Routine, routine, routine

Establishing a good routine can be so helpful for both you and your pup. A routine leaves nobody to guess what is coming next. There are a few things that you should consider. 

When you bring home a new baby, you don’t place them on the floor and give them the freedom to roam all over their new home. Dogs need boundaries set up. They need rules so they know what is expected of them. They need plenty of exercise and structured play. If you do not have the time to implement this, then you definitely do not have time for a dog.

When the human is out, the dog sits at home waiting for their best friend. They live for their humans. With a routine, the pup will know what their day will be like with or without their humans.

 

Boundaries 

Setting up space in a small area of your home is a better way to start off. Let them earn the right to more freedom. The human will have more control over the situation.

A wire dog crate is what every new dog owner should invest in. At the rescue, I hear all the time that folks don’t want to crate their dogs because they feel bad. The wire dog crate keeps your pup safe when the human does not have eyes on him. 

Baby gates, that block a doorway, are another way to show your pet where they can and cannot go.

Allow your new pet to earn more freedom by showing what is expected of them. (DO NOT EXPECT THAT YOUR NEW POOCH KNOWS RIGHT FROM WRONG IN THE BEGINNING. IT IS YOUR JOB TO SHOW THEM)

 

Wire Crate

A wire crate gives your new pup a space of their own. My pack are at the point where they no longer need a wire crate for boundaries or safety reasons, however they still go in them to curl up and sleep. I even find the cats cuddled up in them. Put a safe non-chewable bed in it. It’s a cozy safe space that they can go into and relax. I must admit that I use fluffy washable blankets in the beginning, in case there are accidents.

 

Spend time with your pup

Most pups just want to be with their human. If you adopted a puppy or dog, my wish is that you did your homework first. If you do not have time, wait until you do, to adopt a puppy. It’s so important to put the work in to set you up for success.

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Don't treat your pooch like a human

Pffft! Don't insult this amazingly pure species. Not to say that humans are bad. They're not! Especially when they're spreading kindness. But here's the thing. Dogs are much simpler than humans. Give them food and fresh water, exercise to drain their energy, safe and healthy things to chew and direction so they know what is expected from them. They find joy in the smallest things. They don't over think. They live only in the moment. Love them hard, treat them as a member of the family for sure. But treating them as if they're a human will only send mixed messages. 

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They will tell you what they need

Many behaviors that may come about is a means of your pup letting you know what they need or sometimes want. It's the humans job to figure out what they're communicating. For example, if your new friend is chewing the leg off your dining room table, he's letting you know that he needs to chew. This is a basic need for dogs. Provide some healthy chews for them. Some of mine a deer antlers or Benebones.

 

Reprimanding after the fact

If you don't catch them in the act, let it go. By reprimanding them for a naughty act after the fact, you may only cause confusion and fear. It is your job to not set them up for failure. Don't leave your favorite sneakers lying around. Better yet, don't leave your pet unattended (see Wire Crate). Most of them will make the wrong decision when left to their own devices based on instincts.

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Be cool

Believe it or not, sometimes a pups behavior is a reflection of the human. Being a nervous Nelly can cause anxiety and stress to them. They're reading our energy and body language. That is how they communicate with us. The more chill you are, the more chill your pack will be. 

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Go slow

When you take home a new pet, consider how they are feeling. I will tell you that no matter how much you think your new doggo knows you love them, they are still scared. Start small, let them explore their new space without a ton of distractions. They do not need to go to the pet store or the soccer field on day 1. Plan to stay home with just the humans in the home. Watch them inspect everything. It's a great time to get to know each other and bond quickly. Keep things simple.

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