How to Bond With Your Dog: Everyday Tips for a Closer Connection

Bonding With Your Dog Key Points

• Bonding with your dog starts with trust, routine, and consistent communication
• At-home grooming is a powerful bonding tool
• Establishing predictable routines for feeding, walking, and grooming
• Mental stimulation through training and enrichment games
• Rescue dogs require extra patience and gentle handling

Introduction

Bonding with your dog starts long before playtime or training—it begins in the quiet, everyday moments, like brushing their coat or gently cleaning their paws. Grooming isn’t just about hygiene; it’s a powerful way to build trust, reduce anxiety, and strengthen your connection. For rescue dogs especially, these hands-on routines can become a bridge from fear to friendship. Whether you're a new pet parent or looking to deepen your bond with a longtime companion, this guide shares expert-approved, heart-centered strategies that put trust—and touch—at the core of your relationship.

Keep reading to discover expert-backed tips on how to bond with your dog through trust-building routines, daily grooming, and meaningful connection!

Step 1: Understand How Dogs Bond (and Why It Matters)

Before you can build a meaningful connection, you need to understand how dogs form attachments, show trust, and interpret your behavior.

The Science Behind the Bond

Dogs and humans have evolved to connect—literally.

• Oxytocin release (aka the "love hormone") increases during positive interaction between you and your dog.
• Eye contact and shared routines stimulate emotional regulation and reduce stress—for both of you.
• Predictability and clear cues help dogs feel safe, laying the groundwork for lasting trust.

“Dogs don’t just read body language—they depend on it to feel secure.” -Nadia Bongelli, award-winning dog groomer

Signs Your Dog Trusts You

Not all trust looks like tail-wagging enthusiasm. Here are a few subtle indicators:

If you’re still wondering how to get a dog to like you, these signs are your starting point.

Step 2: Build Trust Through Daily Routines

Dogs thrive on consistency. Establishing predictable, positive routines helps them feel secure and more open to bonding moments.

Feeding Time = Trust Time

Mealtime is more than calories—it's communication.

• Try hand-feeding to build comfort and positive association.
• Use structured mealtimes as an opportunity for basic training (like “sit” and “wait”).
• Stay present and calm to help dogs focus and feel safe.

Walks That Build Confidence

Every walk is a chance to connect.

• Let your dog sniff and explore—this mental stimulation builds trust.
• Stick to familiar routes at first before introducing new paths to avoid overwhelming them.
• Stay consistent with walking times to give your dog a sense of control.

Daily At-Home Grooming

Incorporating grooming into your dog’s daily routine isn’t just about hygiene—it’s about connection. Simple acts like brushing their coat, checking their ears, or gently handling their paws help your dog become comfortable with touch and teach them to trust your hands. Over time, these small rituals become moments of calm bonding, especially for anxious or rescue dogs who may not be used to human contact.

When done consistently, daily grooming builds your dog’s confidence, strengthens your communication, and makes handling easier during vet visits or full grooming session!

Respecting Boundaries

Especially with rescue dogs, pushing too hard can backfire.

• Let your dog initiate contact when possible.
• Avoid forcing petting or picking them up.
• Watch for signs of stress: lip licking, yawning, looking away, or stiff posture.

Step 3: Grooming Your Dog at Home: The Ultimate Bond-Builder

As we mentioned earlier, grooming isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s a hands-on way to build trust, reinforce calm behavior, and create shared moments of care.

Why Grooming Deepens Your Bond

Physical touch during grooming can promote oxytocin release and deepen emotional connection.

• Grooming teaches dogs to accept touch calmly.
• It reinforces your role as a trusted, gentle leader.
• Done correctly, it creates a positive sensory memory associated with you.

How to Make Grooming a Trust Ritual

Set your dog up for success by turning grooming into a calm, repeatable ritual.

• Create a quiet, non-slip space with familiar scents.
• Use gentle tools and go slowly.
• Pair grooming with verbal praise, treats, and patience.

Step 4: Engage Their Brain: Mental Stimulation Builds Trust Too

Mental enrichment builds trust by giving your dog a healthy outlet for energy and strengthening your communication as a team.

