Building Trust with Your New Adult Aussie and Establishing a Strong Bond

Bringing home an adult Australian Shepherd is an exciting chapter, but it’s also an adjustment for both you and your new dog. As a breed, Aussies are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and deep attachment to their families. For your new adult Aussie, the process of building trust and forming a bond takes patience, consistency, and love. Here’s how you can create a strong connection while helping them feel safe and secure in their new environment.

Step 1: Set the Foundation of Trust

Your Aussie is stepping into a brand-new world with you, leaving behind familiar surroundings and relationships. Building trust starts with showing them they’re safe and respected in your care.

1. Give Them Time to Adjust:

Your Aussie might need a few days or weeks to feel comfortable. Let them explore their new surroundings at their own pace. Avoid overwhelming them with too much attention or stimulation right away.

2. Provide a Safe Space:

Set up a cozy, quiet area where your dog can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. A crate with soft bedding or a quiet corner in your home can give them a sense of security.

3. Be Calm and Consistent:

Aussies are highly intuitive and can pick up on your emotions. Staying calm, patient, and consistent in your actions will help reassure them as they adjust to their new life with you.

Step 2: Build the Relationship Through Positive Experiences

Creating positive interactions will strengthen your bond and help your Aussie associate you with good things.

1. Use Positive Reinforcement:

Reward your dog with treats, praise, or play whenever they display desired behavior, like coming when called or calmly following your lead. Positive reinforcement helps create trust and confidence.

2. Spend Quality Time Together:

Toy Aussies thrive on being part of the family. Dedicate time to activities like gentle play, short training sessions, or quiet companionship. Even sitting near them while reading or watching TV helps build a sense of togetherness.

3. Stick to a Routine:

Aussies love structure, and having predictable meal times, walks, and play sessions will help them feel secure. Over time, they’ll begin to anticipate and enjoy your daily rhythms.

4. Go Slowly with New Experiences:

If your Aussie seems cautious or unsure about new situations (like meeting visitors or encountering loud noises), don’t rush them. Let them approach at their own comfort level, and reward them for staying calm.

Step 3: Deepen Your Bond Through Trust and Communication

Once your Aussie feels more at home, the real bonding begins. At this stage, they’re learning to look to you for guidance, affection, and reassurance.

1. Engage Their Mind:

Aussies are incredibly intelligent and need mental stimulation to feel fulfilled. Teach them new commands, practice tricks, or introduce puzzle toys to keep them engaged.

2. Explore Together:

Whether it’s a walk around the block or a hike in nature, shared adventures help create a strong connection. Your Aussie will start seeing you as their trusted partner in exciting experiences.

3. Respect Their Boundaries:

Some Aussies take longer to fully trust, especially if they’ve had a strong bond with a previous owner. Let them come to you for affection instead of forcing it, and respect their signals if they seem nervous or unsure.

4. Provide a “Job”:

Aussies are natural workers and love having a purpose. Simple tasks like fetching a ball, helping with chores, or practicing agility exercises will help them feel fulfilled and deepen your relationship.

Step 4: Solidify the Bond with Patience and Love

By the three-month mark, your Aussie should feel more settled and comfortable, but your bond will continue to grow over time.

1. Be Their Constant:

Aussies are known for being “velcro dogs,” forming deep attachments to their humans. Show them you’ll always be there by being dependable, loving, and engaged.

2. Celebrate Their Progress:

Notice and appreciate the little victories, whether it’s them curling up beside you for the first time or confidently walking into a new space. These milestones are signs of their growing trust in you.

3. Continue Training and Bonding Activities:

Strengthen your bond with ongoing training, games, and activities that challenge their body and mind. Training isn’t just about obedience—it’s a form of communication and connection.

4. Show Unconditional Love:

Your Aussie wants nothing more than to be part of your family. Show them love and care, and they’ll repay you with loyalty, affection, and a lifelong bond.

Final Thoughts

Building trust with your new adult Aussie takes time, but it’s a journey worth every moment. With patience, consistency, and positive experiences, you’ll form a connection that’s unbreakable. Once your Aussie feels secure, they’ll reward you with unwavering loyalty, endless affection, and all the joy that comes with having such a special dog by your side.

For more information read the previous Blog Post titles “What to Know About the Adjustment Process for a Young Adult Toy Australian Shepherd”