So, you’ve made the decision to adopt a new pet. Good for you! There are so many deserving animals in rescues and shelters that need loving homes. Once you’ve made the decision to adopt, the work begins. A little pre-planning will make your and your new pet’s transition easier.
Your pet will expect you to set the expectations during the first few days of his stay with you. What you do to welcome your new pet into your home will make the transition easier for both you and your pet. He or she is relying on you to be the leader. So here are a few ideas from the experts to help everyone with the transition.
1. Find the right dog for you. While this seems simple, it really takes some time to identify the right breed of dog or cat that meets your needs. Some pets do well in households with kids, others need adult-only homes. Certain dog breeds need more exercise than others. Some dogs will need more quiet than others. Do your homework on the front end before you start your search. There are many online sources to help you with this process: http://www.breederretriever.com/breedselector.php
2. Determine where your dog will be spending their time. Because housetraining may be forgotten in the first few days after adoption, the kitchen or other spaces with tile work well.
3. Decide if your dog will be crated. Crates work well for many dogs, and knowing before hand if they are crate trained is important. Understand that if they are not crate trained and you want to use a crate, you will have to take some time to work with them to help them get comfortable in one. If you do crate train your dog, be certain to leave the door open when they are not required to be in it so they can come and go from their ‘safe spot’ as they wish.
4. We all hear about baby proofing a house. You’ll also need to puppy and dog proof your home as well. Cords for lamps or stereos are very interesting to a puppy who is teething. Not only is this bad for your lamp, it is very dangerous for the puppy. Be certain to have toys available for your new dog or puppy. Re-directing your new family member to a toy that is appropriate for them is important.
5. Know what words and sounds you will use to train your dog. Your pet will be listening to your words and the way you use them to understand what you want. A particular whistle may get their attention and mean to come back to you. No may mean no to you, but it could hold a world of meaning to your dog. A word or sound to get their attention would be more effective than using the word no all the time. You have to remember that your dog is waiting for your command to understand what you want the behavior to be. Be consistent in your words, sounds, and commands and your dog will know how to respond.
6. When you get your new dog, ask the shelter or rescue what your new pet was fed and when. Dogs can have gastric distress from changing food, eating at different times, or even having a different amount of food. Understanding what your pet should be eating and how much, will hopefully help your pet to stay in shape, not get an upset tummy, and not gain too much weight. Always ask your vet for their recommendation on how much and what kind of food you should be giving your dog.
7. Decide where your pet will be going to the bathroom and be certain to take them there regularly. Showing them where their ‘spot’ is, is important, and being certain to take them there is important. Be prepared for accidents during your pet’s transition to your home.
8. Find the schedule of walks, feedings, rest, and play that works for you, your family, and your dog. Understand that your pet needs consistency and that the more regular you keep their schedule, the happier you and they will be.
9. Take time in the first few days to get to know your pet and help them establish their routine in your home. Remember that what you may think is a command may have meant something different in their previous home or foster home. Some pets may have negative reactions to newspapers, shoes, brooms, vacuums or other items. It will take patience on your part to understand what your pet needs and to help them become acclimated to your home.
10. Just remember, both you and your pet will need to be patient. Good relationships are not made over night, whether they are with new human or animal friends. There will be misunderstandings and you will have to remember that your pet wants to please you. It may just take some time to understand each other.
For more information on this topic, check out these online resources:
Cincinnati's Largest Pet Adoption Event - Annual Event
Proudly Sponsored By:
