Likewise, do not allow nor encourage wild behavior. The dog also appreciates hierarchy. If it learns from the start that you play dominance or is the alpha male, it would be easier to make the dog follow your commands. Dog Training Dog obedience training must start as early as possible because the dog has to learn manners and to follow commands. Not because you are working with a clean slate does it mean that a puppy will not turn out as a piece of work. Unless you are adopting a puppy that has been sheltered by a rescue group or one that can be taken directly from its original owner, you should be wary about adopting a very young dog. Only rescue groups keep tab of their dogs' sources, observe their temperament, and investigate into their dogs' history. Clarify your house rules Your new dog cannot guess which behavior is appropriate at your house and which are not. It will take some time before he fully understands that some behaviors that he used to have are no longer applicable and that new behaviors are needed to be formed. Include your family in the training of your newly adopted dog It is very important to have common rules for handling the dog. That's irresponsible, not to mention very selfish. Dog adoption is not something you can decide overnight. It needs thorough thinking. If you are considering to adopt a dog, it is highly advisable to first think it through. Don t decide yet. Analyze first all the things that need to be considered before going to an animal shelter. Their previous owners, for example, have no time to take care of their dogs or are moving to another city. There are also dogs that were left because their owners died and no one is left to care of them. Other owners can't handle the financial expense of owning a dog, and thus surrender them to shelters. Before adopting a dog for a companionship, it would be well to do a little research regarding health, ailments, and other breed specific issues on health. Companion dogs being generally small dogs are energetic and rambunctious. While they are not ideal around children because they move very fast, they are good company to older people who could use extra cheer around the house.