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Jan 2011  |  By Lindsay Roseman  |  Comments

New Pet: Behavior Problems Solved

What’s the ultimate best surprise that kids beg for every year? Pets.

Preferably a dog, but really anything cute and furry seems to do the trick.

If this was the monumental year you finally gave in and got that new puppy, there are a few things to note. Whether it’s a shelter dog or straight from the breeder, we’ve got tips to help acclimate that little bundle of joy into you household’s routine.

House training: Here’s the biggie. Some dogs can be trained pretty quickly, but for others the process is a little more, let’s say, complicated.  The most important lesson is to be alert and always keep an eye out.  Most dogs will give you little body language clues when they’ve gotta go, like waiting at the door, and even if they don’t, letting them out every once in a while will signal that this is something that should become a pattern.

Chewing: A benefit of a shelter dog is that it may already be trained to go outside, but your home means a whole new world of things to chew on.  It’s time to be conscious and make an effort to keep things out of reach at all times.  Believe me, when you lose your first few important documents or even car keys, you’ll be on constant watch and make sure things are up high or put away.  Give the dog a firm “no!” and a chew toy to attempt to avoid future infractions.

Interactions with other pets: You’ve got this cutie under control with the kids and he’s even waiting by the door before he needs to go outside, but get ready for this one. Once other dogs come into the picture it may seem like WW3. Socialization is key here. If you pull him away and keep walking things will never improve. Ease your pet into this one and bring the dogs in conflict close enough where they can feel comfortable and sniff things out, but far enough away so a brawl doesn’t erupt.  Pretty soon your new puppy will be mingling with the best of them!

Tips from the Jeff Millman, Chicago PAWS:

• Positive reinforcement!!!
• Give your dog something rewarding immediately after good behavior
• Ignore inappropriate behavior, redirect, and teach appropriate behavior
• Motivate the dog in a way that’s fun for both of you!