How long to bond with a dog?
01-30-15, 12:45 AM
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How long to bond with a dog?
Okay, back story can be found in https://www.bikeforums.net/foo/917014...ese-parts.html- a little over a year old at this point and figured I'd start fresh.
Anyways, I kinda have a small dilemma on my hands. I have started the application process with the only guide dog program that I could find that doesn't require O & M training (using the white cane) and one reference check away before going to the Selection Committee. They offer a variety of breeds (waiting lists for some of them) and have a 4 week training/pairing cycle that takes place on their campus.
However, I started O & M training at the beginning of the year (which is progressing quite nicely according to my trainer) and my trainer doesn't think that the program I applied to is one of the better choices that I could've made. She suggests another program that I actually liked initially, but allowed my wife to talk me out of considering it- and that's my problem.
I have my wife who I have known ~17 years now and she doesn't think that two weeks is enough time to bond with a dog, given my personality and that I've never really been around dogs. On the other hand, I've known my trainer for ~30 days and she is of the opinion that two weeks is plenty of time, given the extensive screening and training guide dogs receive before they are paired with their human.
FWIW, here's a link to the suggested program- Partnering people who are blind with guide dogs at no charge | Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Anyways, I kinda have a small dilemma on my hands. I have started the application process with the only guide dog program that I could find that doesn't require O & M training (using the white cane) and one reference check away before going to the Selection Committee. They offer a variety of breeds (waiting lists for some of them) and have a 4 week training/pairing cycle that takes place on their campus.
However, I started O & M training at the beginning of the year (which is progressing quite nicely according to my trainer) and my trainer doesn't think that the program I applied to is one of the better choices that I could've made. She suggests another program that I actually liked initially, but allowed my wife to talk me out of considering it- and that's my problem.
I have my wife who I have known ~17 years now and she doesn't think that two weeks is enough time to bond with a dog, given my personality and that I've never really been around dogs. On the other hand, I've known my trainer for ~30 days and she is of the opinion that two weeks is plenty of time, given the extensive screening and training guide dogs receive before they are paired with their human.
FWIW, here's a link to the suggested program- Partnering people who are blind with guide dogs at no charge | Guide Dogs for the Blind.
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01-30-15, 06:19 AM
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Is the question how long will it take for you to bond with the dog, or how long will it take the dog to bond with you? Seems like there's been enough time for the dog to bond to you, as long as you two have been working together. Do you like the dog?
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01-30-15, 07:36 AM
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The answer is going to be specific to you and your situation. I bonded with my dog right away, but I got her as a puppy, which might make a difference. The adult dog that we had adopted years ago took much longer to bond with, but she came with her own problems that were difficult to deal with. In her case, it took a few months to really bond with her. You will likely be working with a well-adjusted adult dog which you'll be working with throughout the day. I'm guessing you'll bond within a couple of days. But who knows.
01-30-15, 09:22 AM
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After a few days of free-and-easy dog food it should know who the master is/should have bonded with you. 
01-30-15, 09:48 AM
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It really depends on you and the dog, a few years ago we were at a shelter and picked up a dog who bonded with me almost instantly. We have another dog who's ok with me but is almost ridiculously obsessed with my wife.
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01-30-15, 12:24 PM
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Shoot, we had a rescue Taiwanese street dog that never bonded with us... and we had her 15 long months.
But for something bred and trained for this... even 2 weeks seems short.
But for something bred and trained for this... even 2 weeks seems short.
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01-30-15, 12:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Artkansas
Is the question how long will it take for you to bond with the dog, or how long will it take the dog to bond with you? Seems like there's been enough time for the dog to bond to you, as long as you two have been working together. Do you like the dog?
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01-30-15, 01:53 PM
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service dogs aren't really trained as you would a typical dog
01-30-15, 02:24 PM
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You Know!? For Kids!
6 feet 3 and a half inches?
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01-30-15, 02:32 PM
#11
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Originally Posted by no1mad
There is no dog yet. And I suppose that the more pertinent question is "how long before it responds/respects my command?", given that I have kids that will be doing their best to treat it as a pet.
And the kids will be instructed not to treat it as a pet, those are the rules.
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01-30-15, 05:02 PM
#12
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This will be a well trained dog so the handling aspect will be a learning curve for you, not the dog. The dog will be obedient almost immediately but it won't know you or the family for a few weeks. After a month, it will be pretty much bonded but if you aren't a dog person, it may take you a while to bond to it. Keep in mind, if you treat him poorly he may walk you into an oncoming bus.
01-30-15, 09:42 PM
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Originally Posted by no1mad
However, I started O & M training at the beginning of the year (which is progressing quite nicely according to my trainer) and my trainer doesn't think that the program I applied to is one of the better choices that I could've made. She suggests another program that I actually liked initially, but allowed my wife to talk me out of considering it- and that's my problem.
I have my wife who I have known ~17 years now and she doesn't think that two weeks is enough time to bond with a dog, given my personality and that I've never really been around dogs. On the other hand, I've known my trainer for ~30 days and she is of the opinion that two weeks is plenty of time, given the extensive screening and training guide dogs receive before they are paired with their human.
.
As said previously- the dog is trained to bond to you.
01-30-15, 09:44 PM
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Originally Posted by jdon
Keep in mind, if you treat him poorly he may walk you into an oncoming bus.
01-30-15, 10:56 PM
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Your initial relationship with the dog will be master/servant as the dog is trained to guide you and it knows that its job is to get you around safely. It will take a little time to bond with the dog and learn its personality and for it to learn yours. I wouldn't worry about bonding, it will happen with time.
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01-30-15, 11:02 PM
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Have a contest with the eligible dogelorette(s). Whoever can resist the temptation of a Milk Bone on the nose the longest wins. Let the dog win by just a little. IOW, bonding time? YMMV
02-02-15, 03:04 PM
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Just in case anyone was curious, the wife caved without rolling her eyes 
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