The First 72 Hours With a New Dog

Most behavior problems I get called for didn't start as behavior problems. They started as freedom given too early.

Structure beats affection (at first)

When a dog enters a new home, they aren't looking for love yet. They're looking for information: Where do I sleep? Who controls the resources? What earns rewards? Answer those questions clearly and you'll get affection for the next decade.

The 72-hour framework

Day 1: Decompress. Keep the world small. One room, a crate, a leash even indoors. No visitors, no dog park, no "meet the neighbors" tour. Your dog's nervous system needs quiet more than it needs stimulation.

Day 2: Routine. Feed, potty, rest, and short engagement sessions at the same times. Predictability builds trust faster than treats do.

Day 3: Begin earning. Ask for one simple behavior, a sit, before food, doors, or play. You're not being strict. You're teaching the dog that they control good outcomes through their choices. That is the foundation of confidence.

What to avoid

- Flooding the dog with new people and places
- Free-feeding and unlimited toys
- Correcting behaviors the dog doesn't understand yet

Trust first. Everything else builds on it.