Bonding with a New Puppy

Owners often fall instantly in love with their new puppy feel an instant bond. However, the new puppy has to have time to adjust to owner and new life. The new puppy needs time to bond with owners. Remember that the puppy has left the comfort of its mother and siblings.

Bonding with a New Puppy Tip #1: Carefully Name

Carefully name the new puppy. The name that is chosen is going to be used quite often. There are some names that are cute or even funny that people choose to name their new puppy. The key is to remember that the owner will be yelling the new puppy name throughout the neighborhood should the puppy go astray or become lost.

Names have meaning for the owners. Selecting an inappropriate name for the new puppy could decrease the bond. Owners can subconsciously feel more distance and less personal with the new puppy if the name is too strange or chosen at a whim.

Bonding with a New Puppy Tip #2: Repeat Name Often

Once an appropriate name for the new puppy is decided, repeat the name often. The new puppy will learn its new name while the bond between owner and puppy is strengthened.

Bonding with a New Puppy Tip #3: Make a Food Connection

Part of the bonding process is the new puppy knowing where the food is located and who will be feeding the new puppy. Take the new puppy to the food bowl area several times. Have only one person in the household responsible for feeding the new puppy for several weeks. Make sure the puppy has the same food that it had prior to coming home to create fewer digestive complications.

Bonding with a New Puppy Tip #4: Commands from One Person

Dogs are pack animals. They are used to one dog being the leader of the group. As a natural instinct, the new puppy will bond easiest with one person in charge. Select one person that will be in charge of teaching the puppy commands such as no, sit and come. If several people give the commands, the new puppy will not know the leader of the group.

Bonding with a New Puppy Tip #5: Hold and Pet the New Puppy