Six Steps on How to Raise a Well-Adjusted Dog

Obedience training is one of the few concepts that almost all dog professionals seem to agree is a good idea. When a puppy is taught how to behave properly from an early age, he stands a better chance of growing into a well-mannered, well-adjusted pet. Well-behaved dogs are less likely to wind up in animal shelters and are more likely to find new homes in the event that they do need to be rehomed.

  1. Socialize Your Puppy

    • Your puppy needs to be introduced to as many people, as many animals and as many different situations as possible during the early stages of his life. A well-socialized dog can adapt to new situations much more easily than a sheltered dog who is fearful of new experiences due to a lack of exposure to a wide variety of situations.

    Establish a Training Method

    • A professional dog trainer can help you develop a method of training your puppy that will allow you to work with him for the rest of his life. You don't have to prepare your puppy for every possible situation he could ever find himself in as he goes through life; you have to establish a method of training that will allow you to teach your dog how to handle situations as they arise. You need to establish solid control over your dog so that you can modify his behavior as needed throughout his life.

    Consistent Training

    • Consistency is of paramount importance. If a behavior is never okay, your dog will accept that he can not behave that way. When a dog's training is inconsistent, he will have great difficulty understanding what he is or is not allowed to do. If your dog is allowed to misbehave sometimes but not others -- for example, if one person in the household allows the dog to get on the couch and the rest of the family members do not -- then your dog is probably going to continue to try to get on the couch because he won't fully understand he is not supposed to.

    Take Time To Play

    • Dogs who do not get enough play time can become bored and develop less-than-desirable behaviors. Make sure your dog gets plenty of active exercise. Take your dog for walks, to the dog park or throw a ball with him. Exercise will keep your dog physically fit as well as entertained.

    Take Time For Your Dog

    • Dogs don't do well when they are banished to a kennel, the backyard or on a chain for the majority of their day. If you want your dog to be well adjusted, you need to make him a member of your family from day one. Bring your dog into your home and spend time interacting with him as you would any other member of your family. Plan family outings in which your dog can be included.

    Be A Responsible Dog Owner

    • Your dog should have all his vaccinations and make regular trips to the veterinarian for wellness exams. When you notice a change in behavior, check with your veterinarian to find out if there is an underlying medical cause that might be responsible for the behavior. Keep your dog clean, well fed and in the best health you are capable of. A dog who does not have his basic needs met is unlikely to behave like a well-adjusted pet.