There’s no doubt about it – puppies are adorable! And, as their human parents, we want to do everything possible to make sure they have a great life. However, one of the most important things you can do is create a strong bond with your pup right from the start. This will help ensure they love and respect you for years. In this podcast and blog post, we’ll discuss some tips for bonding with your puppy – read on to learn more!
There’s an odd confusion within the gundog world that we should not train our pups. But in following this old-fashioned concept, many of us miss out on creating a bond that could make the rest of the dog’s training incredibly easier.
Why is it important to bond with your dog?
Anyone who has owned a dog knows that the bond between humans and animals can be incredibly strong. Dogs are loyal companions who provide unconditional love and support and quickly become cherished family members. For many people, their dog is their best friend. But what makes this bond so special?
Scientists have found that there are a number of reasons why dogs are such good at forming bonds with humans. First of all, dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years, which means that they have evolved to be social creatures. They are hardwired to seek human companionship and enjoy spending time with us.
In addition, dogs share many of the same social cues as humans, which makes communication between species much easier. For example, dogs use eye contact and body language to interact with us, and they can understand many of the same words and commands that we use. This makes it easier for us to form a strong connection with them.
Finally, dogs are incredibly attuned to our emotions. They can sense when we are happy, sad, anxious, or angry and often react accordingly. This empathy creates a deeper level of understanding and communication between humans and dogs, further strengthening our bond.
But perhaps the most important reason dogs are so good at bonding with us is because they want to. They can grow to see us as their parent/leader and want nothing more than to please us. This desire to please is one of the things that make dogs such great companions. No matter what we go through in life, our dogs will always be by our side, ready to offer their love and support.
Bonding With A Puppy
Puppyhood is a crucial time for socialisation and building trust. If we do not work on these things from the beginning, it will be much harder to make up for lost time later.
One of the best ways to bond with your puppy is to spend time together. This means taking them for walks, playing with them, and spending time in their company. It’s also important to be consistent with your affection – don’t only show them, love when they’re being good, but also when they’re misbehaving. Harsh treatment has no place in gundog training. You can correct a dog without being cruel.
So, how can you cash in on your puppy’s love and create a strong bond right from the start? Here are some tips from this week’s podcast from LWDG Group Experts Claire Denyer and Jemma Martin:
- Spend time bonding with your puppy every day, even if it’s just a few minutes at a time. This will help them get to know you and feel comfortable around you.
- Make sure to have fun! Dogs are social creatures and love to play.
- Make your interactions with your puppy positive. This means plenty of praise, petting, and treats! It would help if you were the most exciting thing in your pup’s life.
- Start training early. This doesn’t mean you have to formalise everything – teach your pup basic obedience commands like sit, down, stay/settle. This will help them learn to live as a happy, calm family member and follow your commands.
- Be consistent with your rules and boundaries. Puppies (like all dogs) need structure and consistency in their lives. If you are consistent with your expectations, your pup will be more likely to behave accordingly.
- Make sure you provide plenty of opportunities for exercise and playtime with you. This will help tire your pup out and strengthen your bond.
Bonding with an older dog
If you are considering getting a dog or already have one, it is important to know how to bond with an older one. Dogs crave companionship and want to feel like they are a part of the family, and Bonding with your dog can be a fun and rewarding experience for both of you. However, older dogs may have developed habits where they find being independent more interesting than spending time with you. So, how do you convince an older dog that spending time with you can be just as fun as being on their own?
Here are a few tips:
- Get them involved in activities: Dogs love to be active, so take them for walks, runs, or even to the dog park. The more they are around you, the more they will feel bonded to you.
- Play with them: Dogs love to play, so take the time to play fetch or tug-of-war with them. This will help them burn off energy and bond with you at the same time.
- Give them attention: Make sure you are giving your dog plenty of attention, including petting, belly rubs, and ear scratches. This will help them feel loved and appreciated and more likely to bond with you.
- Be consistent: It is important to be consistent with your affection and attention. If you constantly come and go or only pay attention to your dog when you want something from them, they will have a harder time bonding with you.
If you follow these tips, you should have no problem bonding with your older dog. Remember to be patient, loving, and consistent; you will develop a strong bond. Bonding with your dog can take time and patience, but it is well worth the effort. A strong bond between you and your dog will create a lifetime of happiness for both of you.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to cashing in on your puppy’s (or your older dog’s) love and creating a solid bond that will last a lifetime.
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Thanks for reading! Do you have any tips for bonding with a gundog? Please share them in the comments below!
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