A 2-year-old Teddy Bear dog that has been rehomed can build a bond with its new owner through crate training, hand-feeding, and interactive play. At this age, the Teddy has generally established its basic behavioral patterns. When the new owner notices incorrect behaviors, it's important not to resort to scolding or physical punishment, as this will only make the dog less compliant.
Teddy Bear dogs are very intelligent, ranking second among all dog breeds in terms of smarts. A 2-year-old Teddy is considered an adult dog, which means it has likely formed a close, trusting relationship with its previous owner and has established a routine. When rehomed, they can become very distressed, wary of their new owners, and may even refuse to eat or show aggression. In such cases, it's crucial for the new owner to build a bond of trust and affection. When the Teddy displays undesirable behaviors, avoid yelling or hitting. Do not force the dog to do things it dislikes. Adult Teddies are intelligent and can understand human language. They are sensitive to tone of voice. Harsh treatment will cause them to become resistant, making training much harder. We can train the dog using the following techniques to help it adjust to its new environment and bond with its new owner.
How to Train a Rehomed Teddy Bear Dog
1. Crate Training
A 2-year-old Teddy should not be allowed to roam freely immediately after being rehomed. There's a risk of it running off and not returning. It's best to keep the Teddy in a crate and make it feel like a safe, home-like space. Use familiar items from the previous owner, such as their bed or food bowl, to help reduce anxiety.
2. Hand Feeding
Teddies are known for their love of food, which can be used to your advantage. Hand-feeding the dog is a great way to quickly earn its trust. However, do this safely to avoid the risk of being bitten by a fearful dog. While it may not be effective initially, over time the dog will accept you, and you can let it lick food from your hand. This will help strengthen the bond between the dog and its new owner and assist the Teddy in getting to know its new home.
3. Interactive Play
The intelligence of an adult Teddy is similar to that of a 5-year-old child. They will likely experience depression due to separation from their previous owner. New owners should provide plenty of companionship and engage in interactive play. This allows the dog to gradually accept you and build a new bond.