Bonding with dogs - Page 1

Can it be directed? And how? Short of separation and sole contact, I mean. That may work for some, but not here. Any good tips? I want the strongest bond to not be me. 

Are there degrees of bonding, even? I wonder?

A puppy will bond closely to another dog if they are left together for long periods of time.  I generally restrict the interaction of puppies with older dogs.  The person that feeds, trains, plays and works with the dog will usually have the strongest bond.  If you want the dog to bond with some one in particular, have them do the feeding, walking, training, etc.  Have the dog sleep in the same room with that person.  Personalities also play a part.  

Bee....tie him to your son...literally...LOL..
Most of my dogs bonded great w/ me in the kitchen.....LOL

No, I think he's bonding too close to me, and I can't have both dogs following me around. My younger son is too mild, and I do all the feeding with the raw... thinking in the AM if I buy the pre made mixes, he could feed him while he eats his cereal.

I do make just me bonding time with the pup, NO Mojo. The thing it works for me.... only! I try to explain to Riley and I get all the attention... again... 

Yesterday, the pup kept wanting to return to the house, and ME, instead of playing outside with Riley....   !

Slamdunc... if he were reliably trained I would let him sleep in the kid's room... I'm just wondering if the early time sets stuff in stone... or what?

minor suggestion....make your son a treat dispenser....that will keep pup interested in him, and have your son call him and give him a treat when pup leaves him...that should encourage following and sticking by his side.

I'm going to the pet store later, I'll buy some high value treats and turn him into a PEZ dispenser if I have to!

The dogs are clearly creating their own bonds with each other. Who knows what will happen when Beau hits 18 months or thereabouts. I guess I shouldn't go there, until I get there!

bee, treats high in flavoring may make his stool soft/runny (just wanna give you heads up) try cubes/rings of string cheese - it  will keep his hands clean...

Hey bee, I myself don't think this early time "sets nothing in stone". Your pup is still just a baby.it's like my pups are almost 8 weeks, of course they are dragging all over the house, attached to my pant legs. As soon as their mother comes in,they forget they know me until she out runs them over the gate and into the other room, then,they love me again.
Being you probably spend. Lot more time with him during the day. Since you are feeding raw, I would find a treat the pup absolutely loves. Chicken nuggets, hot dogs or I buy the crappy Mama Mia Meatballs when they are buy one get one free,(they are actually pretty gross but the dogs love them).
When your son comes down for breakfast, have him pass some off to HIS pup as they sit, when he comes home from school, have this special treat for your son to share with HIS pup, out to play with your son, treats, hanging out playing video games in the room,treats.
The pup is going to start looking to your son for his special treat. As he gets older, he will just about know the time and be waiting at the door for your son.
With winter coming and your pup is going to really be coming of the age where fun in the snow is going to be the best fun a pup could want, and your son is just the person to give it to him,(unless of course bee, you get out there with the sled and have him chase you around). And, as the pup gets more reliable with his training, than he can spend the night the nights with your son.
IT WILL COME bee,just give it time.

I was thinking of something freeze dried? Any way.... I'm trying to help the kid, too. I said he's got to make the puppy feel like he's well protected and safe with him at all times! ... As he'll call Beau, and head away... not realizing the pup has sat down and is just watching him... go away farther...!  And he needs to praise for every little thing. He just doesn't think of it right away, lol.  So if he has treats, he might think to reward, and for now reward anything even a step towards him.

I can have him sit, down and come, to me, no problem! I showed him how to lead him to down, with a treat.  Pretty much is already sitting before you say the word.  And I think he knows "Walk" means, well, we are going for a two dog and me backyard stroll. I always end it by going around the side where Mojo won't go because of the e-fence. This helps Beau know who to really follow!  And then guess who is always sitting waiting for us to show up on the other side?

And my newest problem becomes, if I step in and try to "fix" things at the moment with Riley... the pup is just all over me, again!  (And I do have a wee problem with stepping in to "fix" things with Riley .... ask Steph, lol! ... but I am aware of it, and am trying to stop. Really.)

I hope, I just need to figure out a better plan to give Riley, too. You should have seen the ghastly look on my eldest son's face, when he realized what was happening! With his look of horror, he just demanded, "Mom, GO AWAY."

You are actually trying to teach your son how to interact with his pup as well as vice a versa. Believe me bee, it will work itself out. Maybe a little beef. Jerkey or turkey jerkey will work.
When I take my boy Duke out to work, or even just to go swimming, when I get back into the truck from the gas station, Duke ransacks all my pockets looking for his jerky. He knows that the agitation collar,the truck and the one on one = jerkey.
It does not take long for dogs to figure things out.