When you first bring your new puppy home, it’s important to start building the human-puppy bond right away. By doing so, you help take that first step to a long-lasting relationship with your cuddly fur-baby. A friendship with your new puppy, however, does take time, especially one founded on mutual love and understanding.
Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can start bonding with your new puppy the moment they’re finally home.
1. Patience is a must
When you’re trying to start a new friendship (or any kind of relationship), patience is a must. Bonding with your puppy can vary depending on their personalities. Some puppies can bond quickly while others may need a little more time. Don’t feel discouraged if your puppy doesn’t warm up to you instantly—a new home, surroundings, and owners can be pretty overwhelming and even stressful. Stay patient and positive as you work towards building your relationship with your beautiful puppy.
2. Establish mutual trust
Before you can fully bond with your fur-baby, you must build trust. Now, this can be tricky for most puppy parents. Who wouldn’t want to constantly kiss and cuddle their little munchkin all the time? We recommend giving them a little bit of space. Let them roam and explore their surroundings when they want to. Avoid forcing them into anything they’re not comfortable with, including socializing them with others. Socialization is essential to a puppy’s development but it’s a process that can take time.
3. Make time for playtime sessions
If there’s one thing puppies love more than yummy treats, it’s a good playtime session. Puppies are known for their lively, energetic nature and are usually always up for playing with their favorite human. Any type of game that engages your puppy mentally and physically can help you bond with them quickly. If your puppy is reserved or still getting used to their new home, you will need to encourage them a little. You can try throwing a ball in their direction or initiating a chase. However, if your puppy is not interested in playing, give them their space and try again at a later time.
4. Teach good puppy behaviors
Your puppy likely doesn’t know the rules and behaviors you expect when they’re at home. Because of this, it’s essential that you set the expected rules and behaviors as soon as your four-legged friend arrives home. The best way to teach your puppy positive behaviors is through positive reinforcement. You should praise them and give treats when they perform the behavior you want as this lets them know that they’re doing something good. They may repeat the behavior again, just to get a tasty treat or a nice praise from you!
5. Be consistent all the time
When it comes to training and engaging in playtime, remember to be consistent! You can’t build a strong bond with your puppy if you aren’t constantly making an effort to spend time with them or keep changing the rules. For instance, if you let your puppy onto bed one day but then expect them to keep off when they’re older, it would end up confusing them as a result. Being consistent with training sessions and rules will help you establish a stronger human-puppy bond.
Always give your puppy some room for growth and exploration. Let them enjoy their new surroundings and get used to being around you. Eventually, you will have a lifelong furry friend with a bond built on love, trust, and understanding!