Hi Angie! My kids and I watched your 3 Dog Days video last night that we purchased from Amazon. Our ‘best friend’ golden passed away about 20 months ago and we are ready for a new ‘family member’. We learned so much from the video and want to thank you 🙂 I’ve also been looking at some of your blog videos and learning more. We are wondering if there is anything we should do specifically in this situation. The 3 y.o. black Lab (we will call him Onyx) that we are getting Sunday is coming from foster care. My dad and young adult kids will be meeting Onyx and his foster mother at a park where they will have about an hour together. Then, they will make a long journey home via van and ferry–it will take several hours. So, for us it seems like a two-part/almost two separate introductions/starting out…does that make sense? What is your advice?

Thanks,
Shaye.

Answer:

Hi Shaye~
Thanks so much for your supportive feedback. I’m very happy 3 Dog Days was a great learning tool for you and your family. Thanks for seeking information to help your new family member. There is no need to worry about your new dog making several transitions. Dogs live in the moment, so each new environment and each new human parent they are exposed to is what they make a judgment on at that very moment. So, you can use your “3 Dog Days” techniques when first meet him and also when you move him to the car/ferry etc. Just always remain calm and provide that Silent Support during the journey. As per the “3DD’s” video, when you reach your home; use the techniques you learned in your yard and control his entry and movement within your house. It’s perfect you watched 3 Dog Days before bringing your new dog home but it will also work anytime you want to “start over” with a dog. Even if you’ve had your dog for years, he will start over and follow your guidance through 3DD’s. In other words, the situation will work out based on how the parent acts in each environment. The video techniques help your dog immediately understand the house rules and he will calm down and adjust very quickly. If you are sure about what you want, your dog will be sure. If you are wishy-washy about what you want, he will try to takeover and make up rules and behaviors he decides because he will not sense a strong, respectful parent is present. Again, dogs need information in black and white terms; they do not do well with grey. Thanks again for your nice note and enjoy your new dog!