Bonding - Page 1

How do you bond with a new dog (not puppies)?

I need some help Thanks EK

Well, how I bonded with a few of my older dogs that I bought from other breeders, I started by getting down on their level. I did NOT look them in the eyes, I put my hand out, palm up, to pet under the chin or on the chest, as this is a non-dominating position. I asked the previous owner what some of the dog's favorite activities were, such as playing with the hose, retrieving, going for runs, riding in the car, whatever, and I focused on doing those activities until the dog started to get more comfortable with me. I also made points of the game, like retrieving was for getting the dog to come to me, I made small, simple lessons out of the games. If the dog started to think IT was the boss, I would GENTLY put it in its place, and then reward it with baby-talk.

I'm no Dog Whisperer but this has been a fail proof plan for me for years. Good luck, give me an email if you wanna talk, you know the address

I think the best way is to do some kind of training. Make it fun for both of you!

I am a huge believer in "Nothing In Life Is Free"  I want that dog to know that every good thing in his life comes from me, and that he has to please me to get it!

When I got my dog it was not only the 1st GSD I ever had but the 1st adult dog I ever had, so I was a little apphrehensive at first so we took things slow.  He was so well behaved from the start that I immediately allowed him to sleep in my room on the floor instead of in his crate.  The next couple days I just allowed him to get used to his new surroundings, the yard, the house, my typical routine.  Then we ventured for a walk, still cautious though since not only did he and I not quite know one another yet but I also did not know what to expect out of him either. lol  We did some obedience in the house, out in the yard, then as he and I became more comfortable with the just hanging out together, we'd play ball, the kids played with him, we took car rides together and the bonding just came pretty natural for us both.  I was the one who cared for him mostly all the time in the beginning, I bathed him and then after about a month of having him we started training a little more serious.  Now its been almost a year since I've had him and you'd swear we've been partners since the start.  It's almost like he and I clicked right away and I knew this was gonna be a match made in heaven. 

Now when he and I are working together there is a different level of respect we have for one another.  I think he senses sometimes when I'm really trying hard to get it perfect and he in turn trys his best to get it perfect the first time to please me.  When he does and I get excited he senses that and has a sense of pride when he looks up at me; kinda like he's giving me an "atta girl". lol  That's when I feel the bonding taking place.  It's no different than when you make a new friend, or are dating a potential partner; the bonding comes in the time you spend together doing the things you both enjoy, building that trust and respect.  That's the best way I can describe it.  Be patient it'll come.

EK,

 I have learned that by suggesting to adoptors from the shelter that they take the dog home,  Keep the dog on lead when they go outside for potty time, and then bring the dog in spend a few moments with the dog then CRATE it,  and do this for about a week to 10 days,  so that YOU become they're "freedom" if you will....   YOU are the one who lets the dog out,  You are the one who takes the dog outside,  You are the one who feeds the dog,  You are the one who brushes the dog,  You are the one who takes him/her for walks,  YOU are the one who throws the ball or plays tug,  it needs to be all about YOU being that dogs whole World for at least a solid week,  NO free time in the house unless the dog is strapped to you.   and absolutely NO playtime with other pets not for at least a week,  Not until that bonding process is WELL started.

By making these suggestion to people who adopt from the shelter,  We have had a very LOW return rate !!   one in 130 is my average guess at returns...  People are so happy with the results of the bonding that does happen they send us photos and notes,  they call us to tell us how wonderful the dog is...  It really does work.  

Best of Luck and I hope all goes well for you too !!    Mitch

It is really the same as raising a puppy only puppies are developing their personalities..most adult dogs come with some  preconceived notion about who they are (or who they think).. Nothing in life is free is a good program to adopt with dogs of any age, you are the fair benevolent dictator.. everything is yours from possessions to food to games.. It's all about setting boundaries and having control

I do a bit of board training for people and they are always amazed at how their dogs are attentive and focused on me .....same program..

Have fun!!

Thanks everyone .

The problem is the guy that has this dog has had her for 3-4 months now. But again She still see the breeders as the whole picture and get overly excited. He is wanting that with her but does not know how to get it.

I passed this on to him to show him the differents ways.

i have had many  new dogs  over the last 35-40 years..  if the dog is an adult.. the first 24 hours he or she is basically ignored ..kenneled ..given water ..and fasted the first  day [all my adult dogs are fasted 1 day a week ..myself included]..the second day the dog is fed with the bowl being held in my hands[this is done for 4-5 days]  then i like to go for long walks in the fields..woods...with the dog on a  20 foot line..allowing the dog to explore on its on[i never allow the dog off leash for the first couple of weeks unless in a fenced in area...a 6 foot fence.]every so often i change directions to see if the dog will follow me when i do...because thats what i want...i sit and see if the dog comes to me ..if so i pet and talk to  her and stroke her over the eyes  and neck...walk some more ...sit ..repeat... return to kennel....repeat again  later on in the day...if not a kennel then a crate...i am not concerned with training for at least two weeks..we are bonding...i have no right to ask a stranger to do tasks for me until she loves me ..thats what a bond is the dog now loves you ...you are its world..i have known people who get imports.. titled schh3 or whatever.. they literally take the dog out of the crate and start training..some dogs do it..  ...gotta go ...just  take your time ..also hookk the dog on to your waist  with a short leash and allow it to go wherever you go  ..no rush... show the dog that you are going to love .feed and care for it ....allow it to come to you...