Dog Training - 10 Secrets to Create a Positive Bond

It is essential that you develop a close, positive bond with your dog, and to do that you must know how a dog thinks. Your dog will view you and your own family as his new family. It's important to make sure your new dog or puppy feels like he is part of it.

If you do a good job bonding with your dog, you'll be well on your way to having a well-adjusted, well-behaved pet. Good bonding means that your pet understands that he is part of your family and will want to please you. Here are seven secrets trainers use to create a positive bond with dogs:

1. Spend time with your dog. When the dog comes into your home, someone ideally should be within his hearing distance 24/7 for at least a week. If you can, take a vacation from work when you get your new dog. Spending a lot of time with him initially will get you both off on the right foot.
2. Use baby gates rather than closed doors. If you don't want your puppy in a room with you, at least let him be able to see and hear you through a baby gate.
3. Use a crate. You'll be using a crate to housebreak your puppy, but even older dogs find the security of their own "den" comforting. You can also move a crate from room to room so the dog can be around the family.
4. Let the dog sleep next to your bed. Your dog or puppy will smell you even while you are both sleeping, which helps with the bonding process.
5. Tether your dog to you while you're doing chores around the house. Simply hook a leash to your belt loop and go about your business. Try to do this for at least an hour every day. Not only will your puppy bond with you, you'll be able to keep a close eye on him to make sure he doesn't chew your favorite shoes! This works well with an older dog coming into your home, too. The dog gets to know your routine without being the center of attention.
6. Brush your dog daily. Most dogs love to be brushed, and it's a good time to pet and talk to your dog.
7. Limit speaking to your dog. One expert suggests not speaking to your dog for a week once you get him home so he'll listen to you when you begin training. Silence works as a signal that things are changing with an older dog that need obedience training whether he's been in your home six years or six hours, and it's a great way to start. Most dog owners find it impossible to do, though!
8. Take your new dog with you anywhere you can. If the weather is cool enough to leave him in a car, take him with you on errands. Take him on walks, visits and to work if you can. Expose him to new situations and people occasionally.
9. Play with your dog for at least 15 minutes every day. Your dog relies on you for his social stimulation, especially if he's an "only dog." Social stimulation is as important as food and water!
10. Give your dog down time. As important as bonding is, you need to remember that your dog is looking to you to find out where he fits in your family. Making him the constant center of attention leads him to believe he is the leader in your household. Put your dog in his crate while you are eating meals or after your children go to sleep.

Preventing bad habits is better than having to eliminate them, so bond with your new dog so that you can begin his training immediately. Don't allow your puppy or new dog to practice any behavior that you don't want to break later.

Marilyn Burnham
Author: 'Dog Owners Boot Camp'
The How To Guide, Dog Training Secrets Professional Dog Trainers Don't Want You To Know!
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Marilyn Burnham was the owner operator of 4 successful dog grooming stores in British Columbia, Canada for more than a decade. To spend more time with her children Marilyn made the desicion to sell her business in the mid 90's. Get a copy of her book: ‘Dog Owners Boot Camp’ The How To Guide, Dog Training Secrets Professional Dog Trainers Don’t Want You To Know!

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