Tips for transition and training of a new dog

A new dog is a huge commitment and adjustment. While it may be a little scary, a new dog can reap incredible rewards, especially if you are prepared.

Transitioning into a new home is an enormous challenge for a dog. They are creatures of habit and change isn’t something a dog does well. This is why it is important to make a place for your new dog. Before she arrives, have her water and food bowls, toys and bed in a permanent place. Place baby gates to block room entrances or stairs to areas that are off limits. Set up a crate or exercise pen for periodic containment.

These may seem like small things, but your dog will feel more secure if you have made some decisions for her before she comes.

Since all dogs arrive with a pack mentality, establishing a structure that outlines what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior is absolutely a must. Dogs look for a strong leader who is clear, calm and firmly assertive.

For households with more than one person, all family members must be on the same page. For puppies – eight weeks to one year – even more supervision will be required.

Establish leadership from the moment she enters the house.

Your dog will most likely want to go ahead of you and cross the threshold first. This gives the message that she is your leader – not what you intended. When a dog leads the household, daily life can become stressful, even unbearable.

So with her on a leash, make sure you enter first. Then, take her on a tour. Introduce her to each room. She may start to grab at shoes or toys or food left out.

Gently stop any unwanted behavior. Remember, getting angry is a sign of a weak leader and will cause your dog to take over. Encouraging good behavior from the very beginning means your dog will have more success in the future.

As for the potty issue, it helps if you decide some basic things before your dog comes home. Inside or out? If inside, a potty pad or a doggie litter box with pine chips or recycled newspaper can be placed by a door going outside.

If your dog will potty outside, make sure your yard is free of toxic pesticides and herbicides. Mulch containing cocoa is highly toxic.

What to do with pet waste? To make disposal easier, you may want to pick one area of your yard where your dog is allowed to potty to contain the pet waste. Then there is the biggest issue – the training itself!

If you decide you need help with the nuts and bolts of potty training, hire a trainer or set up classes before she comes home.

A tired dog is a relaxed and happy dog. When dogs have nothing to do or when they are not exercised regularly, boredom and stress result in bad behaviors.

Since dogs are naturally balanced, they crave work and love to have fun. A dog’s job may be as simple as walking with good behavior, and may even be carrying a backpack on the walk.

Remember, even little dogs need to get out each day for a walk, which is good for us and for them. Walking alongside their pack leader is what is natural for them and healing for humans.

It is essential to realize a dog brings primal instincts as well as intelligence. Dogs are masters at reading body language and reacting to the tone of your voice. Be calm, assertive, and clear about what you want from her, and always, show love.

If your dog hasn’t been formally trained in basic obedience – sit, down, stay, come, etc. – contact a professional dog trainer immediately.

Whatever you do, make it fun! It will help your new dog start out on the right paw.

Rose Perry is an accredited professional dog trainer and a massage practitioner certified in small animal massage. She works out of her home and offers dog walking services as well. For information see www.rose-dogtraining.com or call 425-879-1261.