I make sure they always have water available. Exercise is important. Play time is important. Food on regular schedule as well as potty time. I am a calm person and reflects on my dogs attitude. My dogs at home love being around new friends, may take a few minutes to get to know them but always adapt easily. Right now I have 3 dogs living here. Two are mine, 1 Catahoula beagle mix 8 years old names Treble and the other is a Corgi German Shepard mix 7 years old named Nessie. The 3rd is my daughters, a German Shepard 3 years old named Sophie. I do not cage my dogs. I do have a large cage if needed while either sitting or boarding if needed. I trained both of mine at early age to house train and listen to commands. The German Shepard is also very obedient and friendly.