Bonding with a new dog

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GinaB

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How long did it take you to bond with your dog? I got my mini schnauzer as a pup and she was my little buddy that went everywhere with me. She's 13 now so has a quieter life at my parents!
I got my lab x rottie as a 2 year old and we clicked immediately. I've only had my new girl 3 weeks and haven't bonded. It feels weird now to have bonded with her straight away considering my other two. :-/ as I say though, it's only been 3 weeks so plenty to work on! :-)
 
The puppies were immediate - who doesnt love a puppy??
My saluki x whippet bitch took probably only a couple of days as I loved her character and opinions.
My latest saluki x Afghan boy was the hardest of all as he was adolescent with no boundaries or self control. He's been here a few months now and I realised the other day that we've clicked now. He's still a pain in the butt but I no longer want to make him into a rug! ;-)
 
She's an 18 month old lab, I'd say working strain. Like Baileybones saluki x afghan cross she has NO boundaries or self control so I do wonder if my frustration is preventing a true bond. She is learning every day though and is a very friendly dog we've just got a long journey to go! :-) also the poor thing came into season after being here a week, I feel dreadfully sorry for her although she's in good enough form you can just tell she doesn't feel right.
 
When I got what's now big lad as a puppy, I adored him and felt incredibly protective of him. However, I'd be fibbing if I said I liked him! We get on very well these days but in all honesty I didn't like him much until he was trained up and not quite so terribly naughty. Yes very much hubby's dog these days. Little one on the other hand... He's my bud and has been since we first clapped eyes on each other!

So it can take time for a bond to form even with a pup in my experience, depends on the personalities involved!
 
Alfie was 18 months when he came from the rescue. He'd been dumped, sprung from kennels and then fostered but somewhere where he was crated for a lot of the time.
He came with the enthusiasm and energy of a puppy but was the size of a small pony! He was a repeat offender and I swear he thought I'd changed his name to 'NO!!!!' for at least the first month.
He is now a lot more settled and understands the routine and the mania is less frequent. Good luck with your girl - I'm sure you have lots of good times ahead.
 
Took me weeks, even though they were puppies. I think once their personalities emerged and they started responding, I clicked. When they responded to training, it all fell into place.
 
With the puppies I would say until their little personalities came out. With our rescue dog Milo, it was love at first sight. He ran straight to me and when I knelt down rested his head on my shoulder. We promised him we would come back for him and 3 days later after the home check, we did. As the kennel lady was walking him up, he saw us and pulled the lead out of her hand and ran to us. My favourite picture of him is that day. He's in my OH's arms and looking at him like he adores him already.
 
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