The First 2 Weeks.pdf

Open Paw’s® Guide To The First Two Weeks With Your New Dog

Congratulations on the new addition to your family! With a little work and some

planning, your new dog will be a well-behaved companion for years to come. It is

important to recognize that first impressions are lasting ones and habits begin to

develop from day one. Be sure to instill good manners and habits from the first day you

bring your new puppy or dog home. Remember, good habits are as hard to break as

bad ones. If you follow these simple guidelines, your dog’s transition into your home will

be a piece of cake for both you and your new best friend.

1. Teach your new dog the rules of your house from the beginning. In the words of

Dr. Ian Dunbar, “If you want your dog to follow the rules of the house, by all means do

not keep them a secret.” When your dog first gets home, he or she may be a little

confused and unsure of the new living situation. Even though your home is undoubtedly

comfortable, it is different than where your dog came from, and different can be

stressful. It is important to remember dogs do not speak our language and will best

understand your expectations through training and management. Training and

management should begin the very moment your new dog arrives in your home.

Your instinct may be to give your new friend a few days to unwind and adjust before

imposing rules and restrictions. While you may mean well, this delaying of training has

the potential to be both frustrating and damaging. Right from the very first day, it is

crucial to convey your expectations to the dog and to establish an errorless training

system. If you do this, your dog will succeed in learning house rules right from the

beginning. If you change the house rules a few days after your dog has arrived, he will

not understand why things have changed. Your dog may have already formed new

habits and will have a difficult time adjusting to yet another set of expectations. It is

much more efficient to teach your dog everything you would like him of her to know

from the outset.

2. Try not to overwhelm your new dog with too much activity during this initial

adjustment period (individual dog’s adjustment period will vary). It is very exciting to

have a new dog. Of course you want to introduce her to all of your friends and family

and of course you want to take your new pal everywhere! All this excitement however

could be exceptionally stressful for your dog. Please keep in mind that even in the best

of situations your dog’s world was probably limited to a handful of environments and

activities. It is best for your dog to spend the first couple of weeks quietly settling in and

getting to know you with brief and frequent outings to continue the socialization

process. In the beginning, limit introductions to just a few visitors at a time. If your dog

has time to become familiar with you and your home surroundings, she will be more

confident when setting out on adventures beyond your immediate neighborhood.

3. Keep your new dog either safely confined with appropriate chew toys, or

supervised at all times. This is the best way to keep your new friend (and house!) out

of trouble when you are unable to monitor his actions. Your dog requires a dog-proof,

safe place: a “doggie den” -the equivalent of a toddler’s playpen- where he can rest and

chew appropriate items in your absence. There are many options for your “doggie den,”

but a crate or small room in your house is ideal. However, you may also choose an

outside kennel run. Initially when your dog is loose in the house or yard you must be

around to gently redirect your dog when he chooses an inappropriate activity. If you are

vigilant about supervising our dog and showing him what you expect, your dog will learn

to settle down quietly, to chew only appropriate chew toys and eventually to become

trustworthy in your absence.

2002 Open Paw/Kelly Gorman The author grants permission for the reproduction of this

document for educational purposes.

FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES FOR AT LEAST THE FIRST TWO WEEKS WITH YOUR

NEW DOG. PLEASE REMEMBER MOST PUPPIES AND EVEN SOME ADULT DOGS

WILL TAKE LONGER TO ADJUST SO BE PATIENT.

- DO immediately show your dog to his/her appropriate toilet area.

- DO take your dog to the designated toilet area once an hour, every hour, on leash

(except overnight). Allow supervised free time only after he relieves himself in the

appropriate area. If your dog does not go to the bathroom on one of these trips,

confine him to his “doggie den” OR keep him on leash and supervised, until the next

scheduled potty break.

- DO confine your dog to a “doggie den” whenever you are physically (or mentally!)

absent. Such as when you are at work, paying bills, making dinner, sleeping, etc.

- DO throw away your dog food bowl! Instead, feed your dog out of a hollow Kong or

other chew toy stuffed with kibble and snacks throughout the day, especially when she

in her “doggie den” or when you are busy. Also use part of your dog’s daily ration while

on walks, during training or when meeting new people.

- DO provide plenty of appropriate chew toys to keep your dog busy and prevent

chewing “casualties” in your home and yard. Redirect any chewing “mistakes” by

directing your dog to an acceptable alternative. This will also help establish an

appropriate chewing habit for the lifetime of your dog.

- DO introduce your dog to new people and other pets gradually so as not to overwhelm

him. Use kibble and treats to help form a positive association to new people. Be sure

he has access to his “den” in case he needs a break from all the activity.

- DO enroll in a basic obedience class right away! This will help you to understand how to

better communicate with your dog in a way she will understand.

- DO look for a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT) that uses progressive training

methods. Contact www. APDT.com or call 1-800-PET-DOGS to find a trainer in your

area.

- DON’T allow your dog free run of the entire house right away, or else your new friend

may learn all sorts of bad habits. First take the time to teach him good habits.

- DON’T take your dog off-leash in public until you have successfully completed an

obedience class and have built a strong positive relationship with him.

- DON’T feed your dog out of a bowl; all food should come either out of a Kong or from

somebody’s hand.

For more information regarding training your dog please go to www.dogstardaily.com

2002 Open Paw/Kelly Gorman The author grants permission for the reproduction of this

document for educational purposes.

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