Training Tips with Your Dog: Bringing Out the Best in Your Pup

Kim Hyde is the behavior manager at the Humane Society of Missouri, facing a unique challenge every day: helping dozens of dogs develop the behavioral skills they need to thrive in their forever homes.

The adoption recommendations from our team can include tips like…

• whether a dog would thrive in an active or quiet household
• appropriate ages for children in the home
• specific notes about behaviors like mouthiness in puppies.

“Dogs and cats are more resilient than what people give them credit for,” Hyde says, but notes proper matching remains essential for long-term success.

Connecting Adopters to Training Resources

HSMO connects adopters with various training resources, including referrals on adoption forms to organizations like the Greater Saint Louis Training Club. (Find our full list here!) For more complex behavior issues, Hyde recommends consulting with veterinary behaviorists.

When it comes to puppy classes, Hyde acknowledges they can be controversial. While socialization is valuable, especially for dogs who will be the only pet in the home, the environment matters enormously. “If it feels overwhelming and crowded to you, there’s a possibility that your dog might feel the same way,” she advises.

Her recommendation is to do your research, visit classes before enrolling, and trust your instincts about both the trainer and environment.

Preparation New Pet Owners

Hyde’s advice for new pet owners centers on thoughtful preparation and realistic expectations. Before bringing an animal home, she recommends purchasing all necessary supplies and allowing them to sit in the home, absorbing familiar scents rather than overwhelming pet store smells.

The initial settling-in period is crucial. “Let the pet settle in and don’t have a lot of visitors,” Hyde says. “We know how fun it is to have a new pet, but it can be overwhelming for them.” Key strategies include:

• Modeling good behavior through overly positive responses when animals make correct choices
• Setting clear boundaries using tools like baby gates and indoor leashes
• Maintaining consistency across all family members and interactions
• Focusing on desired behaviors rather than waiting for problems to correct

Tough Times with New Pets

Perhaps most importantly, Hyde emphasizes the need to celebrate small victories during challenging periods. “Sometimes we get so caught up in the negative behavior that we don’t see the many small positive behaviors that are happening,” she explains.
She encourages pet owners to pay attention to quiet moments when their pet settles and sleeps, and to notice incremental improvements in behavior. As animals become more comfortable in their new homes, their true personalities begin to shine through.

The Payoff: the Perfect Pet

Hyde’s final piece of advice speaks to the heart of successful pet ownership: “The effort you put into creating a positive learning environment during those first initial weeks with your pet will pay off, and you’ll have a lifetime of a great pet.”

This philosophy drives the work at HSMO’s behavior team every day, whether they’re working with a nervous puppy taking its first steps into the world or helping a senior dog overcome years of anxiety. Through patient, consistent and positive approaches, both shelter animals and their future families can build the foundation for years of companionship and joy.

Looking for more advice or help with a specific issue?

Visit our online library of pet care and behavior tips!