| It is essential that you develop a close, positive bond | | | | shoes! This works well with an older dog coming into |
| with your dog, and to do that you must know how a | | | | your home, too. The dog gets to know your routine |
| dog thinks. Your dog will view you and your own | | | | without being the center of attention. |
| family as his new family. It's important to make sure | | | | 6. Brush your dog daily. Most dogs love to be |
| your new dog or puppy feels like he is part of it. | | | | brushed, and it's a good time to pet and talk to your |
| If you do a good job bonding with your dog, you'll be | | | | dog. |
| well on your way to having a well-adjusted, | | | | 7. Limit speaking to your dog. One expert suggests |
| well-behaved pet. Good bonding means that your pet | | | | not speaking to your dog for a week once you get |
| understands that he is part of your family and will | | | | him home so he'll listen to you when you begin |
| want to please you. Here are seven secrets trainers | | | | training. Silence works as a signal that things are |
| use to create a positive bond with dogs: | | | | changing with an older dog that need obedience |
| | | | training whether he's been in your home six years or |
| 1. Spend time with your dog. When the dog comes | | | | six hours, and it's a great way to start. Most dog |
| into your home, someone ideally should be within his | | | | owners find it impossible to do, though! |
| hearing distance 24/7 for at least a week. If you can, | | | | 8. Take your new dog with you anywhere you can. |
| take a vacation from work when you get your new | | | | If the weather is cool enough to leave him in a car, |
| dog. Spending a lot of time with him initially will get | | | | take him with you on errands. Take him on walks, |
| you both off on the right foot. | | | | visits and to work if you can. Expose him to new |
| 2. Use baby gates rather than closed doors. If you | | | | situations and people occasionally. |
| don't want your puppy in a room with you, at least | | | | 9. Play with your dog for at least 15 minutes every |
| let him be able to see and hear you through a baby | | | | day. Your dog relies on you for his social stimulation, |
| gate. | | | | especially if he's an "only dog." Social stimulation is as |
| 3. Use a crate. You'll be using a crate to housebreak | | | | important as food and water! |
| your puppy, but even older dogs find the security of | | | | 10. Give your dog down time. As important as |
| their own "den" comforting. You can also move a | | | | bonding is, you need to remember that your dog is |
| crate from room to room so the dog can be around | | | | looking to you to find out where he fits in your |
| the family. | | | | family. Making him the constant center of attention |
| 4. Let the dog sleep next to your bed. Your dog or | | | | leads him to believe he is the leader in your |
| puppy will smell you even while you are both sleeping, | | | | household. Put your dog in his crate while you are |
| which helps with the bonding process. | | | | eating meals or after your children go to sleep. |
| 5. Tether your dog to you while you're doing chores | | | | Preventing bad habits is better than having to |
| around the house. Simply hook a leash to your belt | | | | eliminate them, so bond with your new dog so that |
| loop and go about your business. Try to do this for | | | | you can begin his training immediately. Don't allow |
| at least an hour every day. Not only will your puppy | | | | your puppy or new dog to practice any behavior |
| bond with you, you'll be able to keep a close eye on | | | | that you don't want to break later. |
| him to make sure he doesn't chew your favorite | | | | |