Getting Your New Dog Comfortable

By Chad Thompson

Getting a new dog is both exciting and frightening. One one hand, you have a cute new member of the family. The new and fun activities are endless. Walking, hiking or just curling up on the couch for a movie. Well all these things will come but it's important that you understand how our dog is thinking. Let's look at it from the dog point of view:

Where am I? How did I get here? What do I do? Who is the boss around here?

It is similar to getting hired for a job, driven to the building and dropped off in the parking lot. You don't know what to do or even where to go. So your new dog needs some guidance, or pack leadership.

Understand that the dog is going to be shy and timid. It's a new place with new people, sounds and smells. He doesn't know the rules. So let's take it step by step:

1. Take him for a walk around the neighborhood BEFORE taking him inside. He will become more comfortable if he is able to smell his new territory and explore this new world.

2. When you enter the house, you go through the door first. Dogs read body language and by walking through the door you are establishing that you are in charge and he needs to follow you.

3. Don't give the dog affection for no reason. Going back to the job analogy, it would be like showing up for work the first day and your boss giving you a 50% raise.

4. Let the dog explore by himself. Give him some time to get acclimated to the house. Soon he will find places he feels comfortable. Let him go at his own pace.

5. Be firm in correcting any unwanted behavior from day 1. You natural instincts will tell you to give him a pass because he is new. Dogs don't learn that way. They only learn by trial and error. If he gets on the couch and you do not plan on allowing him on the couch, tell him off and lead him off the couch.

6. Use a crate. Dogs feel comfortable in the crate. They are natural den animals. Not to mention it prohibits unwanted behavior when you cannot watch him.

7. Make sure the dog gets a lot of exercise. A new dog will naturally be a little anxious and burning off some of that energy will be very helpful for his peace of mind.

Remember, do not feel bad for the dog. They will quickly pick up on your energy and view you as weak. When that happens, a dog will not listen. They do not follow unstable (angry, sad, ect) energy. The will follow firm and fair leadership so do not be afraid to establish rules right away.

Use the dogs name only when calling him and if he comes, reward him with a lot of praise. Soon he will associate his name with coming and the rewards he gets when he arrives.

So exercise, firm rules and rewards at the right time will get your dog comfortable quickly.

Chad E. Thompson Founder, http://www.virtualdogtrainer.com Active member of the Humane Society of the United States, Association of Pet Dog Trainers, International Association of Canine Professionals