How and When to Give Your Dog Affection

What is an appropriate amount of affection to give a dog? Here are a few guidelines:

• When bringing a puppy into the home, give moderate affection while beginning to establish where they will stay (i.e., crate, kennel, confined area).
• DO NOT carry them around thinking it is helping them to bond with you. They will bond more naturally when they are allowed to walk around like dogs do. =) You can create problems with separation if you give too much affection initially (or at any time really).
• The first two weeks for a rescued dog are very important. I affectionately refer to them as “coma dogs” during that time when everything is perfect and we are amazed at how calm they are. Don’t mistake this as their full “potential.” Give affection for a reason as in with praise for good behavior. Let them adapt to their new environment slowly and remember that they are joining your family and not the other way around.
• Don’t mistake not giving affection with having to speak firmly and ignoring them. Just give balanced affection and attention so that they realize the order of things and where they fit. Changing the rules on them after the newness wears off isn’t fair to either of you.

Those are a few of the basic guidelines to follow. There are definitely other variables, but that’s for another post! For now, enjoy how to hug a Great Dane.