When adding an adult dog or pup to your family, it’s hard to not shower them with love from the start. However, it’s important to take things slow, so as to not overwhelm them. Your new family member will need time to adjust and get to know you, after all, you are still a stranger to them. By taking things step by step, you can begin to build a strong bond with your new pup or adult dog, build on trust.
Get to Know each other
The first step is for your dog to get to know and trust you, and for you to get to know your new dog. Some dogs may be scared and anxious in the first few weeks, especially if they’re a bit older or coming from an unpleasant situation. Be sure to move at your dog’s pace, as this will help build trust. If your dog doesn’t want to be touched at the start, that’s okay. Give them time to settle into their new home, routine, and get to know their new family.
Set up a routine and have regular walks
Dogs thrive on routine, and establishing one from the start will give them a sense of security. Set aside time each day for a nice long walk in addition to their regular potty breaks. Dogs love to sniff and explore the world, and doing this together will strengthen your bond and create positive experiences. Daily walks also will keep your dog physically and mentally stimulated, and a well-exercised and mentally satisfied dog is a calmer dog which will help the transition into your family. Depending on your dog and how unsettled they are by the move, you can choose at the start to stick to the same walking route to make them feel more secure.
Keep in mind that puppies shouldn’t be walked in areas where other dogs frequent until they’re fully vaccinated. Also, since a puppy’s skeleton isn’t fully developed, it’s important to limit their exercise. A general rule of thumb is five minutes of walking per month of age. Over-exercising your pup can negatively affect their musculoskeletal development.
Play
Once your dog is feeling more comfortable around you, see if they’re up for a game. Play and enrichment activities are a great way to connect with each other.. Take a few moments each day to bond through play. As you try different things, you’ll start to discover if your dog has a favourite game, like tug-o-war or hide-and-seek. When introducing enrichment games, be sure to start simple and set your dog up for success to avoid frustration.
Physical touch
When your dog starts to feel comfortable with physical touch, you can begin to bond through gentle petting and even massages. Especially in the early days, it’s important to closely observe your dog’s reactions while petting. Let them approach you rather than entering their personal space. Avoid bending over them, as this can feel threatening. Instead, kneel or crouch down, positioning your body slightly sideways.
Speak in a soft, calming voice, and avoid sudden or fast movements, which can trigger a fear response. Don’t reach directly toward the dog’s face. Instead, extend your hand slightly by your side. If the dog is open to interaction, they’ll likely move forward to sniff your hand. If they seem comfortable, you can slowly bring your hand closer and gently scratch under their chin.
Although it’s tempting, avoid petting your new dog on the head as many dogs don’t like being touched there by someone they don’t know well. After a few chin scratches, observe how your dog responds. Then, withdraw your hand to give them the chance to move away if they’re not feeling comfortable.
If your dog seems to enjoy the contact, you can try petting other areas like the side of the neck, chest, shoulders, and under the chin, as this are places where most dogs are comfortable being touched. Avoid more sensitive areas such as the ears, lips, tail, paws, and stomach. A dog rolling onto its back doesn’t always mean they want belly rubs, it can also signal discomfort, fear, or stress.
When petting, smooth strokes are usually soothing, while quick taps can be irritating. Keep in mind, every dog is different and will have their own preferences for where and how they like to be touched.
If the dog moves away or becomes stiff, that’s a sign they’re uncomfortable. In that case, stop petting, slowly withdraw your hand, and give them space and always avoiding any sudden movements that might startle them.
Treats
Treats, Kongs, lick mats, and snuffle mats are great tools you can use to bond with your dog. The activities you can do with these tools do not only create positive associations with you, but also help reduce stress and provide mental stimulation.You can fill a Kong with something tasty and freezing can make them last longer and lick mats work similarly. Licking helps soothe anxious dogs as this has a calming effect. Snuffle mats encourage foraging and sniffing behaviours, and sniffing provides both entertainment and stress relief.
Conclusion
Pup or adult, bringing a new dog into your life is an exciting time, but it also requires patience, empathy, and understanding. By taking things slow, observing your dog’s comfort levels, and creating positive experiences through play, routine, enrichment, and gentle interaction, you’re laying the foundation for a trusting and lasting bond. Every dog is unique, so let your new family member guide you. With time, consistency, and lots of love you’ll build a relationship based on trust, mutual respect and connection.
If you would like to know more about our dog walking or dog sitting services. Please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to help.