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S🐶, You Adopted a Dog. What Next?

Stacking the Deck to Your Pup’s Wildcard Affection

During the COVID-19 shutdown, local animal shelter operators exclaimed dogs were “Going like hotcakes!” Pups filled homes in need of company and as an excuse to get outside. I want to provide new dog owners experiencing their new furry friends with my own best practices.

I grew up with many dogs but only took action as an adult after meeting a one-year-old thinly-stuffed freestanding cowhide rug named Pilot. What comes through after living with Pilot is her desire for companionship. If you watch any Dodo videos, you will know she is not alone. These are awesome work-from-home dogs full of giggle-inducing eccentricities. But the ongoing discussion of their temperament is not without merit.

I want to caution that my best practices are attuned to Pitbulls. Pitbulls have a reputation as the 21st century’s boogie-dog, and this article will approach what you should expect before picking up your cuddle monster. I hope the below ten pieces of advice help you with any dog you wish to have.

1. Commit to The Bit, Walk Your Dog, & Stack Their Deck