 How long did it take to really start bonding with
#158740 - 10/17/2007 10:22 PM |
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your dog? I have a 3 month old GSD, and I have noticed that in the last 3 or 4 days, he seems more eager to please me (I can't think of a better way to describe it). I am the only adult in our house most of the time, and we have 3 young kids, so he's "my" dog. I feed, train, bathe, care for him, take him in the car practically everywhere we go. I got him not quite 2 mos ago, and he obviously has followed me since I got him, but he seems like lately he wants me to be pleased with him. He watches my face more, is more calm near me than he used to be. He's not quite as mouthy with me as he was before. I know some of this is probably just because he's maturing (a teensy, tiny bit), but I am feeling like he actually is starting to care what I think (ha ha). Do you think this "bonding" is a result of the fact that he's been training/looking up to me more? Or just a result of him being with me longer?
I guess I was also just wondering how long it took others to truly "bond" with their dogs?
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Re: How long did it take to really start bonding with
[Re: Kori Bigge ]
#158743 - 10/17/2007 10:40 PM |
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It doesn't take long for them to start to figure out just who signs the bread ticket but more than that the training provides them with mental stimulation which they truely do thrive on. It is something for them to look forward to each day. Dogs that lay around all day long waiting to be fed get bored and become destructive. Dogs that are stimulated become useful and look up to and respect those that are working with and training them. Training is HUGE when it comes to bonding. Granted, time is a factor but not as important as training in my book. The praise that a dog gets can be akin to the praise a child gets when they are doing well. That praise builds on self esteem and confidence, which perpetuates respect, trust and of course, love. Keep up the good work and for crying out loud throw that dog a ball!LOL! From your previous post he needs a hobby other than hording kiped toys! Hehehe
Jay Belcher and Levi
 Levi/Bella/Drogo |
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Re: How long did it take to really start bonding with
[Re: Kori Bigge ]
#158768 - 10/18/2007 02:39 AM |
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I got my puppy at 3 months. He was cordial but quite self-sufficient for a good 2 months. I had serious doubts if he'd ever bond to me, then suddenly one day he decided I was the cat's meow. I can actually remember the moment quite vividly. Once he stuck, he REALLY stuck. So don't worry too much about it taking a while. But do take Robbin's advice and build a relationship with play.
Cheers,
Anita
Parek |
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Re: How long did it take to really start bonding with
[Re: AnitaGard ]
#158770 - 10/18/2007 02:54 AM |
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I find that it takes a while to bond with a pup. I like em, they're cute, I like their antics... but I don't feel that connection with them till they are old enough to start understanding and focusing on what you tell them. Thats one reason I don't really do any OB at all until 5 months old, because thats the age when they seem to start paying more attention.
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Re: How long did it take to really start bonding with
[Re: Kori Bigge ]
#158791 - 10/18/2007 09:05 AM |
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I got my two dogs from a rescue in Feb of this year (they turned two in June & July)- I think by July they'd decided I was cool, and now they're practically glued to me when they're not playing together or asleep.
When I let them out to the backyard in the early morning or late evening to go to the bathroom they race out the door, stop at the bottom of the steps, come back in and practically sit on my feet if I haven't made a move outside- as if to say we don't want to go if you're not coming. I have to tell them to go outside. As soon as I open the back door they're in like a shot; I hardly ever even have to call them.
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Re: How long did it take to really start bonding with
[Re: Mike J Schoonbrood ]
#158801 - 10/18/2007 10:18 AM |
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Louanne
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Re: How long did it take to really start bonding with
[Re: Louanne Manter ]
#158802 - 10/18/2007 10:29 AM |
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My dog bonded with me fairly quickly. It didn't take mi==him long to decide I wasn't allowed out of his site, so crate training him to be without me took a little time but was successful!
And Louanne, you are so right about your words and actions, even when we aren't aware. I always talk to my dog like he is a person, just making conversation I guess. Without really thinking about it, when I was going to feed him I would ask "are you hungry?". Now, If he hears me ask the kids or hubby this questions he starts his excited jumping, thinking he is going to be fed, no matter what time of day it is.....I have to spell it now.....
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Re: How long did it take to really start bonding with
[Re: Shody Lytle ]
#158809 - 10/18/2007 11:23 AM |
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Loc: Ontario, Canada
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I feel that a dog is not truly able to bond to their handler (in the human sense of the term) until the dog begins to view their handler as Leader and respect that position. Before this a very young pup can be dependent on the owner, but is there really a deep routed bond in that kind of necessity?
Also, it's been beaten to death: "A dog can love you, but not respect you". I believe there are many contributing factors to developing a strong bond with a dog that contribute to that kind of dynamic, not just the age of the dog or how long you have had it. But, "the bond" is not something we can quantify; this is just my 2¢ 
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Re: How long did it take to really start bonding w
[Re: Brad . Martin ]
#158813 - 10/18/2007 11:38 AM |
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I feel that a dog is not truly able to bond to their handler (in the human sense of the term) until the dog begins to view their handler as Leader and respect that position. Before this a very young pup can be dependent on the owner, but is there really a deep routed bond in that kind of necessity?
Also, it's been beaten to death: "A dog can love you, but not respect you". I believe there are many contributing factors to developing a strong bond with a dog that contribute to that kind of dynamic, not just the age of the dog or how long you have had it. But, "the bond" is not something we can quantify; this is just my 2¢
So true about the respect thing.
Example: Strong trainers who spend one minute with a dog whose owner is a weenie who demonstrates no leadership demeanor around the dog..... sometimes the dog will glue himself to that stronger human, in a kind of "I wanna be with THIS one!" way. That's not a real bond, of course. It DOES point out how much a dog values strong leadership in his human, though.
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Re: How long did it take to really start bonding w
[Re: Connie Sutherland ]
#158850 - 10/18/2007 01:45 PM |
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Loc: Kannapolis, NC 28083
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I just took in a 6 year old female. She was kenneled most of her life and only had another dog to play with. So coming to my house was a huge change for her. We kept her in the house and took her for walks, I feed her and groomed her. It was bugging me that she would not come to me for petting while every one else was. After two moths of this I was out playing ball with my male and she ran up to me and lean on me! I was so excited we had a break though. From that day on we have been getting closer and closer. She now comes to me for petting, playing ball, food time, and will come sit my me if I am on the computer.
Because mine came from a rough life and was older I had to go at her peace. I am glad I did.
Barbara Earnhardt
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