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Andre Millan pays a visit to Dog Psychology Center trainer Todd Langston for a live demonstration of two adult dogs with very different temperaments meeting a puppy for the first time, and how they negotiate space, and teach the new dog the rules, boundaries, and limitations.

For the dogs, this is a socialization exercise. For us, it’s a lesson in the language of dogs and how they really communicate with each other.

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Here Are Some Important Points to Remember in Your Role as Pack Leader for Your New Dog or Puppy:

1. Create a schedule that includes a daily 30 to 45-minute power-walk in the morning. This is critical for your dog’s health, both physical and mental.
2. Set aside time every day to provide mental exercise by maintaining rules, boundaries, and limitations. When these needs are met, the affection you give to your dog will be channeled as a reward.
3. Enlist your whole family in the process of bringing a new dog home. Discuss what their responsibilities will be before the puppy or dog arrives.
4. Research dog breeds and find one that best fits your lifestyle. For example, more active breeds, like hunting and herding dogs, require more exercise to stay physically and mentally content. But remember, breed is not destiny. Assess the individual dog’s energy level before taking him or her home.
5. Always walk out the door ahead of your dog when leaving the house. This will show your new dog who is in the leadership role.
6. While dog walking, make sure that your dog is not in front of you, pulling you down the street. Instead, keep your dog to your side or behind you. This will also demonstrate to your dog that you are the alpha figure.
7. Give your dog something to do before you share food, water, toys, or affection. This way the dog earns his treat. For example, have him or her perform the Sit or Down command.

A new dog will adjust best if his new family learns these pack leadership lessons before he arrives. Remember, dogs don’t crave a fancy treat or bed; they need you to become their stable Pack Leader to demonstrate love in a way they understand.

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Are you thinking of welcoming a new dog into your pack? If so, one of the first decisions to make is whether you’d like to adopt a puppy or an adult.

There really is nothing quite as adorable as a puppy. Cute, cuddly, and full of affection, the gaze from a puppy’s big, round eyes can melt any heart. If you adopt a puppy, expect to spend a lot of time with them during their first year of life. You’ll need to care for their every need, teach them how to behave, and show them where to spend their time. As they grow up, you’ll help mold their personality and behavior.

An adult dog can be a delight, too. If you adopt an adult dog, you’ll skip the awkward (and sometimes destructive!) puppy developmental stages, like teething and potty training. Depending on their history and whether they’ve been trained, you may not need to send them to basic obedience class or housetrain them. After they get used to your family’s new routine, they will simply be ready to be your constant companion.

Choosing between a puppy and adult can be a challenging task for any dog lover. Each has its benefits and drawbacks.

Before Making a Decision, Ask Yourself These Questions

Do You Have the Time to Dedicate to Raising and Training a Puppy?

A puppy requires constant supervision during the first few months of life. You’ll need to take them outside every few hours (at least) to relieve themselves. You’ll need to make sure they’re staying out of trouble. And you’ll need to take them to regular obedience training classes to give them a solid foundation in good behavior. If you work at home or have some flexibility with your schedule, a puppy is for you! If not, consider an adult dog that has been housetrained and is able to mind their manners while you’re away.

Is Your Lifestyle Conducive to Raising a Dog?

Are you a stay-at-home person or a busy out-and-about person? Pet owners who prefer to stay at home rather than go out are a step ahead when it comes to raising a puppy, as toting around a tiny ball of fur isn’t always an easy task – and dogs (even adorable puppies) aren’t welcome everywhere. If you have a busy social schedule that doesn’t allow for puppy raising, consider an adult who is already trained.

Is it Important That You Raise the Dog Yourself?

When you raise your own puppy, you help to form its personality and behavior. When you adopt an adult dog, their personality is already established and they may have some behavior issues left over from their previous owner. If you want to mold your pup to fit into your family from day one, definitely choose a youngster who you can watch grow up.

Do You Have Children?

If you have a baby or young toddler in your family, you may want to wait a few years before adopting a dog (puppy or adult), as curious kids can accidentally harm the dog – and vice versa. Older, responsible children, however, can help with the chores associated with both raising a puppy and caring for an adult (with your supervision, of course). If you choose an adult dog, make sure they have been raised around kids and will be tolerant of playful children.

Is Cost an Issue?

Though both puppies and adults each have costs associated with them, the purchase price of a purebred puppy is often hundreds of dollars more than that of adults or rescues. If price is an issue, consider adopting.

