Bonding with dogs - Page 2

I have to agree a weak dog will tend to bond much more quickly than a strong dog.  Why?  a strong dog is not looking for the leadership that a weak one is.  That said cookie therepy tends to work with even the strongest willed character. :) 

Are you stating that a dog can bond and gain a rapport with a new Handler in a short amount of time, then repeat it again with another Handler due to Standard Deployment time?

This is standard for dogs deployed to the middle east with navy personnel. Yes they must gain rapport with a new handler for each deployment. There isn't any initial training with the dog on state side. they do not meet each other until they both are in theater. Depending on the dog and the deployment time of the personnel, the dog may have up to two handlers in a 12 -18 month period. I do not know the protocol for the other branches, but we all get our dogs through the same source.

If you are, then I would respectively suggest that you have a limited understanding of the "Bond" which should exist between the Handler & his/her K9 Partner.

The deployment protocol of the military dogs or Navy MA Dogs I reference is not my opinion, but standard NAV instructions, excluding special opps dogs.

Kim, I was not arguing with you,  but stating factual information. Now rather you believe these dogs to be weak, that is just your opinion

Yes they must gain rapport with a new handler for each deployment. There isn't any initial training with the dog on state side. they do not meet each other until they both are in theater. Depending on the dog and the deployment time of the personnel, the dog may have up to two handlers in a 12 -18 month period. I do not know the protocol for the other branches, but we all get our dogs through the same source.
 

I think the keyword in there is "rapport".  Rapport and bonding to me are 2 seperate things.  There are some dogs that are just work whores.  They will work for any and everyone that holds the leash or if you have a treat/tug.  It doesn't mean they bond it just means the dog likes to work and will do so for anyone.  To me that kind of dog yes you will have a rapport with but not necessarily a bond.

Ace, good point. I have seen that on several occassions. i would believe these dogs would probably be closer to that type you described instead of being deemed weak. Many police dog/handler teams are considered operational after the dog has only knew and trained with their Officer handler for sometimes as little as 6 weeks.  I do agree that rapport and even acclimation occur before a bond. The more that is expected from a dog the greater the bond needs to be.

I am interested to know what you all believe to be a bond. I agree that a bond is a two way streek but lets focus on the characteristics of the dog to the handler.

Hard for me verbally express this but heres my attempt to tell some characteristics.

Shows natural uncommanded protection of the handler. Longs for the attention and acceptance of the handler. Attentive and responsive to a handlers emotions: excitement, anxiety, fear, calmness. Attentive and Responsive to the handlers physical well being. may show possessiveness of the handler towards other dogs and even people. Aware of the handlers whereabouts.

This is not an all inclusive statement about what a bond is

James- I was not arguing with you either, just trying to make a point.


Ace said-

I think the keyword in there is "rapport".  Rapport and bonding to me are 2 separate things.  There are some dogs that are just work whores.  They will work for any and everyone that holds the leash or if you have a treat/tug.  It doesn't mean they bond it just means the dog likes to work and will do so for anyone.  To me that kind of dog yes you will have a rapport with but not necessarily a bond.


Excellent post Ace!


Kim

What is you all definintion of a bond?

This is a good question, and I'm sure there are many good examples of a "Bond" on Google.

For me personally, I know when I have bonded with my dog when at some point the relationship changes, it is hard to articulate.

It is something you feel more than know, a confidence that seems to flow back and forth between me and my dog.

It is like knowing what my dog is going to do without even watching him and vice versa.

As I said, hard to articulate and a good question to ask.


Kim

I don't want to say asking to define "bond" is a like a trick question but it's along the same lines as morale. You can't see it, hold it, smell it, taste it but it's a powerful experience changing thing. Now, bonding you can see but hopefully you see my point. 

Alboe - "You can't see it, hold it, smell it, taste it but it's a powerful experience changing thing".




Thank you for explaining what I couldn't, a superlative definition of a “Bond” which can not be found on Google!


Kim