Skip to main content

7 Secrets to Building a Strong Bond with Your Dog Fast

A image showing a man and his canine companion: Strengthening the connection between a dog and their owner

Dogs usually need time to adapt to their new home but owners should start building a strong bond with them from the get-go.

While many dogs will bond with everyone in the family, they are sometimes drawn to just one person. For instance, Basenjis, Shiba Inus, and Greyhounds usually have their favorite person who they bond with. On the other hand, Beagles, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Poodles tend to love all members of the family equally. 

Whether you're a seasoned pet parent or a first-time dog owner, it's important to start establishing a strong bond with your new canine friend. 

If you follow these tips, you can establish a rewarding, lifelong bond with your dog. 

How to Strengthen Your Relationship with Your New Dog

Here’s how to bond with your puppy

1. Teach Them a Few Tricks 

Training is a fantastic way to strengthen your relationship with your dog. Whether you teach them a few basic tricks or something complex, training will help provide your dog with the much-needed mental stimulation. 

As they master those tricks, reward them with praise and treats. That way, you will establish a deep connection with your pet. 

2. Exercise Together 

One of the best bonding activities to do with your dog is exercising together. Regular exercise with your dog is good for both your well-being and your dog's wellbeing and can be fun. Exercise will also help both of you establish a close bond. 

Going for walks daily is a fantastic way to establish a fun routine that will give you and your pup an opportunity to explore new smells and sights together. 

3. Enjoy Quality Playtime together  

Games and playtime are a great way to establish a stronger bond with your pet and to burn off any of their excess energy. So provide them with a variety of interactive dog toys to work out their brain. 

With plenty of various bonding exercises and activities to enjoy with your dogs, they will always look forward to playing and spending more time with you. 

Regular playtime with your dog will not only establish a healthy routine for you and your dog, but also help build a stronger connection with your dog for years to come.  

4. Bond Through Grooming Sessions

Regular grooming will not only keep your dog’s coat in tip-top condition, but it will also help you build a strong bond with your dog. 

Your pup may be reluctant at first, but with affection and positive reinforcement, your dog will learn to enjoy the grooming sessions. 

5. Consider Hand Feeding Your Dog 

Hand feeding your dog can help you bond faster with them. If you have brought home a new puppy, hand feeding him can be a great way to gain your dog's trust and start building a strong bond. (Check out these amazing benefits of hand feeding your dog).

It is a great way to build friendship with your dog, especially for fearful or shy dogs. Since dogs need to eat carefully from your hand, they will be forced to focus on your commands. Reward good behavior with yummy treats and praise so your dog can trust you and learn that you are his caregiver. 

6. Give Your Dog Cuddles and Pets 

While your dog will appreciate a pat on the back and head from time to time, make sure to spend quality time next to your dog. If your pup is a cuddle bug, be sure to create some cuddle time. 

Pet them with affection and pay particular attention to what your dog enjoys most. They might love belly rubs or ear rubs, so find out what they like best and spend quality time together. 

7. Establish a Routine

Quickly create a routine to help you bond with your dog and to keep them healthy. This implies creating a consistent schedule of playtime, meal time, grooming time, and cuddle time.  

Be consistent when communicating with your dog, as well. Use the same cue words all the time to help with communication. 

By following these key ways to strengthen your relationship and creating a lasting bond with your dog, you should know exactly what you expect of them every single time. 


Comments

What to Read Next >>

25 Costly Mistakes New Dog Owners Make (And How to Avoid Them!)

Dogs offer unconditional love to their owners, yet expect so little if at all anything in return; perhaps a comfortable space to sleep, high-quality dog food, and dog toys.   As a first time dog owner, you want to make your dog's life as healthy, happy, and comfortable as possible. But even with the best of intentions, certain decisions you make could cause problems that might impact your dog's health and overall well-being.  In this complete guide for beginners, we’ll highlight 25 common mistakes that newbies make so you can avoid them to ensure the happiness, health and well-being of your new canine friend. From dog food and health to understanding dog behavior and training, we've got you covered! So keep reading to discover how you can be the best dog owner you can be! General New Puppy Owner Mistakes You Can Avoid Bringing a puppy into your home is an exciting experience, especially if it’s your first dog. However, it’s natural to feel a bit nervous. After all, you’r...

Meet the Bernese Mountain Dog: A Comprehensive Guide (With Pictures)

Meet the beautiful Bernese Mountain Dog: Your Loyal, Tri-Colored Companion The Bernese Mountain Dog, with its striking tri-colored coat, has a rich history that spans over 2,000 years in the picturesque landscapes of Switzerland. These gentle giants were originally bred to assist farmers by pulling carts and safeguarding their homesteads from predators. But there’s more to these magnificent dogs than just their size and strength .  Before welcoming a new furry friend into your home , take the time to understand the breed’s quirks. Are you ready for their boundless love and occasional stubbornness? Consider your lifestyle and whether you can provide the care and attention these gentle giants deserve. In our comprehensive guide for first-time dog owners (and experienced pet owners alike), you’ll discover everything you need to know about owning a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy. From grooming tips to training essentials, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s embark on this delightful journey w...

Bringing Home a New Puppy? 8 Expert Tips for a Smooth Transition

Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting experience, but it can also be overwhelming for both the new pet parent and the puppy.  To ensure a smooth and stress-free transition and a successful start to your puppy's life in their new home, implementing these tips on the first day is crucial.  From managing their access and potty training to introducing them to the family and other pets , these guidelines will help set the stage for a happy and healthy life together. 1. Restrict your puppy's space Upon arrival, start house training your puppy as soon as possible. It's important to restrict your puppy's access to certain areas of your home. This serves two purposes: it helps them adjust to their new environment gradually and prevents accidents or damage to your belongings.  Set up a safe space for your puppy with a crate or playpen, equipped with their bed , toys , and food and water bowls. 2. Pick a potty spot and keep it clean Establishing a dedicated potty spot outside ...

