Build a strong bond with your furry friend

A strong bond forms the foundation of your entire relationship with your dog. Owners with strong relationships with their dog or puppy have furry friends who are happier, healthier, and better behaved. Relationship building should start on the first day you welcome your dog into your home through positive reinforcement. Using a reward-based approach to training your dog will help ensure that the love goes both ways.

When you take in a new dog or get a new puppy, it’s important to start with a lot of structure and discipline. Don't give out a lot of affection to your new dog right away. You want to make sure your puppy understands what the rules are in your home and then work from there.

Establish structure and consistently give your dog affection for good behavior. This is crucial when you begin to form a bond. Structure feeding times, walking times, crate times, bedtime, and going in and out of the house.

When you’re building a relationship with your dog, you’ll want to give out privileges to reward good behavior. But make sure the dog earns the privileges. For example, being off-leash is a privilege. If the dog doesn't mind its manners off-leash, take away the privilege. Your dog needs rules and discipline, making them earn privileges will reinforce the rules of your home and build a friendship with your dog.

Structure is all about your dog’s time. You should use a lot of sitting. Making them sit for everything teaches them to ask “please” for things. Try not to use a lot of food treats, instead make life a treat for them. This is all about meeting their needs. You’ll want to spend a lot of time walking them, giving them affection, giving them food, and playing with them.

Relationship building is a big part of training your dog. Sniffy is a free app that gives you customized plans, tracking tools, and expert video tutorials from proven dog trainers that ensure your dog is well behaved, happy, and healthy. Download the app today from the App Store or Google Play.