Ways to Build the Bond with Your Doodle Puppy
- Building the bond with your new puppy begins here. Once we’ve finished the paperwork and answered any questions, we always recommend a little potty break in the yard before you make the drive home. Put the puppy down in the grass and allow him to approach you. He’ll appreciate having a chance to check you out at his own pace. Children are always so excited to meet their new puppy, you may need to ask them to sit down in a close circle and allow the puppy to greet all of the family members. They should gently rub his ears and talk to him when he comes over. This relaxed approach is easier for the puppy than lots of cuddles and hugs – that can be a little overwhelming. Once the puppy has relaxed with you, give him the stuffed animal with his litter mate’s scent and let him play a little. Of course if the weather is bad, this initial interaction will need to wait until you’re at home. Just remember, allow him to approach you and calmly praise him.
- Once you’re home the little things you do for your puppy every day help build that connection. He quickly learns that every pleasant thing in his life come from his people. Food, play, potty breaks – he’ll learn quickly that all the good stuff happens when you’re around.
- When it’s meal time, begin teaching your puppy to “sit” as you place his food dish in front of him. As he gets older, you’ll be able to give the “sit. stay” command. Initially, be content with “sit” right as the food dish touches the floor. Never allow anyone to take the food dish away while he’s eating. He should never feel the need to guard his food due to the threat of losing it. If you have small children, have them put his food dish down so he sees them as the source of a happy time.
- Training is a great bonding time. Your dog wants to make you happy and following your commands provides that opportunity. Once he learns “sit” begin and end each training session with that command. It’s the easiest trick so you’re guaranteed to start with a success as well as end with one and this is very important. Always use gentle, positive, reward based training.
- Play time is just as important as training. Sometimes you both just need to have fun.
- Relaxation and quiet time is good for you both as well. You can rub his ears or brush him gently with a massage brush – Winston brings his to me. Just spending time together is a good thing.
- Some people exercise with their dogs – gasp! The puppy needs to grow-up first because you don’t want to stress his joints. Until that time a nice walk is good for you both.
- Errand running is nice if you’re going to a drive through. Most banks have doggie biscuits and who wouldn’t enjoy a trip to Starbucks? However, if you need to leave the dog in the car, he’d be better off at home with a great chew toy.