06/23/2026
Getting an adorable (foster) puppy is a lot of fun, but also a lot of work.
Here are some things that I have been working on with Emmitt when introducing him to my home and preparing him to go to his next home:
Crate training. He goes in a crate when I am gone, over night or when I am not keeping an eye on him or able to support him. When I leave the house for a short period of time, when I come in the house, I will have him stay in the crate for a little bit before getting him out. This helps him stay calm when I am coming and going. I want him calm and happy in the crate whether I am in the house or gone.
Potty training. When he isn’t supervised, he is in the crate. When he is out, I am watching him or have him leashed to me. I am taking him out very frequently to go potty. When he first gets out of his crate and goes potty, sometimes I will bring him back out five to ten minutes later. I watch him like a hawk. In the yard sometimes I will stop him from playing if he hasn’t gone potty yet. This is something I want to take care of as I don’t want it to linger for a while.
Understanding verbal markers and the back off cue. This is important so when he is doing something I like, I can mark and reward (praise, affection, sometimes a treat). I can also mark to let him know when he’s doing something I don’t like. Back off is working on him moving away from something...like the cat, another dog that doesn’t want to play, etc.
Sit on the Dog, Tethering. Having him on leash in the house with me whether I am sitting and hanging out or if I am moving about has worked on leash skills, how to share space and what the rules of the house are, being able to chill/emotional regulation, etc. Even having a leash dragging inside can be helpful.
Doorway manners. When the door opens you wait to be released out. Sometimes I’ll ask for a sit, sometimes I’ll wait for him to give me eye contact, but the bare minimum is to wait to be released. Sometimes I release my dogs as a group and other times I release them one at a time. Having him learn to wait his turn is important.
Feeding time. Right now he is crated while I feed everyone and then he gets his meal in his crate. I need him to be quiet while I am prepping everyone’s meals. Hand feeding is something I have implemented a little, but need to do more of.
Socialization with other people and other animals. I have taken him to his vet appointment, but also need to take him into town and other environments. He is also working on seeing other dogs that he isn’t going to interact with and staying calm.
Basic Manners. I work on teaching him how to initiate affection. Instead of crawling onto me, leaning into me, shoving other dogs out of the way for attention, I work on making sure he is being appropriate. If he isn’t, he doesn’t get attention and may be sent away. He is learning that other dogs can get attention without him shoving in or trying to get them to play. He’s also learning not to shove past me in tight spaces, how to move out of my way when I am walking, doorways, taking treats, etc.
General obedience training. He has worked on loose leash walking, name recognition (recall), some place bed and sit and down. Other things like taking the treat nicely, engagement, patience, etc. have all been a part of that.
Emmitt is doing so great with things! He is smart, motivated, and an all around sweet little guy. Not to mention absolutely adorable! I’ve been having a lot of fun with him.
I’ll be looking for a home that is willing to keep working with him.
