Now that you have a puppy, how are you going to live with him? So often you see people get a new dog and think that the pup will just know how to live with a human in the way that we want him to. We think they will automatically know how to come to us when we call them, do their business in an appropriate place and relax quietly by our side while we settle down to watch our favorite television program. Or we think it is a piece of cake to get them to do these things. Or we just don't think.

We are blinded by the cute factor. Our new dog is so adorable that there is nothing they could ever do, or not do, to take away the infatuation that we feel from looking into their sweet little eyes. Then you come home one day to find that your favorite chair has been eaten, the trash can has been tipped over along with its entire contents, and Fido has soiled your new Persian rug.

What happened to that adorable, sweet puppy you brought home? Absolutely nothing. He is just acting like a bored, unmanaged, unsupervised canine baby would act. You expected him to figure out what he is supposed to do and that's just what he did. He kept himself occupied while you were gone and he had a grand time doing it.

There are many easy ways to prevent any of these things from ever happening in the first place. Managing your dog is one of the most important things you can do to make sure he is not able to do things that are destructive or unsafe. Some basic tools for management are baby gates, crates, tethers and leashes. If you are not home, do not let your new puppy have the run of the house. He will destroy things and he may get hurt. Teach him that his crate is a great place to be or make a safe place for him in a room in your house. When you are home with him, keep him on a tether or leash by your side to ensure that he is not getting into anything and keep an eye on him in case he needs to go potty.

If Fido grabs the bread that you leave on the counter when you're not looking, don't leave the bread on the counter! If he gets into the trashcan, put it in a place he can't reach it, or get a foolproof lid. Your duty as a dog parent is to make your puppy's new home safe and secure for him and to let him know what the rules are.

Along with these management tools and techniques, it is very important to enroll you new pet in a basic good manners class. These classes are invaluable to the happiness of your relationship with your dog. You learn how to communicate what your expectations in the relationship are, and make sure he knows the rules of the house. They also will help you enjoy your new baby and keep him healthy, happy and safe.