My Dog Chews Everything on Sight! How To Stop A Puppy From Chewing?

Like babies, young puppies tend to explore the world by chewing on things. Chewing eases the teething process and helps alleviate discomfort in their gums. While it might be normal for a puppy to chew on items such as walls, furniture, shoes, or even plants, this behavior can be problematic for owners.  Unfortunately, puppies won't simply outgrow these habits. Dog owners must take steps to shape their behavior and teach them what is acceptable and what isn't. Reasons Why puppies and Chew Things Excessively There can be several reasons for chewing behavior in puppies: 1. Puppy teething Puppies go through a teething phase usually between 3 to 6 months of age. Chewing helps relieve the discomfort and itchiness caused by their erupting teeth. 2. Exploration Puppies use their mouths to explore their environment. If your puppy chews on everything in the house or everything in sight, he may be trying to understand his surroundings. Chewing allows puppies to investigate and understand ...

A Comprehensive Guide for the First-Time Dog Owner

For many people, nothing feels better than having a dog around. As a new dog owner, you want to give your new dog the best that life has to offer.  If you’re considering getting your first dog, this guide is for you. It will help you select the best dog breed for your lifestyle, prepare your household for your new pet, and ensure they adapt well to their new home.  Why You Should Be Ready Before Bringing a New Dog Home  Dog ownership is a long-term commitment that requires proper preparation. Therefore, it’s important to prepare well before taking the plunge.  When you finally decide to get a dog, you need to learn as much as you can about the breed you’re considering and what you need to do to help your new pet adjust to their new environment.  Understanding what dog ownership entails will prepare you physically and mentally for what's to come, so you and your pet can quickly transition to your new lifestyle together.  Factors to Consider Before Buying or ...

How To Choose The Right Dog Food (Read This First)

  Choosing the best dog food should come naturally for all first time dog owners. It’s esential for all pet owners. Yet I always witness people queing at the pet store to purchase the cheapest dog food available.  And, there are numerous cheap and susbstandard dog food brands in the market. They are really a bad investment in your pets health.  Proper nutrition is an essential requirement for dogs, and choosing the right dog food can help keep your pupper happy and healthy. High-quality dog food will give them energy, keep their coat smooth and healthy, and keep them jolly.  The dietary requirements of dogs will vary from dog to dog. Age, size, health, weight, and other factors should all be taken into consideration when selecting the right dog food, whether it’s dry or wet dog food.   Tips for Selecting the Right Dog Food  Here are a few tips to help you select the best dog food for your canine friend:  Consider Your Dog’s Breed and Size The bree...

How to Adopt or Buy a Dog: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Whether you decide to adopt a dog or buy a puppy, the process can be challenging, especially for first-time dog owners. You will have to choose a dog that will suit your home and lifestyle. You also want to work with a reputable and experienced breeder or shelter organization that offers healthy and high-quality puppies for sale or older dogs for adoption. Otherwise, you may end up with a sick, untrainable, or even an aggressive dog.  Fortunately, we've done the homework for you and compiled the following ultimate guide to buying or adopting a   dog , so you can select the right pet for you without much struggle.  Should I Buy or Adopt a Dog as a First Time Dog Owner? When it comes to choosing a furry companion as a first time dog owner, you’re faced with an important decision: should you adopt or buy a dog ? Let’s weigh the pros and cons of both options. Adopting a Dog  Pros: Life-Saving Decision : By adopting from a shelter or rescue, you’re giving a dog a second c...

The Akita: The Ultimate Guide for the New Dog Owner (With Pictures)

If you want a loyal and intelligent companion, then the Akita might be the perfect dog for you! The Akita has long been a cherished family companion in Japan. These dogs are known for their loyalty and loving nature. Start training your Akita puppy at an early age, or immediately you bring your puppy home and use plenty of positive reinforcement techniques, and you'll end up with a loyal, loving, and protective family companion. In this in-depth guide for first time dog owners (and seasoned pet parents alike), you'll find everything you need to know about owning an Akita so you know if this is the right breed for you! The Akita Dog: Breed Overview Group : Purebred Dog AKC Recognition : Yes, Working Dog Other Name: Silent Hunters Bred for: hunting bears Size : Large  Average Height for Males: 25 inches to 28 inches Average Height for Females: 23 to 26 inches Average Weight for Males: 70 to 130 pounds Average Weight for Females: 65 to 100 pounds Average Lifespan : 10 to 12 years...

10 Home Puppy-Proofing Tips You Can’t Afford to Ignore

Preparing your home and garden for the arrival of your new puppy is an important step to ensuring their safety.  With their natural curiosity and love for exploring, it's crucial to be aware of the potential dangers that exist in our homes.  Here are seven steps to consider when puppy-proofing your home. 1. Secure Your Garbage and Recycling Puppies are drawn to interesting smells and may eat dangerous items, such as decaying food or toxic substances. Make sure your bins have secure lids and keep them out of your puppy's reach. Items like cooked bones, corn cobs, moldy foods, onions, garlic, chocolate, raisins, and grapes can be particularly harmful to dogs. 2. Keep household chemicals in a safe Place   Keep them locked away or on high shelves to prevent your puppy from accessing them. Rat and snail baits are especially dangerous and can lead to poisoning, so consider using more humane alternatives. 3. Cover electrical cords, cables, and wires Protect cords and wires,...