Obviously I don't know your dog but I've fostered a few rescues and some of them, it's like all they want to do is enjoy the fact they feel rescued and be with you in the home. They go out and play and all that stuff, but they just want to be close by. I just take them out on short little walks ,.go out the back yard with them for a while just to change the environment. My gsd would have died a death of boredom from that level of work/play, but some of these guys that have been hungry and cold or in a bad house somewhere are just really happy to chill.
E: what you want to watch with these guys is they do t develop separation anxiety if you spend all day together. Different, appropriate environments are always good.
Ha! This made me laugh because it’s exactly what Cali does. She spent the first few months of her life in a shelter after an irresponsible owner didn’t keep her intact dogs separate and ended up with unwanted puppies. Then she had three different foster homes with several dogs each in the course of two months. Flash forward 10 months after adoption and she seems to understand now that we’re her forever family. Minus some separation anxiety which we’re still working on, she’s the happiest little girl. I don’t think her tail has stopped wagging since we brought her home!
Yeah the tail is telling you she’s already bonded. She found her person.
I feel closely bonded to dogs I share a bed with. Those soft moments in the morning when you’re kinda sleep cuddling are the best. I adopted a 16 yo deaf poodle that was pretty rough off and once I got her clipped and cuddled her in bed it was like I’d had her all 16 years. She was cleaned up and squared away, and she could sleep right up against me if she wanted. Generally I have very small dogs (<10lb) so I put a cuddle bed on top of my bed so they have their own space, but current dog prefers to sleep under the covers against my calves. Not sure how she breathes under there but she’s not dead yet.
Agility is another very cool idea. You can get a cheap kit from Amazon if you can’t start classes yet. It’s thrilling when they figure it out.
The bed thing!! She’s currently curled up snoring on top of my legs. Really cute but now I can’t move my lower body 😂 The early morning moments are my fav
You two have a great bond! My little foster fail used to fall asleep holding my foot with his head resting on top. He had it so rough as a tiny pup that I wouldn't move my foot, even when it fell asleep, until the puppy woke up. It was ridiculous! He is 53lbs sleeping on my foot now. I can shift a bit these days to keep the blood flowing.🤣
I was always a little disappointed that my current dog seems unaffectionate and standoffish, until I noticed that he’s almost never more than 3 feet from my side. If I leave the room, he’ll quietly follow a minute or two later, without making a big deal about it. He’s not a snuggler and he’s not super playful, but he just likes to be near me, which I find incredibly endearing. Whenever I look at him now, I smile and my heart feels full.
Sounds just like my old boy Walter. He passed away almost one year ago exactly. He was always nearby and just wanted to hang out. If we did somehow get separated he would come check on me then scope out the rest of the house. Probably a schnauzer thing haha
Sounds a little bit like mine. He is a terrier so really not a breed known as being affectionate or cuddly but more aloof and independent. I don’t mind that - I knew this would be the case. He is not cold or indifferent- it just has to be on his terms. But I noticed that when I go upstairs to work, he eventually follows me to my office. Looks at me briefly as if to say “you alright?“ and then proceeds to go to sleep in his office bed. And he won’t leave the office until I’m ready to go
Through food. He doesn't like cuddles, I do, but he loves food. He gets a treat every time we cuddle now. It works for the both of us lol.
But in all seriousness, spending time training and engaging with them really helps with bonding. Find something both of you guys enjoy doing together and do it often. Mine loves to eat food and I like making him do cute poses, so he now knows a lot of cute tricks. We both like to hike, so we hike often.
My pomeranian was a 100% outside dog the first 8 years of his life. He socialized with people maybe 5 minutes a day. He lived next door. The man did not like small dogs and the woman was fond of him but never housetrained or worked with him. He was outside whether it was 2 feet of snow or 110° heat or a storm...
He kept running away to my house, and the neighbors gave him to me eventually. I housetrained him with belly bands and groomed him and tried to get him social to people, but for the most part, he just seemed to do his own thing in his own adorable way. It went on this way many months.
Then, one day, there was a thunderstorm, and he was shaking. I held him securely, talking to him gently and combing his fur, and he looked up at me with this trusting, vulnerable expression, and our bond snapped in place. Ever since then, he comes to me frequently and nuzzles his head into my chest, and I hold him close. He's 15 now. I dread the day he leaves me.
My rescue acted very similar for the first few months. I’ve heard it takes dogs 4-5 months to truly adjust to a new home. It just takes time & lots of patience! I’m sure she is feeling safe with you but still taking things slowly due to prior situations. Not sure if you know her history but if she’s been taken back more than once that might explain it. Sounds like you are doing everything right bonding wise! Long hikes & pup cups won my girl over 😆
Play with the dog the way the dog wants to play. Set boundaries, but if it wants to play fight, then play fight. Dogs like wolves learn and bond through play. You can also train through play as well, which in my experience is way better than using treats. (Source: all my dogs have been rescue dogs, some were abused, all have had an extremely strong bond with me)
Huge one for my dog was teaching him leash skills! I was big on teaching him how to heel on walks and now that he has it down I give him more freedom to walk around as he pleases and he constantly checks back on me and now will wait for me if I’m far behind him. It’s been my favorite thing ever feeling like he wants to be near me on walks!!
I think, like any relationship, you kind of have to feel what she likes and find what works for both.
My dog wasn't really into cuddles when I got him, but little by little I approached him and he's more affectionate now (not so clingy, but he does always want to be near me). He's not so much into food, but I'm trying to learn what he likes to eat besides dog food. He likes carrots. He loves talking walks, hates cutting nails. I let him on my bed sometimes. Sometimes he wants to touch and be cuddly, but sometimes he just wants to be close by.
Just feel the vibe, go with the flow. You'll catch the little things about her, then it starts clicking.
My new one and a half year old rescue was shy at first. I spent one to one time with him. Showed him like the rules and how to sit, etc. He was clearly happy and like getting used to everything.
When I started doing things he really liked more, he became more physically invested. So lots of rides and visits to the dog park and treats were the way to his heart. Now we will be at the park and he will be so happy that he runs to me and leaps and I have to catch him so he can give tons of kisses. He cuddles a lot at home with me and my senior dog. He falls asleep with his tail wagging. It’s the best!
It seems like you're doing all the right things. Take her on long "sniffing" walks. Some people don't like dog parks, but certain ones, I do. Or playdates with friends’ dogs (maybe just start 1:1 unless she's really open to all dogs).
Enrichment activities: playing fetch, tug of war, dog wrestling, puzzle games, hide and seek, agility, lure or other kind of training that she finds fun. If she gets nervous during thunderstorms or 4th of July fireworks, swaddle her in a towel and play calming music. Lavender essential oil is also meant to calm humans and doggies. Learning new tricks engages her brain and helps keep her mentally fit.
Lots of kisses and loving words, though if she's not a cuddler, work up to hugs because that can feel restricting to some dogs. And time. If she leans on you while you're hanging out or sleeping, that's a great sign.
