Oh boy! I’m bringing home a new dog, now what?
Congrats! It is truly a rewarding experience welcoming a new dog into your home. Here are some tips to help you get off on the right paw….
The First Few Days
Don’t be surprised by occasional challenges during the first few weeks as your dog is adjusting to his new home. Your new dog doesn’t know you and doesn’t know what is expected of him. You will need to watch him carefully to prevent problems before they occur and teach him what you want him to do instead.
Remember that it will take a new dog about six months to adapt to a new environment. It is important during this time to be patient and consistent with teaching him.
Where to Start: Pet Safety & Dog-Proofing
Kitchens/bathrooms
Use childproof latches to keep your dog from prying open cabinets
Place medications, cleaners, chemicals, and laundry supplies on high shelves or inside a latched cabinet
Keep trash cans covered or inside a latched cabinet
Keep foods out of reach, including away from edges of counter tops
Keep the toilet lid closed to prevent drowning or drinking of harmful cleaning chemicals
Living/family room
Keep wires from lamps, televisions, stereos, and telephones out of reach or taped down
Keep string, thread, yarn, dental floss and rubber bands away from your dog as these can cause intestinal blockage
Keep children's toys and games picked up or in a room behind a closed door
Put away knick-knacks that a wagging tail or running dog can knock over
Move common house plants that may be poisonous out of reach
Make sure all heating/air vents have covers
Fasten all windows and screens securely
Garage
Move all chemicals to high shelves or behind secure doors
Clean all antifreeze from the floor and driveway, as dogs are very attracted to this and one taste can be lethal to dogs
Keep all sharp objects and tools out of reach
Bedrooms
Keep laundry, clothing and shoes behind closed doors
Keep any medications, lotions, or cosmetics off accessible surfaces
Move electrical and phone wires out of reach of chewing
City Laws:
Leash Law – All dogs must be leashed and under your control when off of your property unless in a designated off leash area.
License Law – Most cities require all dogs over four months of age to have a current dog license for the city in which their owner resides.
Litter Law – Make sure to carry potty bags on your walks so you can clean up your dog’s waste.
Shopping Checklist:
Bowls for Food and Water (one food bowl and one water bowl per dog)
Dog or Puppy Food (feeding amount will be on the bag)
Collar for I.D. Tag and License
Walking Collar or Harness
Dog Seat Belt or Harness for the Car
6-Foot Leash
Dog Toys (Kong, chew toys, treat dispensing toys, etc.)
Dog Crate (crate size should be large enough that the dog can stand up and turn around; some crates include a divider panel that allow you to adjust the living area inside the crate for dogs who are not yet full grown)
Baby Gates
Dog Bed
Poop Bags for Walks
Dog Treats
Dog Shampoo and/or Conditioner
Dog Brush
Bath Wipes
Nail Trimmers or Dremel (if you will be cutting your dog’s nails yourself)
Owner Training – a must!
Enroll your dog in a positive reinforcement training class. This will not only help you learn to communicate with your dog and teach your dog skills, but will also help strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
Register for a class with me (I offer in person and virtual training) HERE
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Most behavioral issues in dogs are due to of a lack of structured exercise and mental stimulation. Exercising your dog is a great way to reduce his boredom, keep him healthy and create a bond between you and your new dog.
Here are some fun things you can do together:
Walks
Go for a leash walk with your dog. This will not only help meet his physical needs but mental needs as well. It is also a great way to work on your dog’s leash skills.
Activities
Take your dog to an Activity Class. These can include agility, treibball, tricks, flyball, nosework, herding, musical freestyle and many others.
Toys
Play with your dog in the house or yard. Have several toys that you can rotate to keep them interesting to your dog.
Teach your dog how to fetch and save a toy specifically for this game.
Puzzle Toys will help keep your dog mentally stimulated. Some of these include Kong Toys, Buster Cubes, Everlasting Treat Balls and Busy Buddy Toys, and Snuffle Mats. I recommend feeding your dog his meals out of puzzle toys every day.
Games
Hide and seek in the house with you hiding and calling your dog to find you
Scent games are a great way to bond with your dog as well as build your dog’s confidance, and provide tons of mental stimulation.
I have more fun enrichment ideas in my blog post HERE
Watch Your Dog’s Body Language
Positive
Body wagging with the tail
Rolling over on back with RELAXED body
Soft eyes with very little white showing
Dog approaches with c-shaped body
Ears relaxed or laying back flat against head
Dog needs help!
Head lowered
Rolling over on back with STIFF body
Dog freezes
Tail high and still
Tail wagging without the body
Tail low and wagging
Tail tucked under the body
Whale eye (lots of white showing)
Barking at a child
Hackles up (hair standing up on the back)
Ears perked up
Stress Signals
Yawning
Panting when it is not hot
Scratching himself when he is not itchy
Avoiding eye contact
Stretching after not just waking up
Lying down and avoiding interaction
Excessive drooling
Pacing or circling
Whining
Sweaty paws
Growls
Lip curls
Starts to show teeth
Common Behavior Problems
For common behavioral issues such as: barking, chewing, digging, anxiety, pottying in the house, pulling on the leash, begging, chasing, jumping, play biting and fear, contact a positive reinforcement trainer as soon as possible; they can teach you how to curb the behavior before it gets worse.
If you see any type of aggression in your new dog, contact a positive reinforcement trainer immediately.
Get in touch with me HERE
Sara Sokol is owner of Mr. Dog Training in Brunswick Maine; A positive reinforcement dog training facility, offering both virtual and in person classes, that has been voted best training in Maine for 9 years in a row.
