By Dr. Rebecca MacMillan BVetMed BSAVA PGCertSAM MRCVS
Dogs…. man’s best friend. But sometimes that relationship needs a little extra encouragement, particularly in the early stages. Thankfully there are many things that you can do to strengthen the bond between you and your new pet.
We’ve put together our top 10 tips to help you and your dog get to know one another. Over time this will result in a rewarding connection between you and your new family member. Read on to discover more…
10 ways to build a strong bond with your new dog
Let them settle in
First off, don’t expect too much too soon from a new dog. There is a natural period of adjustment that needs to take place. Adopted dogs can feel unsettled in a new environment, so be patient. Allow them to explore their surroundings and come to you in their own time. Make sure to gently praise and reward them when they do choose to interact with you. During this time minimize external visitors and try to speak in low, soothing tones.
Structure the day
A consistent routine is so important for dogs. It allows them to know what to expect from the day and helps make them feel more secure. They will far more likely to bonded with you if they know roughly when to expect their meals, walks and play time.
Increase playtime
A good way of bonding with your dog is through play. Play allows dogs to demonstrate natural behaviors, as well as providing great physical and mental stimulation. Play can be a stress reliever for both you and your dog and it is a fun way to be in each other’s company. Increasing the amount of play time increases the number of positive interactions that you and your dog share, leading to a strengthened relationship.
Enjoy your walks together
Dogs need walks, so make sure that yours is getting enough to meet their energy needs. A tired, content dog is far happier and more settled than an under exercised one. Regular walking is also a great way of improving your own mental wellbeing and physical fitness. Try and mix things ups with a few different walks every now and then too. New adventures together are a great bonding experience.
A positive approach to training
You must only use positive reinforcement training if you want to strengthen the bond between you and your dog. This means rewarding and encouraging desirable behaviours. Engaging in regular short training sessions is a great way of spending time together and will give your dog a mental work out.
Punishing your dog when they do something wrong could be damaging to your relationship, making them feel anxious or uncertain. Owners that are liable to mood-swings, as well as negative discipline methods, can be harder for a dog to bond with.
Show your affection
Show your dog that you love them! If your dog is happy being handled, then head strokes, ear rubs, and belly pats are all ways of letting them know that you care. Spending time in each other’s company is important, even if you are just sitting next to each other watching TV. This might also mean letting them lean against you or sit on your lap if they want. This type of gentle affection encourages your connection to blossom.
Learn their body language
A key part of dog ownership is recognising your pet’s body language. Learning the difference between when your dog is happy, scared or aggressive can allow you to react accordingly.
A happy dog will greet you with a relaxed open mouth, soft facial expressions, and a low wagging tail. Their body will be loose, and they might even give you a play bow, with their front half lowered and bottom in the air. An anxious dog however will have tense facial features, wide-open eyes, and a defensive posture. They may yawn or lick their lips excessively. If these early warning signs are ignored, then they could escalate their behavior to get you to back off. This is called the Ladder of Communication and could result in raised lips, growling, or even snapping. An aggressive dog may have a high and stiff wagging tail, a hard stare, and raised hackles.
If you continually ignore your dog’s body language or regularly push them to the point where things escalate, then this could be damaging to your relationship. If you’re unsure about your dog’s behavior, then speak to a vet or professional pet behaviorist for advice.
Talk to them
Talking to your dog as you go about your daily business is a good way of bonding. Dogs are likely to feel soothed by reassuring, low-pitched tones. So, chat away with your dog as you make dinner or sit in the garden together.
Gentle grooming time
Another way of spending time together is grooming. While regular grooming is essential to prevent matted fur and overlong nails, it can also be a good bonding exercise. Some dogs enjoy the sensation of gentle brushed. However, if your dog is less than keen about being groomed then you will need to work on some positive association training first. It can take time and patience to get your dog happy about being handled in this way, so keep sessions short, with plenty of rewards. If your dog seems uncomfortable, then stop. Take a step back and try again another time.
Maybe your dog hasn’t warmed to you as much as some of the other family members? You could encourage change by being the one to offer them their food at mealtimes. If your dog recognizes you as the primary giver of food, then this could fairly quickly change their opinion of you! Small treats are also a great way to reward positive behavior and interactions, particularly in the early days. Just be careful not to overdo it, and make sure to avoid giving human food items, as this could lead to weight gain over time.
Summary
There are lots of positive things you can do to help strengthen the bond between you and your new pet. Learning how to engage with your dog is important, as well as a patience and a consistent approach. If you are still struggling, despite our tips, then it is always worth speaking to a vet or a qualified pet behaviourist. Your dog might be struggling to bond if they are experiencing pain from an underlying medical complaint or if they are suffering from a behavioural issue. If you have adopted your new dog, then your rescue shelter should be available to offer you support as well.
