Comments on: How to Introduce a New Dog to Your Home

on 8/8/2006 Confine the new dog into a single room area with a baby gate separating him from the others. This allows visual contact and the opportunity to sniff. Do this over the course of a few days, taking time to put him one on one with the others in the yard area - under your watchful eye for any body language which might signal trouble. In no time, he will find his place in the pack. I have done this with each new introduction of my five dogs, all males, and I have never had a problem. They all know of course that I am the alpha female and undisputed leader of the pack.

on 8/8/2006 Every day while spending time with your new puppy, make sure you touch between the eyes, each of his feet, check in his mouth and in his ears.
This will help him be more comfortable with vet visits and visits to the dog groomer if needed!

on 6/30/2006 If you have a smaller child and get a Jack Russell, be sure that your child knows the proper ways to handle the dog. Aggressive behavior will not be tolerated by a Jack Russell and can cause the dog to become mean, snapping at the child or other family members.

on 3/11/2006 Take your puppy around your property first. It is not likely that it will want to wander off just yet. Once it has finished exploring and has gotten used to the leash and commands (although the leash is a fun chew toy), try and get him/her to walk on the sidewalk with you. If the dog attempts to go into the street, say "no!" and firmly pull it back. Also: the dog will eat just about anything it finds on the side of the road (mine even ate feces and threw up), so if you see him/her suspiciously chewing something, open its mouth and find it.

on 11/22/2005 Let the older dog nose around, but if they get uneasy or are getting ready for a brawl, do not let then duke it out. Stop the problem, or find the aggressor and spray them with a water bottle and eventually they will become friends.

on 11/22/2005 Every day while spending time with your new puppy, make sure you touch between the eyes, each of his feet, check in his mouth and in his ears.
This will help him be more comfortable with vet visits and visits to the dog groomer if needed!

on 11/22/2005 Before bringing a puppy indoors, be sure to show the puppy where you want him to do his business. Leave him there until he does it and take him to the same spot each and every time until he goes there on his own. I have raised 100 Shelties.

on 11/22/2005 Treat the dog that's been in your home longest as the alpha dog. Feed, pet and talk to him first so that he doesn't feel displaced or have to fight for his place. Give him lots of attention!

on 11/22/2005 Set the ground rules from day one and make sure that everyone in the house knows them. It might be cute to watch your puppy try to jump on the lounge or beg food from the table, but are they really habits you want it to have for the next 12 years?