Patz Dogs

How a Lasting Bond With Your New Dog or Puppy Takes Shape

A connection with a new dog or puppy seldom forms overnight, although a few pairs take to each other right away. The pace of that bond depends mostly on your personality and your new pet's. The dog's age, how many homes it has already known, and the coping habits it has built around perceived threats all help set a rough timeline for earning trust.

A dog that has been abused will need far more time before it lets its guard down, but a real bond is entirely within reach and the reward is deeply worthwhile.

Set aside calm, reassuring time with your new puppy or dog. If you can, skip the big welcome party and avoid dropping them into a chaotic scene on their first day. Overwhelming a frightened dog can trigger nipping that comes from confusion and fear.

A Simple Trick to Get Bonding Started

Before you bring your dog home, hunt through your drawers for a warm, roomy sweatshirt you don't mind giving up. Sleep in it for several nights — about a week is ideal — and don't wash it. Then make that shirt your new dog or puppy's first blanket: wrap them in it or let them lie on it as soon as they arrive, and afterwards put it in their new bed or crate. It helps them learn your scent fast.

If another pet already shares your home, let the newcomer have time to explore its surroundings. Keep the two apart at first and give your new addition one-on-one attention. Cuddling and snuggling with your new puppy or dog is one of the surest ways to deepen the bond.

Let them sleep in your bedroom at night — though not necessarily on your bed, unless you intend to keep allowing it or are ready to break the habit you're letting form.

Keep the Connection Growing as Time Goes On

In the days and weeks ahead, take these steps toward a lifelong friendship:

• Ease into grooming with relaxed sessions. Use a soft brush and go slowly, since this may be their first experience; your puppy will enjoy the close contact and learn what grooming feels like.
• Start gentle, positive training now. Hold off on any punitive response while your new puppy or dog is still deciding whether you can be trusted. Take it slowly and read their body language to tell whether they are timid, shy, or fearful.
• Becoming the alpha is far easier once the bond exists, but keep in mind that unchecked bad habits mean more work later.
• If your dog shows fear-based biting, ease off and offer more reassurance instead of pressure.

Keeping That Forever Bond Strong

Dogs are wonderfully loyal companions, and keeping their unconditional love asks very little of us:

• Pet and stroke your dog whenever you get a moment, and make time even when you feel you have none to spare.
• Speak to your dog in a pleasant, consistent tone. They may not grasp every word, but they soon recognise the phrases you use often and will love being spoken to, knowing they have your attention.
• Bring them along on regular outings. Dogs adore walks, car rides, and trips almost more than they adore you.
• Play a one-on-one game of fetch or tug. Nothing says "I love you" quite like quality time together.
• Offer treats when they behave well, perform a trick, or greet you patiently at the door. Dogs look forward to treats and come to expect them, and they will love you even more when you have some on hand.

You'll know the bond has arrived when your dog becomes more than just a dog to you, and you become more than just a human to them. At that point, you have clearly become lifelong friends.

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"God, help me to be the kind of person my dog thinks I am."

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