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Did you just adopted a puppy or dog into your family or have you had a furry friend for years? A little preparation goes a long way towards a happy and harmonious home for everyone, including Fido. Read on for some tips to get your relationship started on the best paw.

Training

Aside from love, food, and shelter, one essential thing you can provide for your dog is training. Find a website to learn more about the best practices involved in the training process. 

A tenet of training is the expectation for all parties involved. You, the alpha in the relationship, know what you expect of your dog and are aware of your dog’s capabilities. Your dog knows what you expect of him or her and is trained to comply. For example, when it is time for your dog to go to the bathroom, they can be trained to go to a designated door and ring a bell or make a sound such as a whine or bark. You understand that behavior and reply in kind to take them out. It is a win for everyone when expectations and limits are set.

Training is also a safety measure when having a dog. You can train your dog to walk well on a leash instead of pulling you into an unsafe situation. If a stray dog approaches you and your dog, training will prove invaluable in how your dog reacts. Further, when small children are around, proper training will benefit everyone should the child try to take a toy or food from the bowl. A little training will afford you benefits for years to come.

Crate Training

While some may balk at the idea of putting your furry family member into a confined space while you are away, rest assured that they tend to find comfort and safety in the routine. The concept of crate training provides security for the whole family. You know your pup is safe and will stay out of trouble while you are away, and they feel safe in their familiar and cozy crate. Place a soft blanket, some chew toys, and a pillow to lay on inside. Make it a place of positivity instead of where they go for punishment.

As time passes and you feel comfortable with them roaming throughout the house, start by putting your dog into the crate when it is time for you to leave, but leave the crate door open. This time, close the door to the room they are in. Try this out for a week or two to see how your dog does. If you feel that they are ready to explore your home freely while you are gone, great! Close doors and put items away as you see fit. Leave the crate stocked with blankets, toys, and the door open. This way, your dog will still have a comfy place to retreat to when they feel stressed or want something familiar.

When the time comes for you to add a new furry member to your family, remember to invest your time in training it well. And, consider the unique variety of breeds and mixes available. This video highlights the positive attributes of Labrador Retrievers.

Whether you are new to the pet parent lifestyle or have been in the tail-wagging world for a while, taking the time to train or retrain your dog is worth it. From a busy work schedule to staying home for almost two years and then back again – it all takes an emotional toll on your furry one. A little love, care, and behavioral education for everyone will make your relationship even better.

Heather Brummett

I am Heather Brummett . I'm just a real mom, sharing my real life experiences with the world. Thank you for being a part of my world. Here you will find recipes, crafts, fun ideas for the kids, how to work at home, encouragement, inspiration, and the latest news in and around Houston. To be featured or for information on freelance work contact me at [email protected].

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