Need suggestions on how to bond with a new Police K9

Need more details - age, how long have had him/her, what is his history.. but take him everywhere with you and when you're working him obedience, give lots of treats and praise. Where does he sleep? How many in your family? (humans and other animals).

Matthew,

Congrats on your new partner. There are many things that can be done to strengthen the bond between you and your K9.

I would start by doing lots of work with the dog. Training really encourages bonding (on many levels). The more you work with your dog, the more confidence you will build in each other and the more you will learn to 'read' each other. These are both key factors to the bonding process.

Also, try to keep him around you as much as possible. Not just in the vehicle, but try to take him with you whenever you are able to do so (ie: if your service allows it bring him in with you when you attend the station to do reports, etc). Try to bring him inside the house with you when you are off duty. Even if he's living in an outdoor kennel, having some down time with you (and your family) inside will provide you both with highly beneficial social time. This time at home is different then the time you spend on the road b/c you are not in 'work mode'... its a different mindset for both you and the dog.

I would not encourage you to use treats with your service dog, however I would encourage you to get in as much social interaction as possible... through training, service operations & excersises, daily 'play' time and also 'down' time together.

Hope this helps.

Be stingy with your new partner. Keep him to yourself until you are sure you have bonded well. Only you should feed and groom him. Keep others away (to include physical contact by family) during this period. Once you are the focus of his world, then you can bring him along as you like ie: socialization and establishing pack order with your family and/or other pets. Congratulations

Howard

If you have just got the K-9 then dont do any type of work. Just be with him and be his friend. After several days with him then begin to do a little obedience.

Only you feed him or groom him. Play and praise him alot. Basically just be his friend and the bond will take. The more time and training you put into him the better the bond will grow.


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