WAYS TO VISUALIZE YOUR NEW DOG

♦ Think of the New Puppy as a Newborn Infant.

It should help you accept the huge burden of a puppy by perceiving him as a lonely, frightened baby. Think how shocking the move to your house must be for a young pup, suddenly removed from a warm bed full of squirming siblings and a mommy full of tasty milk. Suddenly he’s all alone—and you’re the new parent bringing him to his new home, where he’ll probably sleep alone in a crate. It’s quite an adjustment! So if in the early days the puppy cries or whines or gnaws on things, try to be patient and compassionate. He’s not doing it to irritate you, or because he’s “spoiled.” Remember, he’s only a baby.

 ♦ Think of a New Older Dog as a Foster Child.

If you got the dog from a rescue organization or county shelter, you may not learn much about her past. The dog may have already been in multiple homes or other institutions (shelters, breed-rescues). She cannot know whom she belongs to or what’s expected of her or what’s going to happen next. That doesn’t mean you feel sorry for the dog and let her have free rein without imposing any rules. On the contrary, knowing that someone is in charge and is consistent is part of what will make her feel secure in her new environment. Showing her what the boundaries are and creating some sort of predictable schedule will help her make a successful transition into your home.

Copyright © Tracie Hotchner – Originally appeared in The Dog Bible: Everything Your Dog Wants You to Know by Tracie Hotchner