There are millions of animals in shelters across the United States, and rescuing one of these wonderful creatures is an excellent option if you are looking to add a furry friend to your family. However, sometimes it can be difficult for these dogs to adjust to their new homes, and here are a few ways to help make the transition easier.
While many shelter dogs are in excellent shape overall, some have medical issues and most need some dental care and grooming. Take your new pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible for a thorough evaluation. Also, keep in mind that a dog might have been housebroken before going in a shelter, but they could have some trouble in the first week or so after they join your family. Once you get them on a consistent schedule and they know where it's appropriate for them to go, it should be much easier to train this older dog than it would to train a puppy.
Keep in mind that this is not just a big transition for your family, it is also a huge transition for this special dog. While moving into a loving home is a wonderful thing, your new dog probably will be experiencing a great deal of stress. You need to be patient and loving and not expect them to jump in your lap and cuddle right away. Obviously, some dogs certainly do, but many need a few days to gain some confidence about their new surroundings. After all, some of these dogs have been mistreated and some have lived in many homes only to be taken away again and again.
While you might think of obedience training as too scary for a new rescue dog, this is actually a fantastic way to bond with your new pet. After all, your dog is a bit unsure about what you expect from them as far as behavior is concerned. What better way to show them than through patient, consistent obedience training? In addition to basic skills, this training can eliminate nuisance behavior such as jumping up on guests, barking inappropriately and chewing on your belongings. Well-trained dogs are happier than untrained dogs because their owners are happy with them, and for a dog, nothing makes them happier than being praised and loved.
In addition, the bond between the two of you will grow because you will be spending extra time together, learning obedience skills. You will gain a better, deeper understanding of your new friend's temperament and needs. In turn, you will soon have a dog that can be taken just about anywhere safely. This is a process that can take several weeks to accomplish, so be wary of any dog training system that promises overnight success or claims that with one simple command your dog instantly will obey.
Because our schedules are so busy, it is often difficult to attend dog training classes so if you are searching for a solid dog training DVD, consider The Dog's Way, which is a comprehensive set of dog training DVDs that teaches all the basic obedience skills as well as helping you combat some problem behavior. Not only will you be able to teach your dog basic control commands such as sit, stay and go down, your dog will learn to walk on a loose leash, stay down for an extended period of time and much more. This dog training program can help keep your dog safe and help you deal with typical issues such as keeping dogs from chewing furnishings, darting out the front door or barking excessively. With a little time and patience, your dog will become a friend that you will enjoy for many years to come.
While many shelter dogs are in excellent shape overall, some have medical issues and most need some dental care and grooming. Take your new pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible for a thorough evaluation. Also, keep in mind that a dog might have been housebroken before going in a shelter, but they could have some trouble in the first week or so after they join your family. Once you get them on a consistent schedule and they know where it's appropriate for them to go, it should be much easier to train this older dog than it would to train a puppy.
Keep in mind that this is not just a big transition for your family, it is also a huge transition for this special dog. While moving into a loving home is a wonderful thing, your new dog probably will be experiencing a great deal of stress. You need to be patient and loving and not expect them to jump in your lap and cuddle right away. Obviously, some dogs certainly do, but many need a few days to gain some confidence about their new surroundings. After all, some of these dogs have been mistreated and some have lived in many homes only to be taken away again and again.
While you might think of obedience training as too scary for a new rescue dog, this is actually a fantastic way to bond with your new pet. After all, your dog is a bit unsure about what you expect from them as far as behavior is concerned. What better way to show them than through patient, consistent obedience training? In addition to basic skills, this training can eliminate nuisance behavior such as jumping up on guests, barking inappropriately and chewing on your belongings. Well-trained dogs are happier than untrained dogs because their owners are happy with them, and for a dog, nothing makes them happier than being praised and loved.
In addition, the bond between the two of you will grow because you will be spending extra time together, learning obedience skills. You will gain a better, deeper understanding of your new friend's temperament and needs. In turn, you will soon have a dog that can be taken just about anywhere safely. This is a process that can take several weeks to accomplish, so be wary of any dog training system that promises overnight success or claims that with one simple command your dog instantly will obey.
Because our schedules are so busy, it is often difficult to attend dog training classes so if you are searching for a solid dog training DVD, consider The Dog's Way, which is a comprehensive set of dog training DVDs that teaches all the basic obedience skills as well as helping you combat some problem behavior. Not only will you be able to teach your dog basic control commands such as sit, stay and go down, your dog will learn to walk on a loose leash, stay down for an extended period of time and much more. This dog training program can help keep your dog safe and help you deal with typical issues such as keeping dogs from chewing furnishings, darting out the front door or barking excessively. With a little time and patience, your dog will become a friend that you will enjoy for many years to come.
About the Author:
Garrett McMahan loves watching dog shows. To figure out ways how to train dogs, or to find dog training DVD online, please visit the TheDogsWay site now.
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