Establish Trust
We know it’s hard not to want to smother a puppy with cuddles and kisses, but it’s important to allow your new buddy a little independence. Give him the opportunity to explore his surroundings safely and allow him to discover his new roommates on his own terms. Socializing your pup early on will make for a well-adjusted and sociable adult dog.
Play Frisbee with your dog
Another way to bond with your dog is to play Frisbee with him. Take him out to a park or to your yard, if you have enough room, and spend at least 15 minutes tossing the Frisbee to your dog, letting him catch it in his mouth, and waiting for him to bring it back to you. This game can give both you and your dog a great workout and can make you feel even closer to each other.
Be Consistent
Equally important, a human-canine relationship must be built on mutual trust, and you must be consistent with your training and expectations. A puppy (or adult dog) should not be worried about how his owner is going to react from day to day. It is unfair to allow an adorable 8-week-old puppy on the furniture today but scold him when he is a 60-pound adult dog trying to sleep in your lap.
Give It Time
The more time you spend together, the more comfortable your new buddy will be around you. If this means just hanging out on the couch, going on a car ride together, or taking a stroll around the neighborhood, it all counts—your buddy will just be thrilled to be around you.
This day is the perfect time to not only reconnecting with your furry family member, but also to consider how you can help society realize the importance of dogs and how their treatment should become more humane.