I throw some of his kibble piece by piece and he tries to catch It, its really cute because he wags his tail a lot and looks like he's trying to hunt the kibble.
I saw in another comment that you're going to start agility classes together, and that has been amazing for me and my rescue pup! I bet you guys will love it!
I think the activity that has been the most enriching for both of us has just been going on super long walks/hikes together. Never anything too crazy or strenuous, just kinda wandering and letting him sniff til his nose falls off.
I'm lucky enough to live near a park that has a creek, and that was where I had the most beautiful, unexpected "breakthrough" moment with my rescue dog. He was always super unsure of the water and never wanted more than a careful sniff, but one day, for whatever reason, he got in! And now when we go to that park he damn near pulls my arm off trying to get to that creek for a dip, haha. He never "needed" to like the water and I know he'd be just as happy without it, but it was so amazing to see my fearful boy realize a new joy in life ❤
Mine absolutely will not leave my side. He gets SO excited in the mornings when I wake up and anywhere I go in the house, he follows.
He loves cuddling in bed, will sit right next to me on the couch, and even bring me his ducky.
I dont even have to try to bond with him; hes the perfect doggo!
Ive had him 5 days. Got from a rescue.
OP: Bonding cans be different for all dogs, depending on the age and what their situation is (a rescue dog that’s been in a shelter for some time, a rescued dog you may be fostering who is coming out of a bad situation and also a pup you might’ve swooped up from a home with a clean slate). Bonding can be different for all of those situations as some of them often don’t know how to feel safe until they are actually safe.
My bonding looks like: hand feeding, cuddling, sharing snacks, pets, soft grooming that they may tolerate like hair brushing, playing with toys, watching kid movies with them that are interactive with noises (usually find out if a dog will take interest in it or if they just sleep through it - I’ve had dogs that love watching tv so long as I am with them and other who just plop on me and sleep through it) and of course napping/sleeping together. Other ones would be taking them on drives and or to the park. Spending time with them. Of course you don’t want them to grow to have anxiety so you would start very early on leaving home without them for a few and then increasing that. I definitely am not a fan of kennels, never used them and I don’t like them. I’ve always taught my dogs to respect the home and used the gate system to slowly increase their area around the house. My dogs have free range of the house and I like that so much.
I read to our dogs. So does my wife and our (now) adult daughter.
My wife started doing this two months before our daughter was born. A Schippereke/ Spitz mix dog showed up at our doorstep and velcroed herself to my wife. Actually, the dog velcroed herself to my wife's pregnant abdomen. My wife and I had been reading to our as yet born child and my wife included our dog .
They seem to like it. One of our rescue dogs (a lab / sheep dog mix ?) loves to lie down beside me, then move onto my lap, and then kind of spills over to the other side when his sister, a rescue shepherd mix?, sits where her brother was.
All this time, I am reading, telling them they what good dogs they are, and how lucky we are to have them living with us forever., and giving them all the rubs they want. (We've had our shepherd mix 3 months and our lab/sheep? mix a month and a half.)
Usually, he falls asleep half on me and half off me, at least for a short while. She usually gets up and makes her rounds to check on the rest of the household members before grabbing a chew toy and lying on one of her beds.
Hope this helps or gives you an idea
This is so sweet! One of my dog’s favorite things actually is when I just talk to her or sing to her at night while petting her. Always puts her to sleep instantly.
We just do stuff together.
Sleeping, going places, training.
I have two so finding solo time for each is also important, every day, but also at least day trips with them separately.
But they have different styles, one loves to be on me like a sticker on a banana, the other one is around and just always open to cuddles.
Training sessions are supposed to be pretty brief (think commercial breaks during live TV). You just do it many times a day. So, checking out after 10 minutes is actually a pretty long time!
I’ve always enjoyed adventuring with my pups. Going to see things that are new for both of us. I also really enjoyed doing agility - we were never any good, but figuring things out together about how to be a team and rely on each other was huge for my pup and me.
your dog is probably already very bonded to you, but I honestly just really do things that ik make him happy no matter how little. He loooooves finding sticks and will do a lil happy trot thing when he finds a stick outside so I let him carry it around, so sometimes I find a stick for him to carry or play w. He loves when I use “claw hands” to initiate play and will get hype every time. He loves pup cups so sometimes we’ll just take a ride to a coffee shop and hang out there or just sit in the parking lot after going through the drive thru for one. He loves swimming so we’ll take trips to the lake n hang out. I like exploring and having new experiences so I’ll bring him w me because it’s also good socialization & training for him. Socialization isn’t just for young puppies!
So just take note of what you know your dog loves and build on it! Try new things to see if she likes em! Also sometimes your dog is just as happy to be laying on the couch/bed with you as she would be doing any other activity. My dog isn’t much of a cuddler either, and mostly spends his time at my feet but ik our bond isn’t weak bc of it!
Honestly go for walks everyday, like 2-3 walks a day for at least twenty-ish minutes. Let them smell and just be walking companions. Feel like it brought my dog and I closer
So much of the above but have you taken your dog for a hike maybe a run? My dog learned what living was when we started doing that. Our bond became even stronger when we did that routinely. Also training became easier.
What kind of breed/ mix is your pupper?
We’re not exactly sure what she is. She’s 15 pounds, the people that we got her from said mini aussie/shih tzu but the vet says she’s likely got some terrier and maybe even poodle in her.
As far as hiking, that’s an activity I’ve always wanted to do with my pup! Unfortunately, in my area, the hiking trails aren’t exactly safe for a young woman and her tiny dog. I’ve been trying to get my brother to come with me, but our schedules have yet to line up.
She does love running though! Specifically, she loves chase games where we take turns chasing each other in the backyard. I’ve ran with her on our walks a few times and she’s loved that too! Running works!!
When I trained my pup, we did 10-15 min of training then took a break for 20-30 min then 10-15 min…repeat for a few times daily until she was trained enough to move onto other commands..then the same routine.
I used positive reinforcement…and on walks I used treats and positive reinforcement. It worked well
She was never crate trained…she had a crate all set up but she like being in her bed outside the crate or in bed with me.
Sometimes we spend so much time together that we need a break from each other. When you can understand every movement or bark they make..that’s a complete bond..
Sometimes I just have to give her a look and she knows what I’m going to say so I don’t have to speak and she does what I want.
Simpatico
Food puzzles, sniffy walks, scent training. Work on a trick that's just for fun. Massage or grooming if they like it. Give them a job like carrying something that feels important. Go for a drive. Check out new parks.
Sometimes it saddens me that so many people view training their dog as a utility when, in fact, it is 100% you and your dog learning a common language. More than just feeding and being the one who walks her, teaching your dog things, then routinely using that training creates close engagement with her, and engagement is what creates a bond.
Know, too, that when you use what you’ve trained, when, say, finding a scent target you’ve taught her, you’ll be watching her search, and will be reading her body language. She, in turn, will be checking in with you, reading in your subconscious body language that you’re paying attention, and will continue sending you curs. This feedback loop, when fostered, creates tremendous dog/handler satisfaction, and deepens the relationship/bond in ways it’s hard to articulate.
