Your New Dog: The First Steps Adopting a new dog or puppy comes with its own apprehensions.  How to train the dog?  What steps to follow so that the process of making your puppy a regular member of your household?  What are the basic requirements of the puppy?  How to make it easy for both the puppy and yourself? Here are some useful dog house training hints and a checklist for success with your dog adoption. To have a happy dog in the house you need to plan the supplies required for bringing up your dog.  Here’s the list of dog essentials. Chew bones and chew toys Water bowl and food bowl Treats for training Dog food Dog Bed and blankets Crate Toys Setup a separate confinement area where your dog can rest when you are not supervising it.  Giving the dog the complete run of the house might create problems later when you try to confine him to a small area later.  A free run of the house might also make for accidents or your puppy may chew up your carpet or furniture.  It is better to start the confinement early in the house training. The area should be easy to clean and maintain.  It should have a gate so that so that you can confine the dog when necessary.  The ideal place should be free of clutter or furniture, preferably on the porch or small outside area.  Put the dog supplies as per the check list above.  Ensure that the dog understands that the area is his own.  Put the puppy’s favorite toys and the chew bones strictly in the specified area.  Give the best things the dog loves, its meals in the specified area.  Within a short span the puppy or dog will understand that the place is his home. Your dog house training process will be slow in the beginning.  Get the dog accustomed to short absence from a few minutes to 30 minutes.  Over time you may increase to a few hours.  Get the dog accustomed to lonely time.  Dogs are social animals and it is important to train it to be alone to avoid over dependence on you.  Any time the dog howls or whines give a few minutes before you respond.  Otherwise your dog may start barking once it learns that you respond to its each cry.    Some more dog house training Tips  Until your dog is perfectly housetrained, never leave him alone unless he’s in his specified confinement area Your dog must be 100% supervised when he’s outside his specified area Take your dog out on leash frequently. Start by walking him at half-hour intervals If you see your dog sniffing and circling in the house, take him out immediately Praise and reward him with a treat  when he relieves himself outdoors Never yell or punish your dog for a potty accident in the house Dogs need both physical exercise and mental stimulation. Remember: A well exercised dog is a happy dog A good exercise program will make your dog a more relaxed and enjoyable companion Don’t let your dog off leash in unsecured areas, and make sure he wears an ID tag Daily obedience training and food “puzzle” toys provide your dog with mental stimulation Dog training classes are fun for dogs and people alike  Dog training can be fun for the dog as well as you when handled right.  A little trouble and a planned dog schedule will make for a happy dog and a happy dog lover that is you.