New Dog Introduction

Adding a New Dog to Your Home

Thinking of adding a new dog to your family? Congratulations! You have many wonderful times ahead - and some decisions to make before you proceed. Some of the decisions people considering a dog have to make include:

  • Puppy or adult dog?

  • Get a dog from a breeder or a rescue?

  • Which breeds are easier or harder to train to do the things I like to do?

  • What size dog is best for my situation?

  • Will a new dog get along with my current dog/pets?

The answer to each of these questions is that “it depends”. In other words, every situation is different when it comes to adding a new dog. Factors like home environment, new dog behavior training, small children, current pets, work schedules and more can play a role in adding a new dog.

Puppy or Adult Dog?

What to go for????

So… It’s hard to beat the joy of having a new puppy in the house! Puppies love to play, have lots of energy, and can be an overall cuteness overload. Having said this: a puppy can be a real handful. The first first few months can be an incredible amount of work, requiring loads of behavior training, exercise, mental stimulation and patience.

On the other hand, an adult dog often comes house trained and may already have some basic skills and manners. This can be a benefit when less obedience or behavior training is needed - or a challenge if existing behavior needs to be changed. For the most part, however, an adult dog will offer you a more reliable glimpse in to their future personality and - in most cases - quite a bit less work during the first few months at home.

A senior dog - often the most incredible companion - can be a fantastic companion for a person who leads a more quiet lifestyle. And they can be incredible students! Some of the most amazing dogs I’ve come across as a trainer have been seniors: fun loving, but focused - active but in control of themselves. Do NOT let yourself be fooled by the old saying that “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”! Nothing is further from the truth!!

Rescue Dogs and Dogs From a Breeder

Both rescue dogs and dogs purchased from breeders can be great choices. Pure bred dogs often have certain traits or behaviors that more predictable than mutts or mixed dogs. Then again, some of the best performers I’ve known among Trick Dogs, Agility Dogs and Obedience have been mutts. If you’re determined to get a dog of a certain breed, just make sure its breed characteristics are inline with what you want. And having said this: Regardless of where you find your new dog, remember that at least some new dog behavior training will be required on your part. And, in addition, please, whether you choose a breeder or a rescue: be sure to do some research and choose a breeder or rescue organization that is worthy of your consideration.

Want to learn more about adding a new dog to your home?

Breed & Dog Behavior Training

Which breed is the best for you? It depends completely on your interest and lifestyle. Some breeds are quite active and require a human that’s ready to keep up. Others may be more aloof, or reserved around strangers.

Renaissance Hound strongly recommends researching any breed you may consider. It is important to consider this so you pick based on breed characteristics rather than just looks. Without some proper dog breed research, you may end up with a dog you find adorable but rather difficult to live.

Common Dog Behavior Training Problems

  • Jumping up on guests

  • Barking at visitors or guests

  • Refusing to leave furniture

  • Aggressive displays

  • Fearful behavior

  • Counter Surfing

Adding a Second Dog to Your Home

Some specific considerations come into play if you want to add a second dog to your family. A good place to start is whether you think your current dog will enjoy a new companion and if so, what types of dogs do they like or seem to get along with. A quiet mellow dog may not enjoy a really rowdy playmate. Similarly, a lazy mellow dog may not enjoy a real active or energetic dog. Choosing a second dog that is more well suited to your current dog will help minimize the dog behavior training and obedience training challenges.

Dog Behavior Training with Renaissance Hound

At Renaissance Hound we work with any dogs and their humans on the problems that matter the most to them - in the location where the dog needs to learn. After an introductory conversation where we discuss your situation and training objectives we meet up for a first in-depth Initial Consultation. This session lasts about 90 minutes, during which we clarify priorities, decide on a training plan and get started on some initial training objectives.

Following the session you will receive a written summary of our discussion along with a customized training plan. You have the option of adding additional sessions as you see fit where we continue to work together. Price of training depends on the specific program or package you choose. Please contact us for details.