These questions are only a few that you should ask yourself and your family before deciding on an adult or a puppy. Also consider your experience in raising a puppy, the current – and future – makeup of your family, and the activity level of your household. Keep in mind that although puppies are adorable, many adult dogs are looking for homes, too!

How old was your dog when you adopted her? Tell us all about it in the comments

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Lifestyle

All dogs love physical activity and enjoy the outdoors, but your family has to be to be able to provide a certain amount of activity for certain dogs. Although a lot of children say that they like physically active dogs like Dalmatians, they actually require at least an hour of exercise every day. Children who are engaged in sports and outdoor activities will enjoy active dogs, but if they tend to stay in the house then they should probably find a dog with a similar temperament.

Living Situation

The type of dog you select will greatly depend on the type of living situation that you and your family have. Larger breeds like Labrador retrievers, German shepherds, and St. Bernards tend to be more suitable for people that own their own homes and have a significant amount of space for them to play and exercise. Ideally, larger dogs should live in pet friendly communities that offer a lot of parks and open spaces. People that live in apartments or urban areas should strongly consider smaller breeds like a Welsh corgi or beagle because they are more tolerant of being indoors. Another factor to consider is the type of climate you live in, because some dogs tend to be better suited for colder or warmer weather. Breeds like pugs and bulldogs tend to have respiratory problems when it comes to hot weather.

<h2allergies< h2=””>Another thing to consider before purchasing a dog is that some members of the family may have allergies. Any dog could trigger allergies, but there are few breeds like the Maltese, Portuguese water dog, or Shih Tzu that tend to be easier to manage for people who have allergies. Consult with your family doctor before selecting a dog if one of your children has allergies.

Grooming and Care

All dogs require proper care and grooming on a regular basis, but some breeds need more than others. Dogs that have long or curly coats may need to be groomed several times a week, which is generally not the level of care that most children can provide. It is better to stick with dogs that have shorter coats and require less maintenance if the children will be the ones taking care of the dog. Some of the older dogs or younger puppies may require some extra care and attention as well which may not be appropriate for children.

Affordability

The cost of a dog is a lot more than the price you will pay for purchasing the dog. As a family, you will have to know how much money you can spend on the dog every month. Large breeds tend to be more expensive because they eat more food, their healthcare costs are more expensive, and they can be more difficult to accommodate as some apartments do not accept them. Smaller breeds also require certain expenditures, but generally not as much as the larger breeds. Purebred dogs not only cost more money up front, but they are usually the dogs that have genetic predispositions to certain types of health problems, while mixed breeds are not as susceptible. Either way, calculate the cost of the dog’s grooming, healthcare, and food to get an idea of what you will actually spend on the dog.

Temperament

Purebred dogs will normally exhibit the same traits as other dogs in their breed while mixed breeds will usually have traits found in both breeds. The dog should have a similar temperament to your family in order to have the best match. Outgoing and gregarious children will do better with dogs that also tend to be more friendly and approachable, while more reserved children will do better with dogs of a similar cautious mindset. The entire family should meet the dog and see if they might be compatible before making the final decision.

Choosing a dog, especially one intended for your children, should be a decision you make with their input. Sit down with them and discuss what types of breeds will be suitable and let them know the level of care and commitment that you will expect from them. Think about what type of lifestyle you have as well as what your children are able to manage along with their schooling and extracurricular activities. Given that everyone’s situation is different, there will not be one type of dog that will be suitable for every family.

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If taken together, these measures work so well they could make a house seem as if it’s cleaning itself.

Low-Maintenance Floors and Rugs

Ceramic or porcelain tile is a no-brainer for a floor that feels and looks fresh after just a quick soapy mop-up. But you don’t have to give up rugs if you use the outdoor type indoors. Thom Filicia for Safavieh has designer looks you can hose clean and drip dry.

You can also use FLOR modular carpet tiles and buy extras to swap out if a couple of them get soiled. You can also opt to use indoor-outdoor carpets. These don’t allow dirt or smells to soak in and are easily cleaned with a damp rag.

Deodorize Carpet With White Vinegar

You most likely have a natural secret weapon in your home that can easily remove pet odors from your carpet and upholstery. Fill a spray bottle with water and white vinegar using a 1:1 ratio. Spray the affected area, but do not get it soaking wet. Once the spot dries, you will be surprised at how well the odor has been neutralized.

Keep Dirt At The Door

Dogs track in a crazy amount of dirt and debris when they come in from playing outside. One way to cut back on extra cleaning is to keep a shallow dish and towel by the door and clean your pet’s paws before they come into the house. You can also keep mats inside and outside your doors and train your dog to wait for you to wipe their paws.

