[nagdu] another dog relieving issue

[Julie J.]

I think a schedule, a reasonable short leash and patience are your friend 
here.  With a new dog or any dog in a new environment, I give a lot of 
relieving opportunities, like 8 or even 10 per day.  I'd rather waste time 
outside with a dog who doesn't need to go, than clean up messes on the 
floor.  The numerous relieving opportunities also help me to learn the dog's 
natural schedule.  Then I can cut out the breaks that we don't need and keep 
the times when the dog really does need to go.

I think a leash is a must with a new dog.  What people mean by a short leash 
varies widely.  Seeing Eye uses and incredibly short leash and other 
programs use longer leashes.  I think something no longer than five feet is 
probably your best bet.  When the dog stops, I like to be able to take no 
more than two steps to get to the dog and be able to touch him to see what's 
going on.  Eventually I get to know the dogs routines, signals and habits 
and will usually know what's going on without touching the dog.

The first few weeks require patience.  It's a big change for both of you. 
Keep your expectations and routine consistent, apply lots of patience and 
I'd say that will clear up the vast majority of new dog issues.

Julie
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