Dog adoptions and rescues increased across the US due to COVID-19. Have you welcomed home a dog recently? As people spend more time at home, they have taken comfort in their pets. Dogs are amazing, but welcoming home your newest member can have some bumps. This is common and can can be overcome with proper training. Consistency and patience are key.
Rescue animals are more likely to have separation anxiety based on their background. If possible, learn as much as possible about the history of your new dog. This helps with understanding their behavior and identifying possible issues. Create good boundaries with your new dog and take it slow.
Identify your dog’s needs and how it fits in with your lifestyle and living arrangements. Do you have a high energy dog, but live in a small apartment without a backyard? If so, frequent walks and exercise will be crucial. Do you like to exercise with your pet, yet have a low energy dog that considers taking 10 steps an accomplishment? Understanding your dog’s needs helps with integrating them into your home and routine.
Understand your dog’s diet and what works for them. Make sure your adopted dog has the proper food, exercise and routine for their needs. Dogs are a lifelong commitment. Being in tune with their needs helps keep everything in balance.
If you are trying to train your dog to be more obedient, check out our quick list of common dog training mistakes. Our certified trainers work with all breeds, sizes and ages to help dog owners get the best out of their dogs. If you are struggling with recall, heel or the lead, contact us for help. You can see our transformations on our YouTube page. If you would like more information, contact us at (805) 335-2144 or email: trainer@olk9ca.com.