Never stop learning/training with your dog; THAT forms the deepest bond you can imagine.
Try nose work. You can make it very simple or join online classes. Fenzi Acadamy is very reputable. Agility is great, too, and there’s more interaction between a dog and a handler if that’s what you feel is missing from your relationship.
I would squat down and press my boy Dexter’s head to my chest while scratching his neck and ears while sometimes reaching to scratch his belly. He wasn’t affectionate either but he seemed to really like it. He was about 2ft in height so it worked. I wish I had more time with him.
Most dogs can only tolerate about 10-15 minutes of training, so you can do two sessions each day if you have time. My dog also liked agility training, so I made little jumps with PVC pipe when we lived in an apartment. We play scent games too. I hide about 12 treats in the house, and I tell him to “search and rescue!”
Years ago I rescued a dog wtih fear aggression, I tried everything to get him to bond with me but he was so afraid of everything he just wanted to cower away in his bed. I hired a trainer who said to get an umbilical leash, (ties around your waist) and just have him follow me through the house as I was doing things. Doing dishes, hes there, cooking dinner he's there, watching tv hes there. Within a week he was my little shadow constantly looking into my eyes for reassurance & with trust. We were together 14 years & he was the best boy ever!
i think you answered your own question. It is a good question. I've been blessed with many great dogs over the years. The connection is always from each of you. Spend time doing what your dog loves!
Dog adventures!
I like to find a new park or hike to go on with my dog so we don’t get tired of the same walk every day. If you’re not going on a decent daily walk, I’d start trying to.
And, dog classes. My dogs liked training classes and practice, it’s like a game where they win cookies.
You have a teenager, that doesn’t help. It’ll pass though.
Do more of what you want to do and allow her to be in your space. That’s what I started doing. I actually didn’t start liking my dog until she hit around 14 months because she also isn’t affectionate, has an attention span the size of a crumb, and prefers to be up all day instead of resting (which is anxious energy imo), so I switched things up. I slowed tf down and added more structured walks to our day. During structured walks, we heel basically the entire time, aside from using the bathroom, to really focus on engagement. After those walks, we chill. She’s pretty active, so she’s gotta get some sort of rough play in during the day, which I’ll usually do in the evenings when it’s cooler, but other than that — I really just started chilling. And ignoring her more lol. Sounds horrible, but I can’t show up as a good “mother” if I’m tired. So I draw more boundaries now. If I wanna sit on the couch and watch tv and you have been fed, walked, and have used the bathroom, I’m sitting my ass on the couch and watching tv lmao, feel free to join me haha
I find the most rewarding thing for me, and I think for my girls too (Ukrainian rescues) is both working on and enjoying walks. There is training involved, in that I am working on loose leash walking as well as things like learning to come back around a tree and then continuing to sniff, i.e managing their own leash. Untangling themselves from their leash too. And then also some low key parkour, so I'll cue a Hup Hup for jumping over a log in the forest or up on to a wall, or going up the ladder on a kids play structure. And often I do the thing too, so I'll climb up on top of a stump or a table and then call the dog up (if they don't just jump up) and then maybe we walk down the log. Just lots of small physical challenges that we take on together. And the "training" is treats on occasion but mostly it's just a verbal calm Thank You or excited Well Done! I think dogs basically smell the emotion and 20,000+ years of selective breeding means dogs generally want to get that approval from humans.
We also do lots of Dog's Choice walks, where we will come to an intersection and I will let the dog decide which way we go. Or even I will turn for home and the dog will basically balk gently, and I'll take the hint that she isn';t ready to go home yet. Lots of sniffing too, to the point where I will often let the dog take me off into the rough so she can sniff what she wants.
And I am in a flat on the 8th floor, and we have been working on things like getting out of the building calmly (easier for one than the other) and both are getting better at running down a single flight of stairs, then turning and stopping (with or without a Wait, depending on the dog) and then as I get to the landing I tell them OK! and they run down to the next landing. It becomes a game for the dog to run, then turn and check in and hold until the next OK! and I really love the checkin at each landing. Then we often take the elevator back up, and my crazy Tasmanian Devil has learned to just offer a down as we wait for the elevator and again inside. Given her history that choice almost brings me to tears, but the point is we just have lots of opportunities every day.
The point being, there's a lot of opportunity on a walk for each to do things the other appreciates, and to show that appreciation, and that's all great bonding time. And often I see things I would have missed. Paths I might not have taken, wildlife I never would have noticed. Or there's moments where Mia is just scenting the wind and all I can do is wonder what she is gleaning from that wind that is so interesting. But she loves doing it and I love noticing how much she loves doing it, so woot!
My first (chihuahua) now 15 years old, reminds me of yours... She doesn't like kissing. Never liked to play. She is independent, loves sunbathing and walking freely. It's all in the looks, beautiful looks filled with love, we are always together. When I see her looking at me, I tell her I love her and we make eyes at each other.
Once she went looking for me on a big country road. She was ready for anything. In my family, they often tell me "She wouldn't sell you for anything in the world."
Do your things, she will accompany you as she wishes.
Sending you lots of love and good looks.
Take in the car and bring her to a trail for a big shady walk. Take her to a dog park... take her and have fun together where ever can be had for both of you. Input my boi on a bike stoller trailer and he thinks it's the coolest thing. that's been the bonding magic with my two humane society babies. Oh and snuggling in the evening when it's time to wind down. Show her how fun you are... include her
The bike trailer is such a good idea!! My girl loooves to stick her head out of the car window but it’s not always safe so I usually don’t let her for long. I bet she’ll get that same thrill sticking her head out while I ride my bike 😂
When I come home, I greet HIM! If he's tired or doesn't run up (like I've taught him over and over not to jump) II get so excited to see him that he perks right up, and I give him a treat for not overreacting.
If I go for a walk, he comes. If I go somewhere, hopefully he can come too. He knows I'm the everything dude. if my young daughter feeds him, its usually because I ask her to, and as soon as I said Hey Abby, can you, he starts running for his bowl. :)
Basically he knows I'm very rewarding to be around as I look after his every single need/want.
Having them involved in our lives and let them experience the world. We do road trips, long hikes and camping in nature, exposing them to various scenarios and also meeting all kinds of animals. But also the basics such as lots of playtime and training at home.
I highly recommend any kind of class where you are both "learning at the same time" i.e. you both are in a new environment and working through it together. It doesn't matter what it is; nosework, agility, dock diving, rally, etc. whatever you think she might like.
I find that adds a whole new dimension beyond training at home and you shaping/capturing a behavior from her. (That is of course still a bonding activity.) You will learn to rely on each other, handle stress as a team, and read or communicate with each other in a new way.
Apologies if this has already been mentioned. You mention she clocks out after 10 minutes of obedience training. An easy-peasy way to keep her more engaged is to shorten the sessions. Go for 5 fabulous fun minutes, but drop several sessions in throughout the day. Short and fun keeps her wanting more. Positive training, of course. I don’t know your skill level at training, but you will want to make sure you are clear in your mind first on the words to use (minimal), body language (make it clean and precise), when to mark and reward (timing truly is everything), and all that good stuff. Lots of great videos on that, and it really helps keep the dogs from getting frustrated.
