New Dog? Start Off on the Right Foot
When you get a new dog, whether puppy or adopted adult, it’s exciting to bring him home for the first time. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Be in charge from day one. Sure, he’s going to be excited, and he might run all over the house or jump on furniture or lovingly attack the kiddies. Start your relationship with your new dog right, however, and immediately curb behavior you don’t like. That doesn’t mean you have to follow him around the house shouting "No," but don’t let him start thinking he’s in charge. He doesn’t know the house rules, and he needs your guidance.
He may have an accident in the house during the first few days.
If he’s a puppy, well of course he will. But even if he’s a previously housetrained adult, he may lose it a few times in his new environment just because of the unknown. Have a little patience with him and remind him of his housetraining skills if he seems to have forgotten.
For the first few days, you might want to keep a leash on him, even indoors. Having him trail a leash is a good way to be able to curb any behaviors on the spot. Don’t leave him unattended with the leash, however, because he could get wrapped around something and become stuck.
Start your routine from day one. Dogs thrive on routine, and helping him adjust to your home will mean getting him accustomed to your daily routine. Don’t start off being lenient and indulgent just to “break him in,” and then think you’ll be able to control him when you start getting tough.