Basic Dog Training for Your New Adopted Dog

I volunteer for the Chihuahua and Small Dog Rescue of Colorado and we always ask our potential adopters if they are willing to obedience train their dog.  Many of their answers involve some form of “if the dog needs it”…or something to that affect.

I think it’s a good idea anytime you adopt a new dog, that after the initial introduction period (probably two to three months), you should take the dog to a dog trainer for some type of training or class.

This will be beneficial to both of you for a variety of reasons.  Most breeds enjoy learning new things and a bond will be made between the two of you during the learning process.  You will have the opportunity to learn what motivates your dog, and the dog will learn that you are a pack leader.  Plus you’re ensuring that you and your dog get off on the right foot and having a dog that is well behaved will help you have a dog that you can be proud to own.