There are many difficulties a new dog owner faces the first time they bring a new dog into the house. Not only must the dog become acquainted with the members of the household, Fido must, learn how to be a welcome and loving member of the family.
Although the frustrations may be many, and sometimes too much to handle, helping your dog go through the breaking in period and taking pains to teach her the ways of your household will prove to be more than rewarding.
The following are the Ten Commandments new dog owners will do well to remember.
Love Your Dog
You brought the Fido home to be loved for and cared for, building this new friendship into a mutually beneficial relationship for years to come. Remember that Fido only wants to please you and will do anything you ask him to. Treat him with respect you would give to your best friend.
Be Consistent
Whatever you do with your dog, be consistent. Fido gets confused if you phrase one command one day and phrase it another way another day, expecting him to react the same way. If you use one command stick with it. That goes for the rest of the member of the household who help train the dog. It is good to keep commands simple 1-2 words will be best.
Be Firm but Gentle
If Fido is allowed on the carpet one day and then not allowed another day he gets confused. Make sure all boundaries and limitations are clear to him and keep them that way. It would be good to lay the boundaries down even with the rest of the family even before Fido gets home.
Be Ptient
Just like a child, Fido needs your patience. Remember all he wants to do is to please you.
Exercise Time Out
Fido also needs breathing space. Even if he is so cute and cuddly, it would be good to let him enjoy time out on his own. He will be even happier for your company when he is ready.
Praise Him
Fido responds well to praise. He is happy when you are happy. Praise can come in words and loving pats and he will revel in them.
Be Firm
You cannot let this cuddly little puppy get away with something that will not be so cute when Fido turns into a hulking 75 lb Labrador retriever! Greeting the neighbours by jumping and licking them to death is not the way to be neighbourly.
Keep Training
No matter if Fido gets straight A's in obedience school, he will not remember a thing unless he gets a daily dose of training. Using the basic commands daily will help both you and Fido remember.
Turn Your Back
It's 30 degrees outside and Fido is driving you crazy with his incessant barking. Raising your voice to him might make him even bark more. Giving him the “Quiet!” command once and turning your back on him is one thing attention seeking Fido will learn to understand.
Give Him Time
Never ever give up on Fido even if he is driving you crazy. It sometimes takes months or years before Fido can truly settle down into a household. You'd never give up on your best friend now, would you?
