Whether it’s cross-town or cross-country, moving is stressful. From new surroundings to new neighbors, even the most pulled-together people need time to get adjusted. The same holds true for dogs, according Brad Bevill, owner and founder of Bevill Dog Behavior.
“Behavior is a science. Humans and dogs learn the same way,” he says. “It’s not what makes us feel good, but what we’re trying to accomplish long-term.”
Brad’s definitely on to something. His business is off the charts. Clients include some of Dallas’ most prestigious pooches—and their well-heeled owners, of course. Yet like any reputable therapist, he won’t name names. But judging from the cars pulling up to his North Dallas dog behavior facility/sanctuary, our guess is that these pups come from some pretty impressive digs.
Services offered include behavioral training and group classes. Why the demand?
“Most dogs are overly-stimulated, under-rested, under-exercised, and have no purpose,” says Brad.
“Owners have to introduce the behavior they want—calmness, politeness, respect.”
The way he explains it, the concept sounds simple enough: Animals want balance.
“Getting a dog excited is easy. Creating calm is hard,” he says. Everyone does it backwards. You need to spend more time on calmness.”
So how does that relate to acquainting your pet to a new environment? For starters, you want to consider a dog’s four states: Follow, play, explore, and rest.
“Before inviting them into their new home—yes, invite—take them on a really long walk around the neighborhood to drain the body and mind.
While they’re still on a leash, lead them in.
“You want your dog to be in the follow/rest state, not play/explore,” Brad explains. He makes the analogy to child-rearing. “It’s the only way you can teach your kid that church is different from Chuckie Cheese.”
Brad advises introducing one room per day, starting with the family room—or wherever your pup is going to spend the most time. Again, you want your dog to be in a totally calm and restful state.
“It becomes the imprint of their new home,” he says. “Pets look to us for permission of how to behave in a space.”
At some point, you’re going to introduce them to the backyard so they can go potty.
“Walk them to the back door, wait calmly, then extend the invitation to go outside,” Brad advises. “If you let the dog run around excited, you’re giving everything away.”
Some other tips: If there’s a room you don’t want the dog to go into, don’t introduce them. Take them to threshold, but don’t let them in. Similarly, if you don’t want pets on the bed, tell them no, then back them out of the room.
And about going crazy when the doorbell rings? You want to set an example. After a long walk, put the dog in its crate or bed. Then start ringing. Don’t let anyone in the family get up or say anything.
“Animals don’t know what doorbells are. Humans give meaning to the noise,” he says. “Think preventative, not intervention. Create the patterns you want.”
