I've Got a New Dog --Now What?

I've Got a New Dog--Now What Do I Do?

Socialize

If you are getting a puppy between the ages of 7 and 16 weeks old, it is critical that you concentrate on properly socializing her.

What the average dog owner knows about getting a new puppy is that she will need to be housetrained and taught not to chew on the furniture. But so much more needs to be done during this short period in your dog's life!

Many new puppy owners are confused about what "socialization" means exactly. It's not enough just to have your puppy play with other puppies. The word socialization actually refers to the concept of introducing your puppy to the great, big, world outside mamma-dog's comforting presence. It also means that you need to introduce her to the world outside your home. Puppies and unsocialized dogs are neophobic (afraid of new things). They actually would stay more safe that way if they were wild dogs. New things in the wild (or for some strays, in the city) frequently represent a threat to the dog's existence and it benefits him most not to readily accept them.

It's up to YOU to teach your new puppy that your friends, family, the delivery man, your vet, the cats next door, the construction equipment down the street and your car (among thousands of other things) should be tolerated if not welcomed. Unfortunately, you only have 6-9 weeks in which to build this foundation for your pet. A dog who does not receive proper socialization risks becoming a very stressed (and, consequently, less healthy) and high-maintenance family member; high-maintenance because it is your responsibility to keep others safe from your fearful dog.

Your vet may recommend that you keep your dog inside until her puppy vaccinations are complete. Your vet is concerned about your puppy's health. However, it is not necessary to isolate your puppy during this period. You MUST socialize your puppy during this period regardless of whether her vaccinations are complete. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) has issued a position statement on the importance of socialization. Because unresolved behavior problems typically result in relinquishment to a shelter, the AVSAB says, "Behavioral issues, not infectious diseases, are the number one cause of death for dogs under three years of age." Click here to read their full statement. Well-known veterinary behaviorist Dr. R.K. Anderson issued a statement in letter form some time ago, with the hope that owners and could use it to help convince conventional veterinarians of the necessity and safety of socializing puppies within this critical development period. You can read that letter here. You can safely carry your puppy to places to meet people and be around other dogs. You can use a backpack or carrying sling or dog stroller to get your puppy out safely. Just don't let his feet touch the ground if it's an unsafe area (where other dogs are allowed to walk). Our free handout on socializing your puppy, on our FAQs page has many ideas to help you through this time period.

There are many quality trainers and wonderful books and videos on the market to help you through this phase (see recommended reading and videos). Seriously consider attending a puppy socialization class with your new pup. Puppy Adept offers puppy classes regularly. Go to our Services page for more information.

Trainer Suzanne Clothier has written a MUST READ article entitled "He Just Wants to Say 'Hi'." Unfortunately, you must now go to her website, www.flyingdogpress.com to register for access to the article, but it is well worth it. Another short blog entry which basically describes the same problem can be found here.

See our FAQs page for a free handout on socializing your puppy, as well as a handout on housetraining.

Train

We can't emphasize enough how important training is for your new puppy or dog. Don't wait until behavior becomes a problem. Practice prevention through proper training from the first week you get your puppy or dog.

We can recommend many good books and videos for training your dog yourself (go to our recommended reading and videos section) or you should find a trainer in your area who uses humane, reward-based and ethical training methods. (Recommended trainers other than Puppy Adept, Inc. can be found on our Links page.) When searching for a trainer, you'll discover many websites with trainer directories to aid your search, such as www.apdt.com, www.clickertrainers.com, and www.petnet.com. The trainers on these lists have paid to have their names listed in the directories; all of them do not necessarily practice the methods touted on the website. Have a list of questions in front of you when you call your list of potential trainers, so that you don't become too sidetracked while talking to them. Be wary of slick marketing campaigns and vague guarantees. If she answers your questions to your satisfaction, and you feel good about the trainer you've talked to, visit a class or talk to others about the training program. (Go to APDT's How to Choose a Trainer for questions to ask.)

Housetraining can be one of the most daunting parts of raising a new puppy or even bringing an older dog into your household. In addition to reading the housetraining handout mentioned earlier, you should also check out Dr. Ian Dunbar's excellent advice on creating a puppy playroom in addition to crate training. Read more about the Puppy Playroom and Puppy Den (or crate) concept here. Click here to view a 30 second video on creating your puppy playroom.

Your puppy's crate will play a big part in her life. You need to buy her crate immediately. Buy one for the size you expect your dog to be, not the size she is now. It should have a divider, though, so that you don't allow her too much room. She should have just enough room to stand up and turn around. Given too much room, she'll likely eliminate in her crate, which you don't want her to learn to do. Click here to go to Pat Miller's website and a great discussion on crates and instructions on how to crate train. Click here to see a short video on making your dog want to go into her crate.

Enrich Their Lives

Dogs usually need a job or something to keep them busy. If you don't give your dog a challenge or two, he'll find his own. Digging, barking and chewing problems usually occur when a dog becomes bored. Like us, they need to use their brains. Enrichment comes through training, interacting with you, and through playing with toys. Believe it or not, the right kinds of toys can improve your chances of having a well-behaved canine family member, as well. Spend most of your "toy money" buying interactive toys like Kong products, Busy Buddy products like Twist 'n' Treats, Buster Cubes, Molecuballs, Canine Genius Leo, Intellicubes and Dr. Noy's removable squeaker toys. Additionally, dogs must have toys just for chewing on. Nylabone makes some of the best toys for this. All of these products can be purchased through the suppliers listed on our Links page, as well.)

You'll also need to find games to play with your dog. Games like retrieving a ball or Frisbee can provide exercise as well. Other ideas for enrichment include hide and seek played with family members or teaching your dog to find an item like a ball or favorite toy.

Keep Them Healthy

Your dog will need annual check-ups, but not necessarily annual vaccinations. Click on the poster below for more information. Hall County does, unfortunately, require annual rabies vaccinations.

You may have heard it a million times, but that should emphasize the importance of it; give your dog plenty of exercise! She should have at least two sessions of tongue-dragging exercise per day. Her tongue should be "dragging" because she exercised, not because of the heat.

Click the poster above for more information about vaccinating your pet.

Before creating an exercise plan for your dog, know your breed. Brachycephalic or "flat-nosed" breeds require caution when exercising. With their compromised sinus cavities, breathing can be a problem. Exercise should be introduced gradually and continued with caution. Dogs with long backs should be limited in the amount of jumping from high places. All puppies require a modified exercise plan, however, as their joints are still forming. "Free running" is the best form of exercise for puppies. Check with your breeder or vet for more information on this crucial topic.

If you have gotten a purebred dog or have a good idea of the breeds in your mix, research those breeds. You will get lots of information about common physical problems or health concerns with each breed, as well as advice on keeping them as healthy as possible.

Check out our FAQs section for more answers to some of your questions about adding a new pup to your family.

Finally, feel free to send us an email, or better yet, sign up for one of our classes, so that we can help you with your specific questions.

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**If you are a behaviorist or trainer, your input regarding this page is welcomed. Please contact us with your comments.