Successful Dog Training Before Your New Pup Comes Home
You can set yourself up for successful dog training before your new dog ever sets foot into the house.
There are a few simple steps that you can take that will enable you and your family to start the new relationship off on the right foot.
All of the steps apply to full grown rescue dogs as well as new puppies.
Make sure everyone knows where things will happen.
Where will the dog sleep? Where will he stay when no one is home or he can't be looked after? Where will he eat and where will he do his business? While these things might seem obvious, it's important that the established routine stays in place while your new dog gets comfortable.
If your daughter decides to start sneaking the new dog into her room late at night when he is supposed to be sleeping on a dog bed in the master bedroom, the established routine gets interrupted and causes confusion.
You all have to agree on whether the couch, beds, chairs, and whatnot are off limits or are acceptable places for the dog to be.
Once you agree, everyone must stick to the rules you set in place.
Otherwise you risk creating more confusion which can be unsettling for a new dog.
When you bring your new little bundle through the door it can be easy for everyone in the family to want to get close to him.
It's better to allow him the ability to check out his new surroundings and his new people on his own terms.
Naturally, you'll want to follow him around and make sure there is no surprise weeing on the carpeting.
But let him use his little legs to come to the people in his new family rather than passing him around or surrounding him.
Remember that this transition for him is going to be frightening at times regardless of his age.
Giving him the ability to discover on his own terms will help build up his confidence and make him a more self assured dog.
Give him the first day to get an idea of where and when he will eat, where his toileting belongs, and that he is safe.
On day two, start with small 5 minute training sessions.
This will also help his confidence, help him feel like part of the family, and will facilitate bonding.
It will also help give the ground rules as he starts to settle in and get rather comfortable in his new forever home.
There are a few simple steps that you can take that will enable you and your family to start the new relationship off on the right foot.
All of the steps apply to full grown rescue dogs as well as new puppies.
Make sure everyone knows where things will happen.
Where will the dog sleep? Where will he stay when no one is home or he can't be looked after? Where will he eat and where will he do his business? While these things might seem obvious, it's important that the established routine stays in place while your new dog gets comfortable.
If your daughter decides to start sneaking the new dog into her room late at night when he is supposed to be sleeping on a dog bed in the master bedroom, the established routine gets interrupted and causes confusion.
You all have to agree on whether the couch, beds, chairs, and whatnot are off limits or are acceptable places for the dog to be.
Once you agree, everyone must stick to the rules you set in place.
Otherwise you risk creating more confusion which can be unsettling for a new dog.
When you bring your new little bundle through the door it can be easy for everyone in the family to want to get close to him.
It's better to allow him the ability to check out his new surroundings and his new people on his own terms.
Naturally, you'll want to follow him around and make sure there is no surprise weeing on the carpeting.
But let him use his little legs to come to the people in his new family rather than passing him around or surrounding him.
Remember that this transition for him is going to be frightening at times regardless of his age.
Giving him the ability to discover on his own terms will help build up his confidence and make him a more self assured dog.
Give him the first day to get an idea of where and when he will eat, where his toileting belongs, and that he is safe.
On day two, start with small 5 minute training sessions.
This will also help his confidence, help him feel like part of the family, and will facilitate bonding.
It will also help give the ground rules as he starts to settle in and get rather comfortable in his new forever home.
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