How to build a bond with a new pet
Building a bond with a new pet requires patience, understanding, and the right approach. This article offers valuable insights from experienced veterinarians and animal behaviorists on fostering a strong connection with your new companion. Discover effective strategies to create a loving and trusting relationship that will last a lifetime.
- Create Structure and Allow Trust to Develop
- Let Your Pet Approach You Naturally
- Use Positive Reinforcement to Build Connections
- Establish Calm Daily Rituals for Security
- Incorporate Short Training Sessions into Daily Life
Create Structure and Allow Trust to Develop
The number one piece of advice I give to new pet parents looking to build a strong bond with their newly adopted dog is this: slow down and be present—consistency, patience, and positive interaction are everything in those first few weeks.
In my years running a pet care business in Plano, Texas, I’ve worked with countless newly adopted dogs—from energetic puppies to older rescues—and the most effective bonding always happens when owners create structure while allowing space for trust to develop. Dogs thrive on predictability. Establishing a consistent daily routine for feeding, walks, training, and rest helps your new pet feel safe and secure in their environment, which is the foundation for any meaningful connection.
One of the most powerful bonding activities I recommend is engaged, reward-based training—even just 10 minutes a day. Use positive reinforcement methods (like treats, praise, and affection) to teach simple commands like “sit,” “stay,” or “come.” Training isn’t just about obedience—it’s about communication. When a dog understands what you’re asking and is rewarded for responding, it builds trust, confidence, and mutual respect.
Another underrated yet effective bonding tool is touch with intention—gentle grooming, brushing, or massage. It not only relaxes your pet but also helps them get comfortable with human handling, especially if they’ve had a rough start. As someone who also provides grooming services, I’ve seen firsthand how these moments can deepen trust and ease anxiety.
Lastly, just spend time coexisting calmly—sit together while watching TV, take a slow walk, or simply hang out in the same room without pressure. Not every moment needs to be structured. Let your dog come to you, explore, and learn that you’re a reliable, comforting presence.
Bonding isn’t instant—it’s built day by day. But when you approach it with compassion, patience, and consistency, the connection you create will be lasting and truly rewarding for both of you.
Shannon Griffin
Owner of Hound Therapy Llc, Hound Therapy
Let Your Pet Approach You Naturally
Being a pet behavior specialist for over three decades, I’ve found that consistency and patience are absolutely key in those first few weeks. One of my most successful bonding techniques is simply sitting quietly in the same room as your new pet while reading or working, which lets them approach you on their own terms. I recently did this with a nervous Belgian Malinois who transformed from hiding under furniture to voluntarily lying at my feet within just three days. Instead of forcing interactions, I recommend creating positive associations through food puzzles or gentle training sessions where treats are involved, keeping sessions short and always ending on a positive note.
Mark Spivak
Founder, Comprehensive Pet Therapy (CPT)
Use Positive Reinforcement to Build Connections
As a fur parent to an adopted pup, and someone who sees countless caring connections made between my customers and their four-legged companions, my number one piece of advice in establishing a strong bond is to use positive reinforcement.
Especially when it comes to dogs, many animals respond exceptionally well when rewarded for good behavior. Not only will this help you to train your pet, but the newest member of your family will begin to create positive associations with you. What’s more, through the training process, you’ll be spending quality time together, which builds trust and familiarity.
I recommend using a combination of rewards, including treats, praise, and affection. Choosing a tasty treat is especially effective because it’s highly motivating. It provides an immediate, tangible reward that captures your pet’s attention, while triggering pleasure and excitement that become associated with you.
Pairing treats with praise and affection further strengthens the bond. Dogs and other pets are naturally social animals that crave connection, so using a warm and encouraging tone when giving praise, as well as pats and cuddles, helps your new pet feel safe, supported, and emotionally connected to your family.
Veronika Karubian
Founder & CEO, BioPup
Establish Calm Daily Rituals for Security
Building trust takes time, but consistency, calm energy, and presence are everything. One of the most effective ways to bond with a newly adopted pet is through a simple daily ritual, such as hand-feeding, taking quiet walks, or simply sitting together without pressure. These low-stimulation moments help your dog feel secure in your presence and begin to form positive associations.
Avoid overwhelming them with too many new people, places, or commands early on. Let them decompress and observe at their own pace. The strongest bonds I’ve seen form are when pet parents stay patient, let the animal lead emotionally, and respond with steady routines and kindness.
Connection isn’t built through grand gestures, but one safe moment at a time.
Omar Malaika
Co-Founder, Soluky pet
Incorporate Short Training Sessions into Daily Life
The number one piece of advice I’d give: Make bonding part of your everyday life – not just during walks. Small, consistent moments of connection build lasting trust.
What’s worked best for me? Short, positive training sessions using rewards and clear communication. At Hundeo, we focus on science-based, reward-driven methods – because they strengthen the relationship, reduce stress, and make learning fun for both dog and human.
One strategy I always recommend: Trick training. It’s fun, mentally stimulating, and gives you shared wins. A strong bond is built through shared experiences – and nothing beats the joy of learning something new together.
Enrico Bachmann
Founder, Hundeo