Hardwood Floors

Hair and dirt from your pup can collect in the cracks of your hardwood floors, and cleaning between them might seem like an impossible task. One way to get in that hard-to-reach area is to wrap a baby wipe around the tip of a skewer and use that to access the nooks and crannies that become dirt traps.

Impervious Upholstery

Borrow a trick from the hotel industry and only buy pretreated upholstered furniture. Most fabrics can be treated to repel water, resist stains, and block out bacteria that cause odor. Furnishings that have already been protected often wear labels from DuPont or Crypton.

Another super-fast helper? Sofa and chair slipcovers. They come in many colors or patterns, and some are lined with protective rubber undersides. They don’t always look like the ones grandma used, so you can rest assured that slipcovers won’t ruin your decor.

Germ-Free Countertops

Bacteria-resistant surfaces include recycled glass, quartz, stainless steel, and solid surfacing made from plastic polymers (the best-known is Corian).

If you’re like many dog owners who devote parts of their countertops to dog food prep or grooming, you should have counters made of these nonporous, antimicrobial materials, which require only a soapy wipe to stay clean.

Soft, porous counters made with marble, wood, or some granite may look great, but they require constant resealing to stay hygienic — and that means even more work for dog owners. Remember, the surface you brush your dog on is the same you prep your dinner. Choosing a counter that does not absorb or retain bacteria and germs will ensure the safety of your family and your pup.

Cleaning Your Countertops

Some cleaners can be toxic to pets, so you will need to double-check the brand you like to ensure complete safety for your four-legged friends. You can always use a natural product such as baking soda or vinegar. Even though your pet might not be climbing on your countertops after you spray a cleaner, the particles can travel through the air and affect your puppy just the same. Please take time to look at your cleaning products and think about how the ingredients could potentially harm your furry friend.

Filtered Air is Clean Air

Just like a filter for your vacuum, you can get air filters for the whole house. Install a powerful filter on your furnace to clean indoor air of particles smaller than the thickness of a strand of hair. These filters can also help family members who struggle with animal allergies.

Switching out the filters is essential to keeping the air in your home clean. Check with the manufacturer of your filters to learn how often the filter will need to be swapped out. Keep in mind that for dogs who shed an excessive amount of fur, you will need to switch out filters more frequently.

Types of Filters

There is no shortage of options for air filtration systems for your home. Thankfully, you don’t need to be an expert on all the types available, but it would be a good idea to have a general idea of your options so you can purchase the best one to suit your family’s needs.
If you or a family member struggle with a particular allergy, consulting with your doctor might be a good idea to find the most appropriate filter system. Filters make sure you and your pooch can breathe clean air, and using filters can keep your home cleaner.

Air filters are ranked by their minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV), which measures how effectively they filter airborne contaminants. Higher ratings mean that the system is better at catching allergens. A word of caution is that higher MERV ratings will cause your HVAC system to work harder, so it is best to consult with your provider to determine the best option for your home.

Electrostatic Filter

You can add an electrostatic filter, which doesn’t need replacing for up to fifteen years and removes 94% of particles — including pet dander, dust mites, and synthetic fibers.

Disposable Filters

For mild allergies, you can start with a disposable filter that you can purchase from your local hardware store. These filters typically need to be changed once a month.

HEPA Filter

Otherwise known as High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters, HEPA filters are designed to remove harmful particles that are 0.3 micrometers or larger.

Vacuum Power

Wherever there’s pet hair, there will be vacuuming. If you ensure that the following features are present in a single vacuum, you’ll get the job done in fewer passes. Your vacuum should have:

• Upright canister for carpeting
• HEPA filter (replaced frequently)
• Strong suction, regardless of claims of horsepower, watts, or amps, which are measures of electrical current, not pickup

Collars, Leashes & Toys

These items are often overlooked but can carry foul odor, dirt, and germs if not properly cleaned. Collars and leashes in particular tend to develop a bad smell in a short amount of time.

If you have a dishwasher, you can use it to clean toys and collars quickly. For a deeper clean, put dog shampoo into a bowl of hot water and soak toys and collars for at least 30 minutes. After they have soaked, rinse with cool water and allow them to air dry.

Taking the time to deep clean these items will make a difference in how your home smells. Before you tackle cleaning, take the time to read labels to ensure you are using products correctly.

Pet Beds

When selecting a ped bed, one that has a removable cover is your best option. You can use regular detergent to wash pet bed covers. Make sure to select the hot water setting. Adding a cup of baking soda to the washer can also improve the cleaning and odor removal process.

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