subject: 5 House Rules For Your New Dog [print this page] Getting a new dog is always an exciting timeGetting a new dog is always an exciting time. What will he be like? Should you get a boy or a girl? Will you adopt or get a puppy from a breeder? You can't wait to hold him and pet him and play with him! Whether you decide to get a puppy or an older dog, the first few days will be both exciting and hectic as you and your new pet get to know each other.
Before you bring your new dog home, however, you should give some thought to what kind of rules you want to set for him. Some of your rules will depend on your own personality and preferences. Other rules are some common sense suggestions.
Here are some rules to consider for your new dog:
1. Decide whether your dog will live primarily indoors or outdoors. This is a big choice and one that can affect your dog greatly. If your dog lives outdoors you will have to provide him with his own dog house and shade. You will need to make sure that he is cool in the summer and warm in the winter. For indoor dogs you will need to make sure that they have enough access to the outside and that their housetraining needs are met.
2. Your dog will need to learn the rules about house training. This is something that all house dogs should know.
3. Decide where your dog is going to sleep. This can be a surprisingly difficult rule to enforce. You may think that your dog is going to sleep in the garage but he will have other ideas. You may think he's going to sleep on the floor but he prefers your bed. You may buy him a crate but he prefers the sofa. So, although this is a "rule" you will have to be a little flexible about it. Do give some thought to where your new dog will sleep, but be willing to compromise.
4. Decide whether your new dog will be allowed to get on your furniture or not. Many people do not allow dogs on the furniture while others think it's perfectly normal and love to cuddle with their dog on the couch. If you've had a dog before you probably already know your opinion on this issue. If this is your first dog, you may find that you change your mind once you bring your dog home. On the pro side, it's great to snuggle with your dog. On the con side, your dog can quickly begin to think that your furniture is his furniture. You will also have dog hair on everything. Dogs on the furniture is a matter of personal preference.
5. Decide where your dog will have his food and water. This rule is a little easier to maintain. Many people choose to feed and water their dogs in the kitchen or in a laundry room. These rooms usually have a tile or linoleum floor, or some other kind of flooring that is easy to clean in case your dog slops out water or spills food. Your dog will probably be happy wherever you put his food and water.
Those are the primary rules that most owners will have to decide when they get a new dog. Other rules for your dog will depend on his particular circumstances. You can decide what level of obedience training you would like your dog to have. You will respond if your dog displays any kind of behavior problems. If you'd like to pursue an activity or sport with your dog you can create whatever rules you need to fit the activity. The five rules listed here, however, are the kinds of rules that all dog owners face when they bring a new dog home. Give them some thought before you get your dog and you will be well-prepared when you bring him home.
