Have you just got a new dog or are you thinking of getting one?
What do you need to think about, before, during and after getting your new dog?
Step 1: Make sure you choose a dog that is suitable for you and your family.
Contact veterinarians, animal behaviour therapists and breed associations to find out more about any breed you are interested in. Take into account your life style, the time you have available, your energy and interests, your budget (a long-haired dog will need regular grooming and could therefore be more expensive to keep), large or small, male or female etc … A dog is not a short term commitment but for life so do not just select on the basis of the dog’s appearance!
Read about breeds and their typical behaviour…..
Tips on where to buy your dog your can find here: …..
If you have children you need to take extra care when choosing a pet dog, you can find tips here…..
Step 2: If necessary, have a behavioural test carried out before buying a dog.
This test is carried out before you buy your puppy or adult dog. It will give you more information on the character of the animal so that you can be prepared for appropriate training and education and of course so that you and your new companion can enjoy life together.
Do you want to know more about behavioural tests?
Read about it here…..
Step 3: Private and / or group training
Before you think about actual training classes work on building up a solid relationship with your dog and work on his basic education. If you have a good relationship with your dog, everything is much easier and obedience will come more naturally.
You might want to read this ….
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Be sure to socialize your dog and bring it in contact with other dogs and people. Even if your dog is a little older, as long as he not suffering from dementia he will continue to learn.
What do you look need to think about when choosing a dog school?
You might want to read this…..
If you want to go to a professional dog trainer, dog behaviourist, a personal coach … think carefully about the following points:
- Has the person followed appropriate, approved and recognised training courses?
- Can they show proof of their qualifications? Do they have a certificate or at least a certification number?
- Is he / she a member of a recognized association?
- Do they comply with the law? Are they registered as a business or are they self employed? Do they comply with tax and VAT legislation?
- When you meet them do you have a good gut feeling?
Read more on this topic: …..
When training and educating your dog pay attention to your own attitude and your emotions!
Every day I am involved professionally with dogs and their owners and I have noticed that a dog’s behaviour is closely connected to the owner’s attitude. A dog actually works like a mirror, reflecting the owner’s behaviour.
Read more about Animal Reflection ® …
Step 4: Attend a workshop to help you to understand your dog
Workshops and puppy parties for new owners are frequently organised by various associations. These workshops cover dog behaviour, education and understanding the needs of your dog.
Step 5: Choose the right food and appropriate care
Nutrition can affect our emotions and behaviour, this is also true for animals, you are what you eat or you eat what you are.
Read more about this here…. .
Step 6: Take responsibility at all times for the behaviour and education of your dog and for the way that your dog conducts itself in public.
As an owner you’re obviously proud of your dog and really happy to be with him / her.
However not everyone likes dogs and not all dogs get along well with other dogs.
We live in a society where there are many different kinds of people and many different kinds of dogs.
This can unfortunately lead to frequent problems and misunderstandings between humans and dogs.
By following a few simple rules we can have certainty and clarity.
Knowing and understanding these rules ensures that, whether or not people are dog owners, they can all get along and enjoy safe, tolerant and friendly social activities.
Read more here …
If your dog exhibits any form of bad behaviour please contact a trained professional!!!
Do not presume that if you wait the behaviour will just go away or blow over, because usually it wont.
In each of these steps Toscanzahoeve is your reliable and recognized partner!
The entire team of trainers / behaviourists is ready to help, by phone / email / skype / social media etc and of course in person. They will do their very best to answer all of your questions and will offer practical help with training, behavioural problems, education, behavioural testing, workshops, etc…
Please do contact us to see how we can help you and your faithful friend!