The idea that the bond between service dogs and their recipient is identical to the bond between pet dogs and their owners is a common misconception. While there are similarities between these two types of relationships, service dog bonding is incredibly important to successful outcomes, for both members of the service dog team.
Putnam Service Dogs focuses heavily on dog bonding from the first day they adopt a pup, all the way through to meeting and training with recipients. Service dogs and their recipients enjoy a very special relationship with one another – a relationship that improves the quality of life for both. Learning how to bond with a dog is an important step in that journey.
The Importance of Building a Friendship with a Service Dog
Aside from bringing both the recipient and the service dog years of joy, the benefits of building a friendship with a service dog are many. In fact, there are three primary objectives associated with service dog bonding. First, friendship builds trust that creates opportunities for training and interaction. Second, bonding enhances synergy and communication which helps the relationship grow. Finally, building a friendship with a service dog builds positive associations and creates a powerful link between service dogs and their recipients – and vice versa.
Common Fears about Dog Bonding
Service dog bonding requires time and effort, but it also requires overcoming some common fears. For instance, some recipients worry they may be unable to effectively read their dogs’ cues, while others aren’t confident they know how to properly care for a service dog. Furthermore, in the first few weeks together, miscommunication and misunderstood cues are common, which could make some recipients wonder if the pairing will be successful. At Putnam Service Dogs, we anticipate these fears and take steps to alleviate them.
Our team focuses on creating a successful match from the start, allowing dogs and potential recipients time to meet and acclimate to one another. Ultimately, the service dog’s preferences matter just as much as the recipient’s. Our goal is to create an ideal situation that facilitates bonding based on the way dogs and recipients react to, work with, and enjoy being with one another.
Our training process meets and even exceeds the regulations set forth by the International Association of Service Dog Partners. Every dog receives more than the recommended 120 hours of training over a period of six or more months, and we devote 30 or more hours to public outings to teach the dogs to work obediently and unobtrusively in these spaces. Each dog is trained to meet the needs of the recipient through specific disability-related tasks, and this takes another four to six months and generally occurs after the dog has been matched to a recipient.
Importantly, Putnam Service Dogs places special importance on training recipients to work with their dogs. Helping recipients learn their dogs’ body language and practicing communication skills is vital to building the loving, trusting bond that dogs and recipients require for a good working relationship.
How to Successfully Bond with Your Service Dog
Learning how to bond with a dog is not a black-or-white process. Recipients and their service dogs, with expert guidance from a qualified trainer, will come to understand each other’s cues and signals with time. There are things that both trainers and recipients can do to make the bonding process easier and create a functional partnership. Bonding is all about getting to know each other by spending time together, learning about each other, and facilitating positive interactions.
Make Time for Your Bonding Experience
One of the most important things any service dog recipient can do to create a successful bond involves making plenty of time to spend with their dog. During this time, practice cues and use positive reinforcement. Most service dog trainers recommend multiple short training sessions mixed with plenty of time for play and rest. Through these frequent interactions, the bond between the recipient and service dog will form naturally. If the recipient gives the dog water when it’s thirsty, feeds it, as needed, gives it toys and a comfortable bed, this caretaking is noticed and appreciated by the dog.
Reward Your Service Dog
Rewarding your service dog is vital for the positive reinforcement that the dog needs for bonding. When the dog performs a cue correctly or responds appropriately to a situation, a treat often serves as the primary form of positive reinforcement that makes dog bonding possible. Treats may include food or physical touch accompanied by verbal praise. In some cases, the dog’s trainer may provide specific advice regarding the best “treat” for that specific dog.
Hand-Fed Meals
In some cases, service dog trainers recommend hand-feeding service animals their meals during the bonding process. When a recipient holds a dog’s food in hand, it builds trust with the service dog and reinforces good behavior by only allowing the dog to eat when it is calm or performing as requested. With time, the dog learns to remain calm around food, which can often improve mannerisms in other exciting situations.
Play With Your Service Dog
Service dogs love to play, but it is essential for them to understand the difference between play time and focus time. For this reason, recipients should never play with their service dogs when they’re working/wearing their vest, and they should have a clear cue – such as removing the dog’s vest and harness – that indicates play is welcomed. Play offers exercise and alleviates boredom and stress, which can further enhance dog bonding.
Leash Training
Because service dogs must be kept on leashes in public places, leash training is an essential part of preparing a dog for placement. It is essential that a service dog matches the gait, and speed of their recipient to maximize their assistance, and minimize pulling. By the time a service dog is placed by Putnam Service Dogs, the leash is not required as the dog has been taught to stay close by their recipient’s side off leash. Legally, the leash is required though. When a recipient practices leash training with their dog, it will serve as another way to bond with the dog. It is part of basic obedience training that starts at puppyhood and continues all throughout the dog’s life. Service dog trainers teach new recipients the basics and ensure that continued, proper leash training leads to a strong and confident relationship.
Consult With a Trainer
Recipients who are bonding with a dog are encouraged to reach out to a trainer with any questions or concerns they might have. Ideally, they should reach out to the trainer who worked with the dog from the beginning, because this is the individual who best understands the dog’s mannerisms and temperament. Putnam Service Dogs encourages their recipients to reach out with any concerns. Their trainer is incredibly responsive and available to recipients and volunteer puppy raisers.
The Advantages of Working with a Service Dog Organization that Prioritizes Dog Bonding
Whether you are thinking of volunteering to raise a puppy as a future service dog or you’re thinking of applying for a service dog, the advantages of working with Putnam Service Dogs are clear. We believe that the bond between a service dog and a volunteer or recipient is critical for everyone – including the service dog. Our caring and experienced trainer can alleviate fears, facilitate dog bonding practice, and help ensure recipients receive well-behaved, confident canines who are happy and focused.
Sources:
- 3 Tips For Bonding With a New Service Dog – Anything Pawsable
- Understanding Service Dogs: Their Functions and Interactions with People and Other Canines | LTC News
- Do You Hand Feed Your Dog – How To Do It And Why Should You Start Today (thedailytail.com)
- How to Train a Service Dog: Steps & Techniques You Must Know – ActiveDogs.com
Nancy Teague, the founder of Putnam Service Dogs, is a dedicated advocate who embodies the mission of the organization every single day. Alongside the passionate individuals who have joined the cause, she works tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of both people and dogs. With an unwavering commitment to championing service dogs, Nancy understands the transformative power that occurs when a service dog is matched with its recipient, forging a remarkable team.
