Count on a dog marking or having accidents the first few days, even if he was housetrained. Have pet-specific cleaning products on hand. Also be prepared for other transitional behavioral problems - read this guide cover to cover now, before problems occur.
Along with the rewards of having a dog come responsibilities - daily care and exercise, medical visits, obedience training and many years of commitment. Make sure you're ready.
Owner knowledge and training is the key to a successful adoption. It's all up to you. No one training approach is right for every dog. This guide reflects a variety of approaches based on positive reinforcement - the essence of effective training and behavior modification.
Keep an ID tag attached to a snug buckle collar on your dog at all times.
During the transition period, a dog needs time to adjust to the rules and schedule of your household. And he needs your leadership! A dog is a pack animal looking for guidance, and it is up to you to teach him good, acceptable behaviors. If the human does not take charge, the dog will try to.
A dog cannot do damage unless you let that happen. Watch your new dog during the transition period. When you can't supervise, keep her in a kitchen, crate or other secure area with chew toys.
Keep dogs on-leash when outdoors in unfenced areas. Otherwise, you'll have no control if your dog obeys instinct and chases a squirrel into the street...tussles with another dog...or runs after a child.
|
Supervise even when the dog's in a fenced yard. If there's a way to escape, most dogs will find it.
Don’t kiss your dog or place your face at the dog's eye level before you've begun obedience training and established yourself and other humans in the home as higher up in the hierarchy. Dogs often perceive a face placed at their eye-level as a threat, and then bite.
Beware of letting your dog on your bed or furniture if you haven't established all human family members as the leaders ("alpha"). Dominance-related problems often arise when a dog is on a higher physical level. Dogs don't seek equality; they seek and need leadership.
Don't issue a command unless you are in a position to enforce it. Telling a dog to do something, then not guiding him to obey if he chooses not to, teaches him to ignore you.
Beware of sending mixed signals that bad behavior is cute or entertaining.
Do not keep dogs in dark, damp basements, garages, or non-family areas; this thwarts your efforts to raise a socialized, well-behaved, house-trained animal.
Avoid using overly desirable treats such as rawhides or pig hooves. Dogs will often fight with each other over them, and even attack people they perceive might desire their treats.
Play nice: Don't play tug-o-war, rough-house, or engage in other combative play. These practices encourage aggression and teach your dog to challenge you.
Avoid separation anxiety-related problems by practicing the tips in this guide as well as consulting other sources at the end of this guide.
Start day one by teaching your dog appropriate behavior through consistent, positive reinforcement.
Realize there is always a solution to any problem - read and consult trainers.
Shopping List
Bring when picking up the dog:
Buckle collar: leather or non-stretch material. Make sure it is "2-fingers" snug and can't come off.
ID tag: attached securely to collar.
Training (slip) collar, harness or head collar: Measure the neck and add 3 " for the proper length - just long enough to fit over the head. Learn how to put it on right. Good alternatives include neck/body harnesses and head halters, which are fitted.
Leash: strong clasp and thick leather or double-ply woven for your comfort.
Supplies to have ready at home:
Crate: an invaluable tool, especially at the beginning. Avoid crating a dog for more than 5 hours. Place safe toys inside. Folding crates are also ideal for traveling. If the dog chews on crate bars, get the Vari-kennel or airline crate. Make sure the crate is large enough for dog when full grown; you can block off part for a pup.
Baby gates: a good confinement alternative. Make sure dog can't get head/paws caught in gate, can't chew threw or knock down the gate or jump the gate.
Bedding: easy to clean, thick enough for comfort.
Puppy pen: helpful when you want a pup confined but not crated.
Water and food bowls: use stainless steel or ceramic with no painting in the inside. Plastic can absorb bacteria and smell.
Flea comb: check for fleas, and comb to aid the skin. Good "shedding" control, too.
Brush: brush daily; good for skin and can be better than bathing.
Grooming supplies: get the right tools for your dog if you're going to bathe, clip claws and cut fur yourself. Different coats require different brushes.
Pet-specific cleaners: such as Simple Solution or Nature's Miracle, available from pet supply stores. They remove pet stains and odors.
20-foot leash: good for training the "come" command.
Feeding, nutrition & toys:
Food: gradually change over to the food of your choice. Use a good grade of dog food. Premium dog food can lead to lower vet bills. Dry food is good for teeth and digestion. No table scraps: feeding table scraps encourages begging. It's your job to keep food out of reach.
Biscuits: avoid those with food coloring. Use to reward good behavior.
Low-fat plain yogurt, grated organic carrots and parsley: good daily diet supplements.
Organic apple cider vinegar: a little added to water bowl daily can help digestion and deter fleas.
Toys: use safe chew toys, such as non-rawhide-based chew-strips. Soft toys are good for some dogs, but others will pull them apart, so remove if this happens.
No rawhide bones: they can be rough on digestion, cause choking - plus rawhides, pigs hooves and other too-highly covered treats can incite dogs to fight over them.
Beware of hooves and hard-packed chews/bones that can crack teeth.
No chicken bones: they splinter and can cause internal injuries.
