Dogs are well regarded as being too pure for this world. But, if you’ve ever owned a dog, you know what it feels like to come home to someone who’s always happy to see you. When you see them wagging their tail, it brings joy into your heart, and that’s love.
Sometimes, it takes a little while to build a bond with our dogs, for example, if the dog is a rescue. However, we make bonds with our dogs throughout the time that we spend together.
Taking care of their needs and playing will help you and your dog build a strong bond together.
How do Dogs Bond with Humans?
It’s common knowledge that we domesticated wolves into what is known as a household pet. Dogs are pack animals who naturally pick an alpha among them. Therefore, when deciding to adopt a dog, you must understand how to care for them.
A dog bonds to a human when they feel safe to do so. If you provide a loving home and regularly feed them and give them water, your dog will learn that they are in a safe environment, therefore, more likely to bond with you.
How Can I Bond With My Dog Quickly?
Dogs and humans grow a bond when they spend quality time together. Here’s a list of tips to help you and your dog bond quickly:
Spend more time together
Spending time with your pet is the best way to bond with them. Take them on car rides, play fetch or tug-of-war, cuddle, or maybe even find a trick you want to train them to do.
Add some pizzazz to their food
Let your dog watch you add some rice to their food. Also, give them tastier dog treats such as fruits or peanut butter once in a while. If your dog sees the extra love you put into their food, they’ll be more willing to trust you in the long run.
Be mindful of their needs
Watch your pet and be mindful of its needs. This doesn’t just mean if they’re hungry or thirsty, either. If your dog is whining, see if they need affection or play.
Stay calm
Try not to lose your temper when your dog makes a mistake or does something terrible. Instead, be calm yet stern when correcting behavior.
Does it Depend on Dogs Age?
An older dog can bond to humans just as well as a puppy, making them a perfect option if puppy training is not your thing. Sometimes it seems like older dogs know that you’ve come to their rescue and are more willing to connect with you.
You’ll find that dogs tend to want to feel wanted naturally. Even dogs that have come from abusive households can be rehabilitated and eventually form a strong bond with whoever puts in the time and effort to help them heal.
How Can You Tell if You’re Bonded with Your Dog?
When a dog is bonded to you, it will feel pretty obvious. Below is a list of signs that your dog has a strong bond with you:
- Your dog can sleep around you.
Animals are always on high alert. So if your dog can fall asleep while you’re around, it’s a clear sign that they’re comfortable with you.
- Your dog is happy to see you.
You can tell your dog is happy to see you if they’re wagging their tail or jumping up and down to try and get close to you. Also, if your dog is immediately ready to play when they see you, it means they are excited for you to be home.
- Your dog seeks out your affection
Some dogs are less affectionate than others, but if you find that there are moments where your dog just collapses on your lap, it means they trust you.
- Your dog follows you around
If you walk around the house and your dog follows you, it’s a good sign that it doesn’t matter where they are, as long as they get to be with you.
Things You Should Not Do
One thing you should not do is lose your temper around your dog. It’s okay if you yell at them once in a while because we’re all human, but that doesn’t mean you should scream at them every time they do something wrong.
Instead, pay attention to why they are displaying that behavior.
Another thing you shouldn’t do is hit them. Hitting a dog especially hard and consistently will teach them that you are willing to hurt them. This doesn’t build a bond; it destroys it because your dog will start developing anxiety around you.
Final Thoughts on How Long Does it Take to Bond with a Dog
We make bonds with our dogs throughout the time that we spend together. If you provide a loving home and regularly feed them and give them water, your dog will learn that they are in a safe environment, therefore, more likely to bond with you.
If you want to build a quicker bond with your dog, take care of their needs and spend a lot of time with them. It’ll seem obvious when your dog bonds with you; you might see them wagging their tail and constantly wanting to be next to you.
Some things you should not do is lose your temper and scream every time your dog does something wrong. You should also avoid hitting them as it can cause them to develop anxiety around you.