Bringing your new puppy home is just about the most exciting thing on the planet. Possibly the best thing you’ll experience ever in your life. However, once they’re settled, it can be really disheartening when they don’t seem to feel as connected to you as you are to them. Kind of feels like being in the friend zone, only ten times worse. Lucky for you, we’re here to help out with falling in love and bonding with your significant other, your puppy that is.
Here at Zigzag, we hear from many owners who are struggling to bond with their puppies, so you should not be alone in these awkward times. We’ve got to say, though – unlike your dating life, it’s likely that the problem is you. But no worries, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll share all our secrets and advice with 10 ways to get your puppy to like you.
While you’re here, why not download the Zigzag puppy training app? You’ll get a complete training programme tailored to your dog’s breed type and age. We even have a team of puppy experts available in the app 24/7 to help you with anything and everything to do with your pup.
Why is my puppy wary of me?
Arriving into a new home is stressful for pups, no matter how lovely it is. Their whole world just got turned upside down, away from their siblings and mother for the first time, so it’s quite normal if your pup is wary of you; there’s a lot to take in.
Just think about your first day at school when you were young. New environments can be really overwhelming, right?
What is the importance of bonding with my puppy?
Bonding with your puppy is incredibly important. It sets the foundations of your relationship, which will hopefully turn into a long, happy fun filled life together. Bonding is key since it builds trust between you and your pup, which needs this trust to feel safe and secure.
You definitely want to work on them feeling safe since only then will they be open enough to train, learn new lessons and tricks.
Okay, enough talking. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty 10 ways to get your puppy to like you:
1. Patience
Here at Zigzag we talk about being patient a lot. It’s truly important though; puppies and dogs are super loving, but it takes time for this to grow and isn’t necessarily going to happen naturally. Part of being patient means giving your pup the space they need to settle in and get to know you to build a strong, steady bond over time.
2. Food
Yup, just like with humans, the way to a pup’s heart is very often through their tummy. Feeding your pup at regular mealtimes, tossing treats and preparing stuffed kongs will all help your pup see you as the greatest thing ever! This is not bribing, by the way; you literally are their caregiver and guardian, responsible for providing them with food.
3. Training
Positive reward based training will help your bond with your pup develop and grow. We swear by it here at Zigzag. Dogs naturally love to learn new commands, whether it’s obedience training or some fun tricks. Taking the time to learn and teach them together will all help to build and strengthen your bond with your pup; this is actually a big priority. Getting it right will happen anyway…eventually. And with lots of patience. And treats.
4. Play
Play is a great way to bond with your puppy. A fun-filled play session such as a game of fetch will help show your pup you really are truly the life of the party. Playing floods your puppy with happy chemicals in the brain, so they’ll grow fond of you pretty quickly.
When they’re young and small, start playing short easy games in a familiar environment like your kitchen or living room, and slowly take it outside to the garden, and eventually into the local park.
5. Grooming
Even if your puppy is a short haired breed that doesn’t require much grooming, grooming is a great tool for bonding. Research shows that puppies (and their fellow humans) feel good and relaxed after a grooming session, which might look anything from giving them a bath, to brushing their coat, to trimming their nails. Hold off the nail trimming for now – that’s probably a bit too scary.
6. Comfort and reassurance
You’ll often hear people refer to leaving pups to ‘cry it out’. This is where you leave them to cry until they settle, no matter how long that takes. Here at Zigzag, we really don’t recommend this approach at all. Actually, it’s quite a red flag. Let’s avoid it completely.
Your pup needs to learn they can rely on you. Giving them all the comfort and reassurance they need when they are young will help them trust you and their independence grow. It also prevents separation anxiety from developing later on, so make sure to provide them cuddles, pets, and patience when they need it – especially on their first nights in their new home.
7. Do fun stuff together
Puppies are bundles of energy, keen and ready to explore the world. Doing lots of fun things can be tricky before they’ve had their vaccinations since going outside for a walk isn’t possible yet. But while you’re waiting to get the green light from the vet, there are still plenty of things you can get up to at home, starting with basic training and a couple of tricks if they’re feeling up for it.
If you manage to keep them off the floor outside, you can also take them for a ride in the car or take them for a ‘walk’ while in your arms or in a puppy pushchair.
8. Ear rubs
Dogs love having their ears rubbed. There’s that sweet spot just behind their ears; it’s packed with nerve endings and when gently scratched, it will release loads of endorphins that will make your pup feel like they’re on top of the world.
9. Eye contact
Eye contact is everything, especially with puppies. They really thrive on it. When you’re talking to them or giving them commands, making eye contact with them can really help strengthen your bond and build trust between you. We’ve heard you’ve got enchanting eyes, so it’ll probably be a treat for them as well.
10. Have a chat
They probably won’t understand what you’re saying word for word, but your voice is soothing and familiar for your pup to hear, kind of like with human babies. Your tone and the affection in your voice is comforting for your pup, if you use it nicely, of course.
Hopefully, now you see, there are plenty of things you can do to get your puppy to like you. It’s basically learning how to charm them with fun, treats and comfort. Take your time working this in daily with your pup, and your bond will be unbreakable.
What not to do if your puppy isn’t sure of you
So you’ve heard all the good advice for ‘do’s’. Below, we’ve mentioned some things that can get in the way of there being a connection between you two, so you should definitely avoid them.
1. Don’t shout at your puppy
We know it can be hard to remain calm and patient when your pup is really bitey or peeing all over the house. But getting cross isn’t going to help with either of those things, and will just make you look scary to your pup. Not a great way to get a puppy to like you, is it?
2. Don’t ignore your puppy
In the beginning, puppies are scared and unsure about everything around them. They’ll need plenty of reassurance and comfort in the early weeks/ months, so if you do the opposite and let them cry it out on their own, it will make them think they can’t rely on or trust you; damaging your bond.
3. Avoid picking your puppy up
Being picked up is actually quite daunting for many dogs. It’s often better to find another way to comfort them or get them where you need them to be rather than just picking them up.
During toilet training you might need to get them out quickly, and it may be necessary, but other than that avoid it where you can. It won’t help your bond if your pup is wary, thinking they are going to be grabbed all the time.
4. Forcing them to do stuff they find scary
Your puppy won’t trust you if you put them in situations they find scary or uncomfortable. ‘Facing their fears’ doesn’t really work for puppies, and it actually does a lot of damage. Your puppy’s body language will give you clear signs if they are feeling unsure or uncomfortable, which means you have to slow down and take it at their pace, or simply stop in your tracks.
5. Leave them alone too much
It’s a bit of a given that pups can’t cope being alone. They’re incredibly social animals and are always looking for company. Be sure to make time for your pup and ensure they are happy and entertained when you can’t be there. If you need to work from the office, doggy day care and pet sitters can be a great option to keep your pup happy and fulfilled.
How will I know if my puppy starts to like me?
Your pup’s body language will speak volumes, so watch closely. If they are relaxed, follow you around and choose to settle next to you when you are around, there’s a good chance your puppy likes you. Pat yourself on the back!
There we go, 10 ways to get a puppy to like you done and dusted. We’re so excited to hear how your bond with your pup has been developing; we’re sure you’ll do just fine. You’ll see for yourself that your heart will grow bigger when you see progress.
While you’re here, why not check out our article on why does my dog follow me everywhere, or look at our full puppy behaviour guide? They have many tips and good advice for those first moments with your pup at home. Trust us, there’s a long way to go, but it’s a lovely road.
For more detailed, personalised lesson plans, remember to download the Zigzag Puppy Training App! Together with the team of puppy experts on hand 24/7, we’ll help you navigate puppyhood like no other.
