Adopting a new dog is very exciting. The thrill of your new furry friend coming home and having endless ideas of how you’re going to spend time with him.
There’s a whole world out there! Like hiking, traveling to new cities, meeting all your friends and family, not to discount the daily walkie which is a terrific relationship booster.
All of these plans of hanging out with your dog is definitely the goal and the hope for you both.
Most times, your new furry friend will need some time to adjust.
Adjusting to your routine and schedule. This could be very confusing for a new dog and your dog will need time to figure out you won’t be gone for forever when you leave for work or school.
Adjusting to building a new relationship with you. Some dogs have experienced countless temporary homes with different people, so remember your new dog needs time to trust you.
As you’re bringing in a new dog into your home, consider using the Rule of 3 when you experience something “new” your dog has never done before since he moved in. Allowing your dogs to reveal themselves and their personalities to you is a sign the bond is strengthening.
If you’re unsure of how to manage or help your dog choose something else, contact a positive reinforcement trainer committed to force free and fear free training methods.
Even better, consider hiring a reward based trainer as you bring your new dog home. This way you will be set up for success even before unwanted behaviors crop up!
Katherine Porter is a force free, reward based dog behavior advisor and consultant serving clients and their companion dogs worldwide. Her calm and gentle approach in coaching clients in effectively communicating what they want to their dog blends her MSW background into her dog training and behavior practice.
Katherine was a behavior consultant for Heeling Hounds after graduation. She opened Four Paws and You Dog Training LLC when the military relocated her family to Fort Sill, OK in 2015. During this time, she volunteered with Rainbow Bridge Can Wait where she provided post adoption consultations to new pet parents. She also developed and implemented tailored behavior modification plans for highly reactive dogs residing at the shelter. She also provided educational programs to military children through interactive workshops at the Fort Sill School Age Center.
In 2017, Katherine relocated Four Paws and You Dog Training LLC to Germany. She served the Armed Forces communities in Bavaria. She continued coaching and advising her clients in addressing their companion dog’s fearful and reactive behavioral issues. Katherine takes a Do No Harm approach first and foremost in providing behavioral plans. She is committed in serving clients with gentle and modern science approaches in modifying behavioral concerns such as reactivity, aggression, separation anxiety and fear based responses.
Katherine is a member of the Pet Professional Guild. She is focused on integrating a holistic and modern approach in addressing her client’s pet companion reactive behavior issues.
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