Your New Best Friend: Tips and Training Advice for
New Dog Owners

Washington Humane Society
7319 Georgia Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20012
202-BE-HUMANE
202-234-8626
http://www.washhumane.org

Text and contents can be duplicated and/or distributed with credit to the Washington Humane Society.

YOUR NEW DOG:
Start Out on the Right Track

A WORD ABOUT PUNISHMENT
Hitting, "rubbing his nose in it," leash-jerking, choke collars and shock devices are headed for the history books of dog training. There is no need for old-fashioned "alpha dominance" techniques such as "alpha rolls," scruff shaking, pinning, stare-downs, etc. In fact, these methods could actually make your dog more insecure or more aggressive, depending on the individual dog! Reward-based training and sensible "management" is fast, fair, humane, and effective. "Management" means setting up your dog's environment to make it much more likely for him to succeed. Try to be a fair, kind, and consistent leader, not a punishing dictator.

PART I: Housetraining; Home-Alone; Appropriate Chewing
PART II: Basic Training
PART III: Exercise, Socialization, Recommended Reading