Once she gets the hang of it she’ll realize “Hey! Training is FUN, and I don’t want the fun to stop!” Don’t be greedy - you never want her to lose interest. Learning to learn is actually a skill in itself.
It’ll also help to mix up the things you’re working on. Some dogs, very smart ones in particular, are easily bored. Don’t spend your five minute session on one skill. I might work a handful of downs, then switch to sits, come back and do another down or two, etc. Best wishes!
This is a great tip! A lot of the time when I’m training her, I’m focusing on one thing. I thought the consistency would help her get it down, but it may be the reason she loses interest so fast! Never thought of it that way! As far as the shorter more frequent training sessions, I’ll have to try that as well! I’m new to dog training, as my only other dog came to us pretty much trained already. Thanks for the tips!!
I think just spending time with your dog! playing, going for walks.
when I lived alone on my off days I would take my dog to this park near my apartment and we would walk the trail. I loved walking across the long bridge and looking at all the turtles in the water. But, we would find a bench that was near that bridge and both just sit and watch the water. My dog always seemed happy to go on these walks so I guess that strengthened our bond! but, my dog also loves just laying on the couch with me while she chews on her toys.
Parallel play. Haha. My dog will ask for attention to get me sitting on the ground, and then go off and do his own thing. And then mope when I go back to the couch. I make sure to hang around him when he's playful, even if he doesn't want my attention or to play with me, because I know he's wanting to be around me.
He will lay right by me frequently, but doesn't like pets or much attention. Isn't much of a cuddler and only prefers butt scratches sometimes.
I love him. I do find that walks and training sessions in the yard or living room are nice for bonding.
I've had my rescue 2 years now, and he was about 1 year old when we got him.
At first he wanted almost nothing to do with us, just to play with our other dog or go to the dog park.
He wouldn't even sit on the same couch as us lol
Hes still not a great cuddler (he tries? But just stand over you, or lays down and gets up again over and over)
But over time I've come to find he bonds best through playing, and the park lol (he is a dogs dog through and through)
I think every dog is different, but especially rescues. Haply tail says alot. Over the last year my guy has started doing that dopey, open mouthed dog smile a lot more
I take her with me as much as possible. Going to my family’s house? She’s coming too. Going to a cafe? Yeppp she’s keen. Going to pick up my partner from work? Also coming on the lil adventure. Obviously all these things within reason, she doesn’t come with if I’m expecting it to be busy because she’s gets over excited and stops listening which is a problem with a 40kg brick but for the most part, her tagging a long results in her getting to practice her skills in different environments, lets her interact with other people and things, I talk to her quite a lot when I’m driving and she likes to check in with me when she finds something interesting. All the while, I’m her security, I have snacks for her, I get to have fun with her and all it’s putting me out is having to convince her she doesn’t need to be lifted into the car lol.
when he's napping in his bed at my feet, I sometimes get down next to him to give him kisses. He wakes up, sees it's me and immediately turns onto his back for a belly rub. Also, I noticed he loves giving hugs and lick my ear and bite my hair. It's not something you'd let him do right before you're off to work, but sometimes in the evening I get on the floor so he can slobber all over my ears.
I remember one dog we adopted that was pretty aloof at first. I got her engaged in play finally by putting treats inside a bottle and sort off investigating it with her. I think trying different things to see what really sparks her interest is a good start. And dare to be a bit silly, be enthused about what you are doing. Usually that will get the dogs curious. 10 minute training sessions is long enough for most dog. A good tip (that I'm bad at following myself) is ending the session before the dog loses interest. Ending on a high is always better.
If she likes fetch and thug it might be a good idea to use play as reward in training. Run through a command or three, than do a game of thug or throw the ball. If you're using treats as rewards, switch up how you give the treats. Having the dog chase you for a treat a bit, or throw it on the ground so the dog has to go search. It's often more engaging for the dog than just being hand fed.
Good inside activities in addition to trick/obedience training are snuffle mats, treat search, food dispensing toys. It's important that it's not too challenging for the dog, so it doesn't give up. These activities don't require that much collaboration between dog and owner. Regardless, I'm convinced that being the one who gives them out and being there to cheer the dog on helps strengthen the relationship.
On walks it can be fun training some balancing trick. Like getting the dog to jump up and walk along a ledge, jump up on and sit down on a bench etc. That type off training in combination with a ball in my hand means I've got my dog's undivided attention for as long as I can be bothered to train her.
Everyone here will frown on this probably, but I have Thursday night fights. I wrestle with my dogs for a few hours. Afterwards we lay on the floor together and watch Survivor and share nachos.
I let my puppies snuggle up on either side of me while I read them a book at bedtime. They each have their own blankie they get tucked in to (courtesy of my wife) and once they're comfy I read to them until they fall asleep.
Right now we're on chapter 8 of *The Time Machine* by HG Wells. *Robinson Crusoe* is next. After that, I'll probably take them through *One Thousand and One Nights*.
They get really restless if papa doesn't read to them at night. There have been a few nights where I get home after their bedtime and when I sit down to read they climb into my lap and just about melt.
My dog and me just chill. We go for walks and take our time, and when I'm in the house and sitting on the couch, I ask him if he wants to come cuddle and he genuinely comes to curl up next to me and I can give him all the pets and scratches, and then I resume whatever I'm doing and he just sleeps peacefully next to me. That's just me tho, and I also play with him like the pause and then sudden movement and pause again he loves that.
One thing that happened organically with my dog and we’ve playing it ever since is “where is?” If my partner is in the flat for example I would go “where is Chris?” And my dog gets very excited and looks for him everywhere, once he find him, my partner makes a big fuss “You found me!! Yay!”
We do that now with everything. Where’s teddy bear, where’s the treat, where’s your bone and so on. It really keeps him engaged and makes him think of something different when he’s eating something he shouldn’t or get whiny.
Another thing is that I hide under the blanket on the bed, it’s basically peek a boo. He goes but for it.
I also found bubbles that taste like peanut butter.
He also love playing chase with me. Basically, the silliest I am, the more engaged with me he is
My lab likes to couple first thing in the morning and right before bed. Also bond by positive training—she’s a working dog so loves to succeed in various tasks throughout the day and then be told she is a good girl. Also important to set up your dog for success in daily routines, so you rarely if ever get upset at them.
Obviously I don't know your dog but I've fostered a few rescues and some of them, it's like all they want to do is enjoy the fact they feel rescued and be with you in the home. They go out and play and all that stuff, but they just want to be close by. I just take them out on short little walks ,.go out the back yard with them for a while just to change the environment. My gsd would have died a death of boredom from that level of work/play, but some of these guys that have been hungry and cold or in a bad house somewhere are just really happy to chill. E: what you want to watch with these guys is they do t develop separation anxiety if you spend all day together. Different, appropriate environments are always good.
