CHICOPEE, Mass. (Mass Appeal) Do you know how to train your pet? Jill Haley Rose, Certified Professional Dog Trainer from Paws of Nature Family Dog Training gave us some tips.Dog Behavior and Training | The Do’s and Don’tsDO set your house up so your dog can be successful
Even though your adopted dog may have been house trained in his previous home, it is still a stressful transition period for
him as he is adjusting from being in a shelter or foster home to your home. Your dog should only be allowed in a room
that you are able to supervise. Use gates or expandable exercise pen gates to block off doorways or open floor plan spaces.
You may need to do this for a few weeks for an older dog or longer if a younger dog. The dog will earn more freedom in the
home after he proves to do well in one room at a time. Keep a “drag leash” on your new dog – a short 3 to 4 foot leash – so you
can easily guide him away from something you don’t want him doing. Take leash off when you are not supervising.DON’T give him full access to the entire home right away
Some people feel sorry for the dog not having access to the whole house and allow the dog complete freedom immediately.
After the dog messes on the rug a few times and chews up a few couch cushions, they soon realize they made a mistake.
Many newly adopted dogs actually feel more secure in the beginning by just being in 1 or 2 rooms only vs the entire house.DO create a safe confinement area when you cannot supervise
This is a space that is well dog proofed. Nothing he can get into or chew. You may also use a crate but it is very important to
take the time to acclimate him to the crate using lots of positive reinforcement. This should be practiced on and off whenever
you are home. He should have chew and puzzle toys to keep him occupied as well.DON’T just use the confinement area whenever you leave the house
Until the dog has been with you at least 3 to 4 weeks, it is important to put him into the confinement area on and off while you
are home. Newly adopted dogs are prone to separation distress and he will soon come to hate the confinement space if that
is the only time you use it.DO give your newly adopted dog time to adjust, settle in, and bond with your family
More than likely your new dog has had multiple major changes in his life in a short period of time. It takes time for the dog to feel
secure and grounded in his new home. Go slow with how you handle and train him for the first 3 weeks. He needs to get to know
you better before you start that huggy kissy stuff. (which many dogs really don’t care for anyway)DON’T have a party and invite your extended family, friends, and neighbors over to “socialize” your new dog
He needs time to de-stress and feel comfortable with his adopted family first. Avoid large gatherings for those first 4 weeks.
Likewise with soccer games and yes, even the dog park.DO enroll in a positive reinforcement reward based training class sooner than later
Reward based training is fun for both you and your dog. Reserve a classroom spot before your new dog starts developing the wrong
habits. This well help you to better communicate with your new dog and better communication leads to a more well behaved pet.
