Everyone’s goal should be to develop as strong of a bond with your puppy as you can. This makes for a more focused and attentive dog that enjoys listening to you rather than just being forced to listen. There is a distinct difference, and it does take work to develop a strong, healthy bond.
The process begins the very first day you bring home your newborn puppy. He’s going to look to you for guidance, and if you don’t provide it in a consistent and patient manner, you’ll create a puppy that doesn’t look to you (or listen to you) at all. There are a few key things you want to do in order to help foster the partnership.
5 Steps To Build A Bond With Your Puppy
1 – Be a sense of security for your puppy without excessively babying him.
He does need to learn to stand on his own four paws, but that doesn’t mean you have to shun him either. You can pet him, comfort him, or encourage him in situations where he shows stress or fear. That doesn’t mean picking him up, coddling him, or not teaching him how to handle the situation. You want your puppy to trust your lead, and if he feels secure with you, he will look to you to guide him.
2 – Determine what the rules of your home will be.
Make them realistic, and then show the puppy what they are. Many people accidentally forget that the puppy doesn’t come hardwired knowing what they should or shouldn’t chew on, where they should or shouldn’t potty, etc. We are in charge of patiently explaining it to them. That means remembering to not just use the NO word but to also show him what is expected. For example, if you don’t want him chewing on one thing, redirect his focus to what he should chew on.
3 – Be consistent in every aspect of training your puppy.
It’s not a good idea to flip flop around between methods. Pick one, work with it, and be consistent about it. This is the only way that your puppy will learn about expectations of him. It’s also far less confusing and frustrating for him.
4 – Be FUN!
Puppies can be trying at times, no doubt, but remember to have a good time and laugh from time to time. The fun parts are the parts that really bring a dog and person together. Times of play are also great training opportunities. You can teach or reinforce commands, work on impulse control, and rein in the focus of your dog.
5 – Show him leadership with respect.
Don’t use physical punishment or yelling to get your point across. Teach him skills to use. Teach him to also give you respect. It’s an excellent idea to teach your dog an automatic sit early on. Once he knows the actual command, begin asking him to do it in exchange for things he wants or needs. These could be things like his toys, his dinner, affection, going in or out of a door, etc. This way he learns to sit and basically ask, “Pleaseeeee….” before he receives things.
Bringing a new family addition into the home is extremely exciting! Becoming a new puppy parent comes with a ton of new joys, challenges and responsibilities. PupBox was created to help new puppy parents like yourself, by providing all of the toys, treats, accessories and training information you need, when you need it. CLICK HERE to learn more about PupBox.
And remember, puppyhood is fast and is gone before you know it. Make sure to savor the time when your pup is young, and take lots of pictures along the way!