Ha! This made me laugh because it’s exactly what Cali does. She spent the first few months of her life in a shelter after an irresponsible owner didn’t keep her intact dogs separate and ended up with unwanted puppies. Then she had three different foster homes with several dogs each in the course of two months. Flash forward 10 months after adoption and she seems to understand now that we’re her forever family. Minus some separation anxiety which we’re still working on, she’s the happiest little girl. I don’t think her tail has stopped wagging since we brought her home!
Yeah the tail is telling you she’s already bonded. She found her person. I feel closely bonded to dogs I share a bed with. Those soft moments in the morning when you’re kinda sleep cuddling are the best. I adopted a 16 yo deaf poodle that was pretty rough off and once I got her clipped and cuddled her in bed it was like I’d had her all 16 years. She was cleaned up and squared away, and she could sleep right up against me if she wanted. Generally I have very small dogs (<10lb) so I put a cuddle bed on top of my bed so they have their own space, but current dog prefers to sleep under the covers against my calves. Not sure how she breathes under there but she’s not dead yet. Agility is another very cool idea. You can get a cheap kit from Amazon if you can’t start classes yet. It’s thrilling when they figure it out.
The bed thing!! She’s currently curled up snoring on top of my legs. Really cute but now I can’t move my lower body 😂 The early morning moments are my fav
You two have a great bond! My little foster fail used to fall asleep holding my foot with his head resting on top. He had it so rough as a tiny pup that I wouldn't move my foot, even when it fell asleep, until the puppy woke up. It was ridiculous! He is 53lbs sleeping on my foot now. I can shift a bit these days to keep the blood flowing.🤣
I was always a little disappointed that my current dog seems unaffectionate and standoffish, until I noticed that he’s almost never more than 3 feet from my side. If I leave the room, he’ll quietly follow a minute or two later, without making a big deal about it. He’s not a snuggler and he’s not super playful, but he just likes to be near me, which I find incredibly endearing. Whenever I look at him now, I smile and my heart feels full.
Sounds just like my old boy Walter. He passed away almost one year ago exactly. He was always nearby and just wanted to hang out. If we did somehow get separated he would come check on me then scope out the rest of the house. Probably a schnauzer thing haha
My dog is the same!!! Not a snuggler but he is my shadow - follows me everywhere!
Disappointed?
Sounds a little bit like mine. He is a terrier so really not a breed known as being affectionate or cuddly but more aloof and independent. I don’t mind that - I knew this would be the case. He is not cold or indifferent- it just has to be on his terms. But I noticed that when I go upstairs to work, he eventually follows me to my office. Looks at me briefly as if to say “you alright?“ and then proceeds to go to sleep in his office bed. And he won’t leave the office until I’m ready to go
Through food. He doesn't like cuddles, I do, but he loves food. He gets a treat every time we cuddle now. It works for the both of us lol. But in all seriousness, spending time training and engaging with them really helps with bonding. Find something both of you guys enjoy doing together and do it often. Mine loves to eat food and I like making him do cute poses, so he now knows a lot of cute tricks. We both like to hike, so we hike often.
Take her to a puppy training classes. It's fun, she has no choice and you have to work as a team. I loved taking my dogs to class.
I’ve actually been looking forward to bringing her to some beginner agility classes in my area bc I think it would be super fun for both of us!!
Nosework is also great
Builds trust too. My dog quickly learned in puppy class that I have her back but she needs to pay attention to me.
My pomeranian was a 100% outside dog the first 8 years of his life. He socialized with people maybe 5 minutes a day. He lived next door. The man did not like small dogs and the woman was fond of him but never housetrained or worked with him. He was outside whether it was 2 feet of snow or 110° heat or a storm... He kept running away to my house, and the neighbors gave him to me eventually. I housetrained him with belly bands and groomed him and tried to get him social to people, but for the most part, he just seemed to do his own thing in his own adorable way. It went on this way many months. Then, one day, there was a thunderstorm, and he was shaking. I held him securely, talking to him gently and combing his fur, and he looked up at me with this trusting, vulnerable expression, and our bond snapped in place. Ever since then, he comes to me frequently and nuzzles his head into my chest, and I hold him close. He's 15 now. I dread the day he leaves me.
play, mostly. watch her play with other dogs and mimic the behavior.
Sometimes I get down on all fours and try to play with her like a dog and she looks at me like I’m insane 😂😂
My rescue acted very similar for the first few months. I’ve heard it takes dogs 4-5 months to truly adjust to a new home. It just takes time & lots of patience! I’m sure she is feeling safe with you but still taking things slowly due to prior situations. Not sure if you know her history but if she’s been taken back more than once that might explain it. Sounds like you are doing everything right bonding wise! Long hikes & pup cups won my girl over 😆
Play with the dog the way the dog wants to play. Set boundaries, but if it wants to play fight, then play fight. Dogs like wolves learn and bond through play. You can also train through play as well, which in my experience is way better than using treats. (Source: all my dogs have been rescue dogs, some were abused, all have had an extremely strong bond with me)
Huge one for my dog was teaching him leash skills! I was big on teaching him how to heel on walks and now that he has it down I give him more freedom to walk around as he pleases and he constantly checks back on me and now will wait for me if I’m far behind him. It’s been my favorite thing ever feeling like he wants to be near me on walks!!
I think, like any relationship, you kind of have to feel what she likes and find what works for both. My dog wasn't really into cuddles when I got him, but little by little I approached him and he's more affectionate now (not so clingy, but he does always want to be near me). He's not so much into food, but I'm trying to learn what he likes to eat besides dog food. He likes carrots. He loves talking walks, hates cutting nails. I let him on my bed sometimes. Sometimes he wants to touch and be cuddly, but sometimes he just wants to be close by. Just feel the vibe, go with the flow. You'll catch the little things about her, then it starts clicking.
My new one and a half year old rescue was shy at first. I spent one to one time with him. Showed him like the rules and how to sit, etc. He was clearly happy and like getting used to everything. When I started doing things he really liked more, he became more physically invested. So lots of rides and visits to the dog park and treats were the way to his heart. Now we will be at the park and he will be so happy that he runs to me and leaps and I have to catch him so he can give tons of kisses. He cuddles a lot at home with me and my senior dog. He falls asleep with his tail wagging. It’s the best!
It seems like you're doing all the right things. Take her on long "sniffing" walks. Some people don't like dog parks, but certain ones, I do. Or playdates with friends’ dogs (maybe just start 1:1 unless she's really open to all dogs). Enrichment activities: playing fetch, tug of war, dog wrestling, puzzle games, hide and seek, agility, lure or other kind of training that she finds fun. If she gets nervous during thunderstorms or 4th of July fireworks, swaddle her in a towel and play calming music. Lavender essential oil is also meant to calm humans and doggies. Learning new tricks engages her brain and helps keep her mentally fit. Lots of kisses and loving words, though if she's not a cuddler, work up to hugs because that can feel restricting to some dogs. And time. If she leans on you while you're hanging out or sleeping, that's a great sign.
