Instructions
Create a routine for potty training, feeding and bonding.
Establish clear rules for your home. Train your dog to sit before eating, determine whether it's allowed on the bed or other furniture and create rules for greeting friends or visitors.
Show consistency in your actions and ask visitors to do the same. For example, if your dog isn't allowed to eat food from the table, don't allow visitors to break that rule. The same goes for jumping on company or barking; dogs learn best when everyone treats them exactly the same.
Introduce your old dog to the new dog on neutral ground if you already have one pet because neutral ground eases the tension and removes the need to protect property, making the introduction much smoother. Choose a local park or dog run for the initial meeting.
Enroll your dog in a training class and practice what you learn at home. Obedience skills make your dog easier to manage and the socialization from a group class is invaluable.
Work with your dog every day to make it the best dog it can be. Spend time teaching and encouraging it to become an incredibly well-behaved dog.
How to Approach a New Dog in the Home
It's easy to spot a dog and his owner out for a walk and feel jealous. After all, dogs are loving companions and owning a dog is a rewarding and exciting experience. However, if you're seriously considering a new dog in your home, you will need to approach the decision with serious thought and planning. Incorporating a new dog into your current lifestyle requires time and dedication. The right approach helps your dog succeed, while the wrong approach could result in behavioral problems and conflict.