You've probably noticed that taking care of a dog requires a little bit of planning and preparation. When making the decision to bring a dog into your home, it is important to have a good idea of what to expect and how to handle any potential problems that will arise.
Before You Pick-up Your Dog
Before you leave to get your new dog, take a look around the house. Make sure that objects you do not want him to chew are safely stored or have been sprayed with a bitter spray that is non-toxic and which discourages chewing. Identify the rooms that he will have immediate access to and close the rest of the residence off using doors and dog gates.
These two steps are vital to preventing errors. By putting away the items he cannot chew and only giving him access to safe rooms at the start you prevent him from making mistakes.
Set-up the area that will be his space. Most dogs enjoy resting in their own crate. The crate should be large enough for the dog to be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down in comfortably. If bringing home a puppy, purchase a crate with dividers that allow you to make it bigger as he grows. Set the divider so that he has enough room to move but not enough space to eliminate in one area and retreat to the other side.
Add clean water and a chew toy with kibble and stuffing (peanut butter is popular) to his area.
Your Mindset
It is vital that you project the right leadership at the start. When you meet your new dog, be sure that you are calm and confident. Allow your dog to sniff at you and check you out before you make eye contact or touch him. Project a warm, authoritative energy that says to him that you are in control of things and that you will make sure he has a good life. Do not worry or even think about your dog's circumstances up this point in life (especially if he is a rescue and you feel bad for him). Instead meet him with the right attitude - that you are a good, strong person who is committed to his well being and who will provide him with the things he needs to be healthy and happy.
Put on Your Sneakers
When getting a puppy you have to be extra careful until his vaccinations are complete. You may want to consider carrying your puppy from the car to the residence to avoid the risk of him stepping in doggy wastes that other dogs may have left in the yard. Take him directly to his area and set him down, giving him room to explore his space. Welcome him with attention and treats. If he knows a basic command or two, have him perform and give him the reward.
If you're adopting an older dog, then before you bring him inside, hit the road and welcome him with a long walk. Bond with him as you join him in exploring the neighborhood. Walk him for as long as you can (45-60 minutes would be great!) and then bring him home and into his new space. Provide him with the fresh water you've previously prepared and let him rest.
Shots, Tags, and other fun items
If you haven't ordered one already, now's the time to get him a nametag with his name, phone number, and address on it. In addition, you should take him to the vet to get a general evaluation as well as any shots he needs. Be aware that he might have picked up something at the shelter, so if you have other pets make sure they are up to date on their shots before you bring him home.
If your new dog isn't spayed or neutered then you should have this done, unless you have specific plans for breeding your dog. Evidence suggests that spaying or neutering can have beneficial impacts on the dog's health and attitude as well as helping reduce the pet overpopulation problem.
A proper diet is also important. Your vet can advise you on the best dog food for your dog and on his nutritional needs. Stick to this advice as eating a balanced diet is helpful toward proper growth and ongoing health.
House Rules
Begin a training program at home to make sure you are teaching him the house rules. Set him up with appropriate items to chew, show him the right place to eliminate, and provide him with guidance about what behavior is acceptable. Keep in mind that telling him he cannot do something will not lead to him generalizing the behavior to other things that are similar in your mind but not necessarily in his. He may well learn to avoid chewing on your shoes, but what has he learned about chewing on your wallet? So make sure that you are showing him what to do.
House Training
Keep your dog in his area at the start. An easy to clean room - such as the kitchen or laundry room - is ideal. Keep your dog in his crate when you aren't able to supervise him. Establish a schedule for taking your dog out to eliminate. Young puppies will need to go out once an hour. If they don't eliminate at that time, bring them in and put them in their area. Check back in 30 minutes. When the dog is outside, encourage them to do their business. As soon as they do, reward lavishly (wait until they're done).
Once they've gone, give them a moment to play outside and then bring them inside for more play. Since you know they are empty, allow them into the previously forbidden rooms for a few minutes of fun.
Repeating this process, especially the treats for eliminating, will quickly show your dog what you want and that ample rewards accompany that action.
Dog Training
It is important to enroll in a training program that will teach you and your dog. A good training program will provide you with the information you need about dog behavior and dog psychology while your dog is learning obedience cues and some fun tricks. Training is important for establishing lines of communication between you two as well as instilling discipline.
Get the Sneakers Back Out
Dogs need daily exercise. The level of activity needed varies depending on breed and age but all dogs need to get out and about. Take him for daily walks and spend time playing games with him.
Checklist
Supplies you will need to have on hand.
Collar
Leash
Food dish
Water Bowl
Food
Name Tag
Toys (interactive toys)
Crate/Dog Gate
Dog mat
Dog brush
Is the House Ready?
Shoes put away.
Chewable items at his level put away.
Power cards wrapped up or sprayed with bitter spray.
His area prepared with crate and dog bed plus water and toy.
Dog gates up to limit access to areas of house he can't be in yet.
Puppy pads (if brining home a puppy).
Am I ready?
Calm and confident
Eager but ready to stay level when meeting the dog
Ready to be in the moment, not worrying about his past (especially if he has a sad story that would make you feel bad - no need for that since his life is good now).
Sneakers on for a big walk.
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