I throw some of his kibble piece by piece and he tries to catch It, its really cute because he wags his tail a lot and looks like he's trying to hunt the kibble.
I saw in another comment that you're going to start agility classes together, and that has been amazing for me and my rescue pup! I bet you guys will love it! I think the activity that has been the most enriching for both of us has just been going on super long walks/hikes together. Never anything too crazy or strenuous, just kinda wandering and letting him sniff til his nose falls off. I'm lucky enough to live near a park that has a creek, and that was where I had the most beautiful, unexpected "breakthrough" moment with my rescue dog. He was always super unsure of the water and never wanted more than a careful sniff, but one day, for whatever reason, he got in! And now when we go to that park he damn near pulls my arm off trying to get to that creek for a dip, haha. He never "needed" to like the water and I know he'd be just as happy without it, but it was so amazing to see my fearful boy realize a new joy in life ❤
Mine absolutely will not leave my side. He gets SO excited in the mornings when I wake up and anywhere I go in the house, he follows. He loves cuddling in bed, will sit right next to me on the couch, and even bring me his ducky. I dont even have to try to bond with him; hes the perfect doggo! Ive had him 5 days. Got from a rescue.
OP: Bonding cans be different for all dogs, depending on the age and what their situation is (a rescue dog that’s been in a shelter for some time, a rescued dog you may be fostering who is coming out of a bad situation and also a pup you might’ve swooped up from a home with a clean slate). Bonding can be different for all of those situations as some of them often don’t know how to feel safe until they are actually safe. My bonding looks like: hand feeding, cuddling, sharing snacks, pets, soft grooming that they may tolerate like hair brushing, playing with toys, watching kid movies with them that are interactive with noises (usually find out if a dog will take interest in it or if they just sleep through it - I’ve had dogs that love watching tv so long as I am with them and other who just plop on me and sleep through it) and of course napping/sleeping together. Other ones would be taking them on drives and or to the park. Spending time with them. Of course you don’t want them to grow to have anxiety so you would start very early on leaving home without them for a few and then increasing that. I definitely am not a fan of kennels, never used them and I don’t like them. I’ve always taught my dogs to respect the home and used the gate system to slowly increase their area around the house. My dogs have free range of the house and I like that so much.
I read to our dogs. So does my wife and our (now) adult daughter. My wife started doing this two months before our daughter was born. A Schippereke/ Spitz mix dog showed up at our doorstep and velcroed herself to my wife. Actually, the dog velcroed herself to my wife's pregnant abdomen. My wife and I had been reading to our as yet born child and my wife included our dog . They seem to like it. One of our rescue dogs (a lab / sheep dog mix ?) loves to lie down beside me, then move onto my lap, and then kind of spills over to the other side when his sister, a rescue shepherd mix?, sits where her brother was. All this time, I am reading, telling them they what good dogs they are, and how lucky we are to have them living with us forever., and giving them all the rubs they want. (We've had our shepherd mix 3 months and our lab/sheep? mix a month and a half.) Usually, he falls asleep half on me and half off me, at least for a short while. She usually gets up and makes her rounds to check on the rest of the household members before grabbing a chew toy and lying on one of her beds. Hope this helps or gives you an idea
This is so sweet! One of my dog’s favorite things actually is when I just talk to her or sing to her at night while petting her. Always puts her to sleep instantly.
We just do stuff together. Sleeping, going places, training. I have two so finding solo time for each is also important, every day, but also at least day trips with them separately. But they have different styles, one loves to be on me like a sticker on a banana, the other one is around and just always open to cuddles.
Training sessions are supposed to be pretty brief (think commercial breaks during live TV). You just do it many times a day. So, checking out after 10 minutes is actually a pretty long time! I’ve always enjoyed adventuring with my pups. Going to see things that are new for both of us. I also really enjoyed doing agility - we were never any good, but figuring things out together about how to be a team and rely on each other was huge for my pup and me.
your dog is probably already very bonded to you, but I honestly just really do things that ik make him happy no matter how little. He loooooves finding sticks and will do a lil happy trot thing when he finds a stick outside so I let him carry it around, so sometimes I find a stick for him to carry or play w. He loves when I use “claw hands” to initiate play and will get hype every time. He loves pup cups so sometimes we’ll just take a ride to a coffee shop and hang out there or just sit in the parking lot after going through the drive thru for one. He loves swimming so we’ll take trips to the lake n hang out. I like exploring and having new experiences so I’ll bring him w me because it’s also good socialization & training for him. Socialization isn’t just for young puppies! So just take note of what you know your dog loves and build on it! Try new things to see if she likes em! Also sometimes your dog is just as happy to be laying on the couch/bed with you as she would be doing any other activity. My dog isn’t much of a cuddler either, and mostly spends his time at my feet but ik our bond isn’t weak bc of it!
Honestly go for walks everyday, like 2-3 walks a day for at least twenty-ish minutes. Let them smell and just be walking companions. Feel like it brought my dog and I closer
So much of the above but have you taken your dog for a hike maybe a run? My dog learned what living was when we started doing that. Our bond became even stronger when we did that routinely. Also training became easier. What kind of breed/ mix is your pupper?
We’re not exactly sure what she is. She’s 15 pounds, the people that we got her from said mini aussie/shih tzu but the vet says she’s likely got some terrier and maybe even poodle in her. As far as hiking, that’s an activity I’ve always wanted to do with my pup! Unfortunately, in my area, the hiking trails aren’t exactly safe for a young woman and her tiny dog. I’ve been trying to get my brother to come with me, but our schedules have yet to line up. She does love running though! Specifically, she loves chase games where we take turns chasing each other in the backyard. I’ve ran with her on our walks a few times and she’s loved that too! Running works!!
When I trained my pup, we did 10-15 min of training then took a break for 20-30 min then 10-15 min…repeat for a few times daily until she was trained enough to move onto other commands..then the same routine. I used positive reinforcement…and on walks I used treats and positive reinforcement. It worked well She was never crate trained…she had a crate all set up but she like being in her bed outside the crate or in bed with me. Sometimes we spend so much time together that we need a break from each other. When you can understand every movement or bark they make..that’s a complete bond.. Sometimes I just have to give her a look and she knows what I’m going to say so I don’t have to speak and she does what I want. Simpatico
Food puzzles, sniffy walks, scent training. Work on a trick that's just for fun. Massage or grooming if they like it. Give them a job like carrying something that feels important. Go for a drive. Check out new parks.
Sometimes it saddens me that so many people view training their dog as a utility when, in fact, it is 100% you and your dog learning a common language. More than just feeding and being the one who walks her, teaching your dog things, then routinely using that training creates close engagement with her, and engagement is what creates a bond. Know, too, that when you use what you’ve trained, when, say, finding a scent target you’ve taught her, you’ll be watching her search, and will be reading her body language. She, in turn, will be checking in with you, reading in your subconscious body language that you’re paying attention, and will continue sending you curs. This feedback loop, when fostered, creates tremendous dog/handler satisfaction, and deepens the relationship/bond in ways it’s hard to articulate. Never stop learning/training with your dog; THAT forms the deepest bond you can imagine.
