Your New Dog Checklist

You may be overwhelmed bringing a new dog into your house. Here is a checklist of things to consider.

What You Need:

Crate: Buy a crate (that is the right size) for use in potty training and providing down time. Dogs are den animals, so their crate will be comforting. Put a blanket inside to increase comfort.
ID Tag: This is a very important thing you can do for your dog.
Martingale Collar or Easy Walk Harness: Your dog will need to go on many walks, so buy a collar he can’t slip out of. Try a Premier Easy Walk harness if you have a difficult adolescent dog.
6-foot leash
Food and water Dishes
Dog beds: If you are not letting your dogs on the furniture, provide some comfortable beds in the main rooms of the house so they can relax with your family.
High-Quality Food: Look for healthy ingredients in a high quality food. See your veterinarian for special food requirements for your breed of dog.
Treats: When you start training, you’ll need treats.
Poop bags: Use these on every walk.

What to Expect

Adjustment Period: When you first get your dog, they will spend the first few days just trying to get adjusted.
Potty training: You don’t want her having accidents in the house, so keep an eye on your new dog constantly so she can’t make a mistake.
Chewing: Your dog doesn’t know which things are her chew toys and which aren’t. Keep an eye on her until she figures it out.
Teenager Phase: This lasts from about 6-18 months depending on the dog, and you will wonder why your previously wonderfully behaved dog has suddenly started to test her limits. This is normal. Just be consistent!

What to Do

Set Consistent Rules: Decide as a family what the rules are and enforce them from the beginning. Sending a consistent message to your dog is an important part of training. Establish a Routine: Dogs respond well to routines, try to keep meal, walk and play times as consistent as possible.
Be Positive: Positive-reinforcement training is the best way to train. Be patient and positive.
Socialize: If you have a puppy, socialize them with other puppies, people, bicycles, this will help them throughout life.
Post Emergency Numbers: Post the numbers for your veterinarian and nearest emergency practice on your refrigerator with directions, if necessary.

Posted with permission from the APDT site: http://www.apdt.com/

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