime with similar sized animals that also have similar temperaments. It also may help you make friends whil you bond with your pooch. Just make sure that your dog is fully vaccinated before getting started.