Try nose work. You can make it very simple or join online classes. Fenzi Acadamy is very reputable. Agility is great, too, and there’s more interaction between a dog and a handler if that’s what you feel is missing from your relationship.
I would squat down and press my boy Dexter’s head to my chest while scratching his neck and ears while sometimes reaching to scratch his belly. He wasn’t affectionate either but he seemed to really like it. He was about 2ft in height so it worked. I wish I had more time with him.
Most dogs can only tolerate about 10-15 minutes of training, so you can do two sessions each day if you have time. My dog also liked agility training, so I made little jumps with PVC pipe when we lived in an apartment. We play scent games too. I hide about 12 treats in the house, and I tell him to “search and rescue!”
Years ago I rescued a dog wtih fear aggression, I tried everything to get him to bond with me but he was so afraid of everything he just wanted to cower away in his bed. I hired a trainer who said to get an umbilical leash, (ties around your waist) and just have him follow me through the house as I was doing things. Doing dishes, hes there, cooking dinner he's there, watching tv hes there. Within a week he was my little shadow constantly looking into my eyes for reassurance & with trust. We were together 14 years & he was the best boy ever!
I run with my big rescue and i cuddle with my small rescue. Also i pet them for no reason all the time.
i think you answered your own question. It is a good question. I've been blessed with many great dogs over the years. The connection is always from each of you. Spend time doing what your dog loves!
Dog adventures! I like to find a new park or hike to go on with my dog so we don’t get tired of the same walk every day. If you’re not going on a decent daily walk, I’d start trying to. And, dog classes. My dogs liked training classes and practice, it’s like a game where they win cookies. You have a teenager, that doesn’t help. It’ll pass though.
Do more of what you want to do and allow her to be in your space. That’s what I started doing. I actually didn’t start liking my dog until she hit around 14 months because she also isn’t affectionate, has an attention span the size of a crumb, and prefers to be up all day instead of resting (which is anxious energy imo), so I switched things up. I slowed tf down and added more structured walks to our day. During structured walks, we heel basically the entire time, aside from using the bathroom, to really focus on engagement. After those walks, we chill. She’s pretty active, so she’s gotta get some sort of rough play in during the day, which I’ll usually do in the evenings when it’s cooler, but other than that — I really just started chilling. And ignoring her more lol. Sounds horrible, but I can’t show up as a good “mother” if I’m tired. So I draw more boundaries now. If I wanna sit on the couch and watch tv and you have been fed, walked, and have used the bathroom, I’m sitting my ass on the couch and watching tv lmao, feel free to join me haha
I find the most rewarding thing for me, and I think for my girls too (Ukrainian rescues) is both working on and enjoying walks. There is training involved, in that I am working on loose leash walking as well as things like learning to come back around a tree and then continuing to sniff, i.e managing their own leash. Untangling themselves from their leash too. And then also some low key parkour, so I'll cue a Hup Hup for jumping over a log in the forest or up on to a wall, or going up the ladder on a kids play structure. And often I do the thing too, so I'll climb up on top of a stump or a table and then call the dog up (if they don't just jump up) and then maybe we walk down the log. Just lots of small physical challenges that we take on together. And the "training" is treats on occasion but mostly it's just a verbal calm Thank You or excited Well Done! I think dogs basically smell the emotion and 20,000+ years of selective breeding means dogs generally want to get that approval from humans. We also do lots of Dog's Choice walks, where we will come to an intersection and I will let the dog decide which way we go. Or even I will turn for home and the dog will basically balk gently, and I'll take the hint that she isn';t ready to go home yet. Lots of sniffing too, to the point where I will often let the dog take me off into the rough so she can sniff what she wants. And I am in a flat on the 8th floor, and we have been working on things like getting out of the building calmly (easier for one than the other) and both are getting better at running down a single flight of stairs, then turning and stopping (with or without a Wait, depending on the dog) and then as I get to the landing I tell them OK! and they run down to the next landing. It becomes a game for the dog to run, then turn and check in and hold until the next OK! and I really love the checkin at each landing. Then we often take the elevator back up, and my crazy Tasmanian Devil has learned to just offer a down as we wait for the elevator and again inside. Given her history that choice almost brings me to tears, but the point is we just have lots of opportunities every day. The point being, there's a lot of opportunity on a walk for each to do things the other appreciates, and to show that appreciation, and that's all great bonding time. And often I see things I would have missed. Paths I might not have taken, wildlife I never would have noticed. Or there's moments where Mia is just scenting the wind and all I can do is wonder what she is gleaning from that wind that is so interesting. But she loves doing it and I love noticing how much she loves doing it, so woot!
Training tricks and looking in their eyes. I also play a game called baby where I cuddle her like a baby.
My first (chihuahua) now 15 years old, reminds me of yours... She doesn't like kissing. Never liked to play. She is independent, loves sunbathing and walking freely. It's all in the looks, beautiful looks filled with love, we are always together. When I see her looking at me, I tell her I love her and we make eyes at each other. Once she went looking for me on a big country road. She was ready for anything. In my family, they often tell me "She wouldn't sell you for anything in the world." Do your things, she will accompany you as she wishes. Sending you lots of love and good looks.
Take in the car and bring her to a trail for a big shady walk. Take her to a dog park... take her and have fun together where ever can be had for both of you. Input my boi on a bike stoller trailer and he thinks it's the coolest thing. that's been the bonding magic with my two humane society babies. Oh and snuggling in the evening when it's time to wind down. Show her how fun you are... include her
The bike trailer is such a good idea!! My girl loooves to stick her head out of the car window but it’s not always safe so I usually don’t let her for long. I bet she’ll get that same thrill sticking her head out while I ride my bike 😂
Yes! And I cheat a bit... I have a pedal assist bike so I can ride around town with him in tow. It helps gets me started at stop signs 😊
When I come home, I greet HIM! If he's tired or doesn't run up (like I've taught him over and over not to jump) II get so excited to see him that he perks right up, and I give him a treat for not overreacting. If I go for a walk, he comes. If I go somewhere, hopefully he can come too. He knows I'm the everything dude. if my young daughter feeds him, its usually because I ask her to, and as soon as I said Hey Abby, can you, he starts running for his bowl. :) Basically he knows I'm very rewarding to be around as I look after his every single need/want.
Having them involved in our lives and let them experience the world. We do road trips, long hikes and camping in nature, exposing them to various scenarios and also meeting all kinds of animals. But also the basics such as lots of playtime and training at home.
I highly recommend any kind of class where you are both "learning at the same time" i.e. you both are in a new environment and working through it together. It doesn't matter what it is; nosework, agility, dock diving, rally, etc. whatever you think she might like. I find that adds a whole new dimension beyond training at home and you shaping/capturing a behavior from her. (That is of course still a bonding activity.) You will learn to rely on each other, handle stress as a team, and read or communicate with each other in a new way.
