Q&A for How to Bond With Your Dog

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  • Question
    How can I get my dog to trust me?
    Sheri Williams
    Certified Dog Trainer
    Sheri Williams is a Certified Dog Trainer and Behaviorist and the Owner of sheriwilliams.com, a business that specializes in teaching veterans how to turn their dogs into service dogs or emotional support animals to assist with PTSD. Based in the Los Angeles, California metro area, Sheri has over 20 years of dog training experience and also runs a general dog training practice specializing in rehabilitating dogs through positive reinforcement training techniques. She is certified by The Animal Behavior and Training Association.
    Certified Dog Trainer
    Expert Answer
    When you let a fearful dog into your house, to get a bond with the dog, you show must show it strength. If the dog sees that you are strong, their instincts will tell them to bond with you as their leader. That bond will create trust. Be patient with your dog and never hit or strike it, as that will break their trust.
  • Question
    When should you not walk your dog?
    Sheri Williams
    Certified Dog Trainer
    Sheri Williams is a Certified Dog Trainer and Behaviorist and the Owner of sheriwilliams.com, a business that specializes in teaching veterans how to turn their dogs into service dogs or emotional support animals to assist with PTSD. Based in the Los Angeles, California metro area, Sheri has over 20 years of dog training experience and also runs a general dog training practice specializing in rehabilitating dogs through positive reinforcement training techniques. She is certified by The Animal Behavior and Training Association.
    Certified Dog Trainer
    Expert Answer
    The more you exercise the dog, the better it is for the dog. People think when dogs get older they shouldn't exercise, but they actually should. It keeps their joints moving. As they get older, you may taper the time off and gauge what they can do. As long as they can walk, you should always take your dog on a walk.
  • Question
    We just got a Pomeranian dog who doesn't like teenage boys because he was mistreated. I'm a teenage boy. Is there anything I can do to help him get used to me?
    Community Answer
    Show him that you are not going to mistreat him. Give him extra treats when you can and attempt to play with him.
  • Question
    Can taking my dog to obedience training build a stronger bond between us?
    Community Answer
    Yes, especially if you're the one training him. You could train him at home as well.
  • Question
    My dog sleeps all day and doesn't seem excited to see me. How can I make her happy to see me and more energetic?
    Community Answer
    Call out her name in an excited tone of voice -- or say something like "Who's a good dog!?"
  • Question
    My dog keeps moving around when I pet him. How can I show him that I can be trusted?
    Community Answer
    Crouch down to his level and hand him a treat. Slowly move forward to scratch his chin. Talk to him calmly to make him trust you.
  • Question
    My dog was abused and she is really shy now. How can I make her more outgoing? I'd like to bond with her.
    Community Answer
    Your dog has likely developed an insecurity due to the abuse. She needs a strong and assertive leader. Be consistent, and patient, give her extra time to adapt. Praise her when she is calm and friendly. Don't pet her when she is anxious or nervous, as she will take this as encouragement of the behavior. Instead, ignore, and move on.
  • Question
    Can walks help my dog trust me?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Regular walks, lots of petting, and playing with your dog will help your dog bond with you.
  • Question
    My dog is awesome but I really want to bond more with him so that he only responds to me. But how can I do that? He's already 8 years old.
    Community Answer
    Give him lots of praise and attention. Make sure you are the one who always feeds him.
  • Question
    Can you bond with your dog in one day?
    Community Answer
    No. It takes time. There's a good chance your dog will like you right off the bat, but you'll still need to work to develop a strong bond.
  • Question
    How do I make a routine for my dog?
    Wiki135Wiki
    Community Answer
    Feed your dog at the same time each day. Walk him at the same time each day. Give him a bath at the same day of the week. Just try to keep things regular so your dog knows what to expect.
  • Question
    What do I do if my dog hates me and growls when I try to pet it?
    Community Answer
    You might want to crouch down and slowly give it a treat. If the dog is lying on the couch, come in with someone your dog trusts and sit next to the dog with them and pet your dog together.
  • Question
    How do I get my family dog to sleep in my room when it always sleeps in my parent's room?
    Community Answer
    When you're going to bed at night, try calling your dog over into your room and let it lay on the bed. Maybe cover it up with some cozy blankets and don't be shy to snuggle. Close your door and if it gets anxious, comfort that canine! Petting and softly whispering praises to your dog will make it feel comfortable with its surroundings. Repeat these steps until it is fine with sleeping in your room.
  • Question
    Do these rules work with fish?
    Community Answer
    Sadly, you cannot take a fish on a walk. But check out this article on How to Grow a Bond With Your Betta Fish and this one on How to Train Your Fish to Do Tricks .
  • Question
    How do I bond my with my dog if my dog hates me?
    Community Answer
    Try and do the following: Compliment him and talk to him, walk away when he growls, try and discover who he or she really is on the inside, try and adapt with them instead of them adapting to you.
  • Question
    How do I bond with my dog if my dog doesn't like me that much?
    Community Answer
    First, establish why your dog dislikes you. It is unlikely for a dog to actually "hate" you, and will often need to just learn to learn to trust you more or bond better with you. Don't yell at him/her. Make sure that you always feed them, pet them as often as you can and sit with him all the time. If he dislikes you petting him, give them a treat or toy to play with before you start petting him/her. Take your dog on walks, and show him/her that you can be trusted by being consistent in the time you get home from work and the day that you bathe them. Allow him/her to socialise with other dogs and people if they are a social dog. Remember it will take time.
  • Question
    How do I bond with my dog if it's stronger and heavier than me?
    Community Answer
    The same way you would bond with a smaller dog, but be sure to stop immediately if it seems upset or uncomfortable. If it is aggressive, make sure to always have an adult in the room while training it.
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