I’ve been reflecting on bonding with your puppy and relationships—both with the people we love and the dogs we bring into our families.

I lost my grandma, Ina. She was 98 years old, and for as long as I can remember, she was a source of comfort, wisdom, and stability in my life. We grew up in the house next door to hers, with nothing but a sidewalk between us. Some of my earliest memories are of sneaking over to her house early in the mornings for breakfast, sitting under the big walnut tree in her yard, and eating her Sunday fried chicken.

She taught me what it means to love someone fiercely while also holding them to standards that help them grow. She always had candy in a jar for us, but we had to ask first. She loved us, but there were boundaries, and those boundaries were part of what made our relationship strong and safe.

Love and Boundaries Go Hand in Hand

When people ask whether relationships or training should come first with a puppy, I say they go hand in hand. Love is the most powerful motivator, but trust, which grows from healthy boundaries, is essential for both you and your dog to thrive when bonding with your puppy.

When you bring home a new puppy, they may be shy or reserved. It’s normal for them to test boundaries, just as teenagers do with parents they trust. Dogs need to know what’s expected of them, and that you will hold the line consistently. This is what builds trust and makes them feel safe in your home.

The Role of Boundaries in Building Trust

It might feel counterintuitive, but boundaries create freedom for your dog. Without them, your puppy won’t know what to expect from you, leading to anxiety and uncertainty. But with clear, consistent boundaries, your dog knows they can rely on you, just like I could rely on my grandma.

At Cornerstone Dog Training, we often see owners who want to love their dogs well but hesitate to establish boundaries, worried it will hurt the relationship. The truth is the opposite: training is an act of love. It teaches your puppy how to live confidently in your world and builds a relationship based on mutual respect and trust, supporting your bonding with your puppy goals.

Our Puppy Training Program is designed to build that trust, from day one. It includes all of the tools you will need to start off right. We will send you our Puppy Training Secrets book, leash, training videos and even your own food training pouch.

It’s Okay to Use Food—But It’s More Than That

Just like my grandma’s candy jar made her home inviting, using treats during training can help your puppy feel comfortable and connected with you while bonding with your puppy. However, remember that the relationship isn’t just about treats or affection—it’s about structure and trust.

When you teach your puppy boundaries and engage in training games, you’re speaking your dog’s language of trust. You’re telling them, “You can count on me to guide you,” and that builds a relationship that is both loving and respectful.

Relationships Are Eternal

I believe that the love and trust we build with our pets are part of that eternal connection. So make the relationship with your puppy count. Invest the time to train them with love and boundaries so you can both thrive and build a lasting bond.

Because love matters.
Boundaries matter.
And the relationship you build while bonding with your puppy today will shape your lives together forever.

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Ready to build trust and a lasting relationship with your puppy?
Our proven puppy training programs at Cornerstone Dog Training will help you create structure while strengthening the love you already have for your dog.

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#trust #boundries # relationships #puppy #dog #mansbestfriend

Additional links mentioned in this podcast:

www.cornerstonedog.com

www.facebook.com/cornerstonedog

About the Author

Jason has always loved animals, psychology, and teaching people but the reality was he had never owned a dog in his LIFE! Becoming a dog trainer seemed to me like a hare-brained idea, but Jason (being a determined soul) convinced a mentor trainer to let us pay him to teach us. Read more about Jason and the team here.