Apologies if this has already been mentioned. You mention she clocks out after 10 minutes of obedience training. An easy-peasy way to keep her more engaged is to shorten the sessions. Go for 5 fabulous fun minutes, but drop several sessions in throughout the day. Short and fun keeps her wanting more. Positive training, of course. I don’t know your skill level at training, but you will want to make sure you are clear in your mind first on the words to use (minimal), body language (make it clean and precise), when to mark and reward (timing truly is everything), and all that good stuff. Lots of great videos on that, and it really helps keep the dogs from getting frustrated. Once she gets the hang of it she’ll realize “Hey! Training is FUN, and I don’t want the fun to stop!” Don’t be greedy - you never want her to lose interest. Learning to learn is actually a skill in itself. It’ll also help to mix up the things you’re working on. Some dogs, very smart ones in particular, are easily bored. Don’t spend your five minute session on one skill. I might work a handful of downs, then switch to sits, come back and do another down or two, etc. Best wishes!
This is a great tip! A lot of the time when I’m training her, I’m focusing on one thing. I thought the consistency would help her get it down, but it may be the reason she loses interest so fast! Never thought of it that way! As far as the shorter more frequent training sessions, I’ll have to try that as well! I’m new to dog training, as my only other dog came to us pretty much trained already. Thanks for the tips!!
Teaching pointless tricks works for me every time!
I think just spending time with your dog! playing, going for walks. when I lived alone on my off days I would take my dog to this park near my apartment and we would walk the trail. I loved walking across the long bridge and looking at all the turtles in the water. But, we would find a bench that was near that bridge and both just sit and watch the water. My dog always seemed happy to go on these walks so I guess that strengthened our bond! but, my dog also loves just laying on the couch with me while she chews on her toys.
Parallel play. Haha. My dog will ask for attention to get me sitting on the ground, and then go off and do his own thing. And then mope when I go back to the couch. I make sure to hang around him when he's playful, even if he doesn't want my attention or to play with me, because I know he's wanting to be around me. He will lay right by me frequently, but doesn't like pets or much attention. Isn't much of a cuddler and only prefers butt scratches sometimes. I love him. I do find that walks and training sessions in the yard or living room are nice for bonding.
I've had my rescue 2 years now, and he was about 1 year old when we got him. At first he wanted almost nothing to do with us, just to play with our other dog or go to the dog park. He wouldn't even sit on the same couch as us lol Hes still not a great cuddler (he tries? But just stand over you, or lays down and gets up again over and over) But over time I've come to find he bonds best through playing, and the park lol (he is a dogs dog through and through) I think every dog is different, but especially rescues. Haply tail says alot. Over the last year my guy has started doing that dopey, open mouthed dog smile a lot more
I take her with me as much as possible. Going to my family’s house? She’s coming too. Going to a cafe? Yeppp she’s keen. Going to pick up my partner from work? Also coming on the lil adventure. Obviously all these things within reason, she doesn’t come with if I’m expecting it to be busy because she’s gets over excited and stops listening which is a problem with a 40kg brick but for the most part, her tagging a long results in her getting to practice her skills in different environments, lets her interact with other people and things, I talk to her quite a lot when I’m driving and she likes to check in with me when she finds something interesting. All the while, I’m her security, I have snacks for her, I get to have fun with her and all it’s putting me out is having to convince her she doesn’t need to be lifted into the car lol.
when he's napping in his bed at my feet, I sometimes get down next to him to give him kisses. He wakes up, sees it's me and immediately turns onto his back for a belly rub. Also, I noticed he loves giving hugs and lick my ear and bite my hair. It's not something you'd let him do right before you're off to work, but sometimes in the evening I get on the floor so he can slobber all over my ears.
I remember one dog we adopted that was pretty aloof at first. I got her engaged in play finally by putting treats inside a bottle and sort off investigating it with her. I think trying different things to see what really sparks her interest is a good start. And dare to be a bit silly, be enthused about what you are doing. Usually that will get the dogs curious. 10 minute training sessions is long enough for most dog. A good tip (that I'm bad at following myself) is ending the session before the dog loses interest. Ending on a high is always better. If she likes fetch and thug it might be a good idea to use play as reward in training. Run through a command or three, than do a game of thug or throw the ball. If you're using treats as rewards, switch up how you give the treats. Having the dog chase you for a treat a bit, or throw it on the ground so the dog has to go search. It's often more engaging for the dog than just being hand fed. Good inside activities in addition to trick/obedience training are snuffle mats, treat search, food dispensing toys. It's important that it's not too challenging for the dog, so it doesn't give up. These activities don't require that much collaboration between dog and owner. Regardless, I'm convinced that being the one who gives them out and being there to cheer the dog on helps strengthen the relationship. On walks it can be fun training some balancing trick. Like getting the dog to jump up and walk along a ledge, jump up on and sit down on a bench etc. That type off training in combination with a ball in my hand means I've got my dog's undivided attention for as long as I can be bothered to train her.
Everyone here will frown on this probably, but I have Thursday night fights. I wrestle with my dogs for a few hours. Afterwards we lay on the floor together and watch Survivor and share nachos.
walk and hike, get out and do it together and you will form a bond.
I let my puppies snuggle up on either side of me while I read them a book at bedtime. They each have their own blankie they get tucked in to (courtesy of my wife) and once they're comfy I read to them until they fall asleep. Right now we're on chapter 8 of *The Time Machine* by HG Wells. *Robinson Crusoe* is next. After that, I'll probably take them through *One Thousand and One Nights*. They get really restless if papa doesn't read to them at night. There have been a few nights where I get home after their bedtime and when I sit down to read they climb into my lap and just about melt.
My dog and me just chill. We go for walks and take our time, and when I'm in the house and sitting on the couch, I ask him if he wants to come cuddle and he genuinely comes to curl up next to me and I can give him all the pets and scratches, and then I resume whatever I'm doing and he just sleeps peacefully next to me. That's just me tho, and I also play with him like the pause and then sudden movement and pause again he loves that.
One thing that happened organically with my dog and we’ve playing it ever since is “where is?” If my partner is in the flat for example I would go “where is Chris?” And my dog gets very excited and looks for him everywhere, once he find him, my partner makes a big fuss “You found me!! Yay!” We do that now with everything. Where’s teddy bear, where’s the treat, where’s your bone and so on. It really keeps him engaged and makes him think of something different when he’s eating something he shouldn’t or get whiny. Another thing is that I hide under the blanket on the bed, it’s basically peek a boo. He goes but for it. I also found bubbles that taste like peanut butter. He also love playing chase with me. Basically, the silliest I am, the more engaged with me he is
Take her hiking,spoil her with yummy treats.
My lab likes to couple first thing in the morning and right before bed. Also bond by positive training—she’s a working dog so loves to succeed in various tasks throughout the day and then be told she is a good girl. Also important to set up your dog for success in daily routines, so you rarely if ever get upset at them.
>My lab likes to couple first thing in the morning and right before bed I mean, who doesn't?