Introducing a new pet
Now that you've chosen the perfect new pet, it's time to bring it home. This sounds as easy as buying cute food bowls and matching leashes and collars, but successful integration is a little more complicated. Fortunately, it's also your new pet's best opportunity to learn the rules of your household.
This is a time of first impressions - be careful of which ones your new dog receives. You'll need to make decisions regarding where your dog will live, which areas of the house he will have access to, and what training you intend to give him. (Stay tuned for a future post with more detail on training.)
Even though your dog may have been trained in house manners (including house-training) you'll still need to show him or her where to eliminate, what is okay to play with, and where he or she will eat, relax, and sleep. (If you intend to crate-train, you'll want to begin the first night.) Have these areas all ready to go when the pet comes home for the first time. If you're able to get an item from the dog's former home, even better! Consider purchasing Kong-type toys to fill with peanut butter. These can be placed in the dog's play area and sleeping area, reinforcing the idea of "home."
Keep in mind that this is a huge change in your dog's life, and that he or she will likely be stressed. This stress could show up as depression, anxiety, or hyperactivity. Any of these are normal and to be expected, but it's important to start as you mean to go on with the dog, no exceptions. Do not let your dog establish any bad habits early on; they'll just have to be trained away later.
Before bringing the new dog home, you'll need to decide on training issues such as whether to crate train, whether the dog will be allowed on the furniture or in the bed, etcetera. Don't allow the dog to challenge these rules, and you will all feel less stress later.
It won't take your dog long to adapt to his or her new home and family. Remember, a well-trained, well-adjusted dog is a happy dog.
This is a time of first impressions - be careful of which ones your new dog receives. You'll need to make decisions regarding where your dog will live, which areas of the house he will have access to, and what training you intend to give him. (Stay tuned for a future post with more detail on training.)
Even though your dog may have been trained in house manners (including house-training) you'll still need to show him or her where to eliminate, what is okay to play with, and where he or she will eat, relax, and sleep. (If you intend to crate-train, you'll want to begin the first night.) Have these areas all ready to go when the pet comes home for the first time. If you're able to get an item from the dog's former home, even better! Consider purchasing Kong-type toys to fill with peanut butter. These can be placed in the dog's play area and sleeping area, reinforcing the idea of "home."
Keep in mind that this is a huge change in your dog's life, and that he or she will likely be stressed. This stress could show up as depression, anxiety, or hyperactivity. Any of these are normal and to be expected, but it's important to start as you mean to go on with the dog, no exceptions. Do not let your dog establish any bad habits early on; they'll just have to be trained away later.
Before bringing the new dog home, you'll need to decide on training issues such as whether to crate train, whether the dog will be allowed on the furniture or in the bed, etcetera. Don't allow the dog to challenge these rules, and you will all feel less stress later.
It won't take your dog long to adapt to his or her new home and family. Remember, a well-trained, well-adjusted dog is a happy dog.
Pet, or not?
Bringing a new pet into the family is a big decision! Fortunately, it's not hard to do if you keep a few pointers in mind.
* If possible, don't get a new pet on the spur of the moment. Take some time to decide if a pet will easily fit into your life and your home. Think about things like where the animal will live and where it will sleep. Make sure the other decision-makers in the household are in agreement with getting a pet, and that you have enough time in your day to devote to the pet. Also, make sure you consider the costs of pet ownership - not only food, but also routine vet care like heartworm and flea preventative and the inevitable late-night emergency.
* Decide what type of pet will best fit your lifestyle. Cats can be easy keepers, but they need a litterbox, scratching materials and something to climb. If you decide on a dog, then you will need to choose a breed. Do you want a large dog or a small one? All dogs need daily walks, but if you're athletic, you might consider a higher-energy dog who will easily keep up with you. If you're the couch-potato type, you won't want a dog with more energy than you.
* When choosing a breed, keep in mind that even within a breed, dogs are individuals. Some might choose a dog of a certain breed for protection only to find that particular dog is more of a lover than a fighter. Be sure that you ask the foster family about the "personality" of the dog you're interested in. There are several websites devoted to the various dog breeds. Read up on the ones you're interested in. Aside from being interesting reading, the development of a particular breed will give you insight into that breed's characteristics. (Ever wondered why Jack Russell terriers are so energetic? How did basset hounds get a reputation for stubbornness? Dachshunds are determined little devils for a good reason!)
* If you have pets already, it's important to introduce a potential new pet before making any decisions. It's impossible to know if two particular animals will get along until they meet. It's best to carry out a meeting on "neutral ground" so that neither animal feels the need to protect its own territory.
* Once you've made up your mind that you're ready for a pet and you know what you're looking for, contact a rescue group! Most groups in a given area work can together to make sure you get exactly what you want without the need to purchase a dog and support the dog-breeding industry.
Heart of Louisiana Humane Society will take back, no questions asked, any of our adopted pets. We want to make sure that everybody's happy.
* If possible, don't get a new pet on the spur of the moment. Take some time to decide if a pet will easily fit into your life and your home. Think about things like where the animal will live and where it will sleep. Make sure the other decision-makers in the household are in agreement with getting a pet, and that you have enough time in your day to devote to the pet. Also, make sure you consider the costs of pet ownership - not only food, but also routine vet care like heartworm and flea preventative and the inevitable late-night emergency.
* Decide what type of pet will best fit your lifestyle. Cats can be easy keepers, but they need a litterbox, scratching materials and something to climb. If you decide on a dog, then you will need to choose a breed. Do you want a large dog or a small one? All dogs need daily walks, but if you're athletic, you might consider a higher-energy dog who will easily keep up with you. If you're the couch-potato type, you won't want a dog with more energy than you.
* When choosing a breed, keep in mind that even within a breed, dogs are individuals. Some might choose a dog of a certain breed for protection only to find that particular dog is more of a lover than a fighter. Be sure that you ask the foster family about the "personality" of the dog you're interested in. There are several websites devoted to the various dog breeds. Read up on the ones you're interested in. Aside from being interesting reading, the development of a particular breed will give you insight into that breed's characteristics. (Ever wondered why Jack Russell terriers are so energetic? How did basset hounds get a reputation for stubbornness? Dachshunds are determined little devils for a good reason!)
* If you have pets already, it's important to introduce a potential new pet before making any decisions. It's impossible to know if two particular animals will get along until they meet. It's best to carry out a meeting on "neutral ground" so that neither animal feels the need to protect its own territory.
* Once you've made up your mind that you're ready for a pet and you know what you're looking for, contact a rescue group! Most groups in a given area work can together to make sure you get exactly what you want without the need to purchase a dog and support the dog-breeding industry.
Heart of Louisiana Humane Society will take back, no questions asked, any of our adopted pets. We want to make sure that everybody's happy.