How To Bond With A New Puppy
Many pet owners mistakenly believe that once they pull the trigger and get a new puppy the hard part of pet ownership is over, when in fact it is just beginning. To bond with a new puppy means that you will have a well-adjusted pet, friend and confidant for life. A failure to realize the importance of this connection will undoubtedly result in distress for both human and animal, leaving possible emotional scars that will not easily be corrected or removed from memory. To bond with a new puppy takes time and commitment, and those that cannot accept the responsibility should wait to adopt a puppy until the appropriate time.
The first step to bond with a new puppy is to take every available opportunity for some quality one-on-one time with the pooch. These sessions can be as short in duration as ten minutes, but each one will enable progression toward the final goal. Walks taken several times daily, play time, grooming sessions and affectionate petting all make an impact on bonding with your new dog and should become part of the daily routine for both puppy and human.
Often times pet owners make the mistake of taking on the role of disciplinarian with a new puppy, frequently with disturbing results. One certain way to alienate a puppy is to be too heavy-handed when correcting unacceptable behaviors, especially behaviors that are new. A smart pet owners understands that dogs in general are much smarter than most people believe, and a gentle correction will work much better than extreme human reactions. In many circumstances it is the human that is to blame for poor puppy behavior in the first place, simply by failing to take measures that help a puppy to learn without distraction.
The very best way to bond with a new puppy is to make the animal realize from day one that it is a cherished member of the family, and as such demonstrate that the puppy's comfort and emotional well being are of importance to every family member. Respond to the puppy with kindness, affection and attention when it comes to you of it's own accord and learn the subtle nuances of your dog's body language and mannerisms. Remember, dogs can't talk but they speak volumes in the postures they take and through positioning of ears and tails. The efforts that you extend at the beginning of your relationship with your new puppy will pay dividends for many years to come in the form of a well-behaved friend that is affectionate, faithful and loyal.