Enrichment Games & Puzzle Toys

Dogs love to solve problems, and doing so with you at their side builds a connection.

• Hide-and-seek with treats
• Puzzle feeders or snuffle mats
• Simple scent games or “find it” commands

Training = Teamwork

Training shouldn’t feel like discipline—it’s a mutual language.

Step 5: How to Bond With a Rescue Dog (or Any Dog Who’s Been Through Trauma)

If you’re wondering how to get a rescue dog to trust you, the key is empathy, patience, and predictability.

Go Slow, Be Predictable

Traumatized dogs often flinch at sudden movements or loud voices.

• Avoid direct eye contact at first—let them come to you
• Keep a routine for meals, walks, and rest
• Celebrate tiny milestones (like approaching you for a treat)

Gentle Grooming for Nervous Dogs

Touch must always be respectful.

• Introduce tools one at a time
• Use low-stress handling: avoid pinning or restraining
• Reward any calm behavior with soft praise and treats

Grooming as Therapy: Rebuilding Trust Over Time

Even a few minutes of brushing can be deeply healing. For dogs who’ve experienced neglect, trauma, or inconsistent handling, gentle grooming becomes a safe, predictable way to relearn human touch. The repetition of calm strokes, soft praise, and positive reinforcement helps regulate their nervous system and associate you with comfort rather than fear. 

Over time, these quiet moments can become some of the most meaningful in your bond—where connection is built not through commands, but through patience, presence, and care.

10 (Bonus) Expert Tips to Strengthen the Bond with Your Dog

“You’ll find that you’ll have an easier time grooming your dog at home if you learn how to communicate with your dog … [and] gauge how your pet is feeling. Grooming your pet at home is a cooperative activity. It’s teamwork.” - Nadia Bongelli, award-winning dog groomer and Paw Parent Academy instructor 

1. Talk to your dog throughout the day—they know your voice.
2. Sit on the floor at their level to make interactions less intimidating.
3. Let them sleep near you if they feel comfortable.
4. Use massage techniques to relax their muscles and reduce anxiety.
5. Take car rides together for fun—not just the vet!
6. Share structured playtime, like fetch or tug-of-war with clear rules.
7. Make eye contact during positive moments (but avoid eye contact during stress).
8. Use enrichment feeders during solo time to reduce separation anxiety.
9. Avoid scolding—redirect instead.
10. Celebrate small victories (like a calm nail trim) with a mini treat party.

Final Thoughts: Bonding Is Built in the Everyday

Bonding with your dog isn’t a single moment—it’s a collection of everyday actions. Through grooming, training, routines, and shared moments, you build trust that lasts a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bonding With Your Dog

How long does it take to get a dog bonded to you?

It varies—some dogs bond in days, others take months. Rescue dogs often need longer to feel safe.

What are some signs your dog is bonded to you?

Following you, leaning on you, sleeping near you, and soft, relaxed body language are all good signs.

What are signs that my dog is starting to trust me?

They approach you willingly, expose their belly, or let you touch sensitive areas like paws or ears.

How do I deepen my bond with my dog?

Stay consistent with routines, training, grooming, and quality time. Learn their cues and respond with empathy.

What is the 90/10 rule for dogs?

Spend 90% of your time reinforcing positive behavior, and only 10% correcting unwanted behavior—through redirection, not punishment.

How do I get a dog to like me if they’re shy or anxious?

Let them come to you, avoid eye contact, use a soft voice, and reward calm behaviors. Respect their pace.

How do I bond with a rescue dog who’s scared of touch?

Start with routine, calm proximity. Use tools like treats and gentle grooming to create positive associations.

What if my dog doesn’t enjoy playtime?

Try different types of enrichment: sniffing games, mental puzzles, or even slow, scenic walks.

Can grooming really help me bond with my dog?

Absolutely. Grooming provides structured, physical closeness that builds trust and communication.

What are some bonding activities to do with your dog?

Training, play, walks, grooming, scent games, massage, and just chilling together while respecting their space.

How can you bond with a dog that doesn’t like you?

Consistency, kindness, and patience are key. Focus on trust-building routines and let the dog set the pace.