These are our best tips for bringing home a new dog or puppy! Set your dog up for success and read our top 5 tips!
1. Be a good manager!
Dogs come with their own set of behaviors that are normal and natural. Some of these are unique to the individual and some just come along for the ride with the species. A lot of these behaviors make them wonderful pet companions: sociability, willingness to work and train, bonding, playfulness and being so darn cute. Other behaviors can be nuisances: barking, digging, scavenging, chewing, the list could go on ad finium.
It’s up to you, as a dog parent, to set boundaries and decide which behaviors you wish to encourage and which are ones you want to see less of. Then, taking those guidelines into account, set your dog up for success. This looks like setting up their environment so that they practice those naughty behaviors less! Hate your dog barking out the window? Try drawing the shades, frosting the window or blocking access. Frustrated with a dog begging in the kitchen? Try a baby gate! There are so many management solutions to almost any behavior problem! All you have to do is get a little creative!
2. Be a cookie pusher!
Science tells us that reward-based training is, not only the kindest and most humane way to train, but also the most effective! Training is the number one way to build effective communication between you and your dog. Take advantage of all the “Good Stuff For Dogs” you dull out each day by making it into a training opportunity. Give your dog her bully stick when she settles in her bed, only deliver her meal when she offers a sit, reward your dog with treats on walks when they offer focus or ease up on the leash, throw the ball to reward a wait….. the list goes on and on. Remember, you are in-charge of all your dog’s most valuable resources which puts you in the ultimate trainer’s seat!
3. Dress for Success!
Having the right equipment for your dog goes a long way and can make a huge difference on walks and the effectiveness of your training. We always recommend owners start their pups on a well-fitting, front-clipping harness like “The Freedom Harness”. These harnesses make the mechanics of leash pulling much more difficult for your dog thus making your job much easier! If you have a very strong or leash reactive dog it may also benefit from learning to wear a Gentle Leader snout harness.
If you have a dog that is aggressive or so reactive that you are concerned they might become at-risk for biting, it is best to train them to wear a basket muzzle. We recommend Baskerville muzzles because they allow dogs to pant freely, drink and eat treats. Muzzles are wonderful management tools and allow dogs who need the extra safety precaution to still enjoy outside time and much needed socialization. Remember, when dealing with reactivity and aggression we highly recommend working alongside a qualified, force-free trainer.
4. Practice Patience with Your Pup
A new dog or puppy is going to need some time to adjust to their new family and environment. We typically see benchmarks in their behavior at a few weeks, a few months, then a year into their new routine. Allow your dog some time to settle in. It may be best to hold off on more “difficult” activities like nail clipping, bath-time, having lots of guests over, outings to busy areas, etc, for at least the first week to allow your dog to acclimate.
Provide them with activities to boost their confidence and to feel more at home. This may look like enrichment and puzzles toys instead of feeding out a bowl, or teaching them game-based training exercises. Remember not to be harsh with hick-ups or set-backs (and remember ways to manage your dog’s behavior) Finding outlets for them to blossom will help them become the confident, friendly and happy pet we want!
5. Get Educated!
Inviting a critter into your life and home is a big commitment! Make sure you take the time to do your research on dog behavior and training basics. There is a lot to learn and a lot of information out there. Make sure you find credible sources that focus on science and positive reinforcement. Better yet, find a qualified local trainer who specializes in force-free training to support you through navigating early dog ownership. The knowledge and skills you gain through that relationship will be invaluable throughout your dog owning journey!