Adopting A Shelter Dog?
Homeward Bound - Making Your New Dog Feel at Home
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How to Build a Strong Bond and Establish Leadership
Dogs are pack animals, continually attempting to define their place within the social order. They look for leadership in their human family and if they don’t see it, they assume that they’re in charge.
Contrary to what some people think, establishing leadership has nothing to do with “dominance”. It has to do with demonstrating who’s in charge. Ideally, we the humans should be in charge.
Ideally, we the humans should be in charge and we show it by acting like a leader in a humane and natural way.
Don’t confuse leadership with bullying. Our in-home dog trainers strongly suggest that you NEVER do things like hold the dog down or turn him over on his back to show “dominance.” Instead always show, calm, assertive and benevolent leadership by following a few simple rules:
- Ignore demands for attention, especially when first coming home from being out of the house
- Nothing in life is free. He must do something for you before you do something for him (e.g., “Want a treat? Sit.” “Want your ball? Sit.” “Want to go out? Sit.” “Want to eat dinner? Sit” etc.)
Remember, when bringing a dog home from the shelter, in your dog’s mind he has just been separated from the pack. Sometimes he will have a name that is accustomed to hearing while in other cases they will not. When he first arrives at home he needs to spend the next few days learning that your family is the new pack, and that all the humans in the pack outrank him.
During this critical introductory period, be patient and kind but DO NOT lavish the dog with praise and attention. Pack leaders are calm, and a bit aloof. Calm and assertive behavior is interpreted by dogs as leadership.
Except for a visit to the vet, don’t take him anywhere during the first week. Instead, let him take some time to settle in and learn that this is his new home.
Do not invite friends and neighbors over during the first week. Give your dog some time to get to know his new family first.
A dog training appointment with a home dog trainer should also wait for a few days until the dog has had a chance to settle in.
For the first 2 days keep him on a 6 foot leash, held in your hand, both inside and outside the home. This will help him bond with you and will aid in the housebreaking process.
Keep a sharp eye on him in the house to help prevent housebreaking accidents. Correct him with a verbal “NO” only if you catch him in the act of house soiling. Never take him back to the spot of an accident and scold him.
Do not place paper or pads on the floor for elimination. Instead, take the dog out every hour for a 5 minute potty break and praise him when he goes to the bathroom outside.
Consider the use of a kennel crate to aid in the housebreaking process and to prevent destructive behavior when you’re not home – these are fairly common problems, especially for young dogs.
