First Days After Dog Adoption
Adapting to a new home can be very stressful for a dog. Nervousness (barking, snarling, trembling body), accidents, shedding may all happen at the beginning. Contrary to common belief, demonstrating a lot of tenderness may not be a good idea. At first it is better to give the dog some distance to slowly get familiar with the new situation and let him get to know the house or apartment on his own. When the dog gets hungry, he will start to look for your companionship and it will be the best moment to gain his attention and trust. If possible, try not to change the diet suddenly as it may cause digestion problems. Before bringing your new pet home, have a place ready for the dog, however if the animal does not want to use it, don’t force him.
Remember that almost everything in your home are completely new to the dog. Voices, sounds and smells all contribute to an increased level of stress, as they can all be interesting and overwhelming. Try not to blame the dog for excessive barking or having accidents inside the home throughout the beginning. After several days the animal should get accustomed to the new environment and learn to articulate his needs. Try to reward the dog each time he decides to approach you with a dog biscuit or by showing affection. Be patient and set clear rules that have to be obeyed by all family members. Repeated rituals help the dog learns what is expected of him.
If, despite our best intentions, we are not able to cope with the habits of our pet, we should always seek professional help. Sometimes the troubles are due to the traumatic past of the dog and sometimes it is the owner that makes mistakes he is not aware of. Always consult a veterinarian or a dog trainer for advice as they can help take the proper course of action.
To sum things up, no matter what kind of troubles you have with your new friend, remember that all beginnings are tough. Although difficult, the adapting period is relatively short and will be followed by happy companionship.
“OK, I ‘m ready for adoption. So where to find a dog?”
There are several possibilities. First, you can search for animals in need at the local shelter. These animals also need care as they may not tolerate co-existence in large groups when they are forced to live in shelters. Shelters’ staff and volunteers, despite their best intentions, are unable to sufficiently take care of each pet; nevertheless you can always count on their advice regarding the health and behavior of the dog that you would like to adopt. An important advantage of adopting a dog from a shelter is that you can be sure he was checked for any medical ailments and given all the proper vaccinations. The second source is the Internet. There are many websites and classifieds with information about animals looking for a new home. There you can find listings from shelters, rescue organizations, and other individuals.
Written by PennySaverUSA.com. Visit us online to find dogs for adoption.
Great article. You know, you should include some of the things people can give their dogs. I bought my fiance a Yorkie from a breeder in Oklahoma, and she told me to go to PetCo and get a tube of some type of cream that the dogs eat when she gives them you, and it’s supposed to calm them down a little bit. I can’t remember for the life of me what it was called, but I think it would be a great addition to your article.
Thanks a lot for a nice comment. Not sure what cream you mean, but I will definitely check that.
I am a dog walker, myself and my business partner each have a rescue Labrador and a non rescue Labrador. Of the dogs we walk and board nearly 40% are rescue dogs. These dogs have come from all types of situations. Very often the dogs history is not known. Dog adoption / rescue people are expert in checking out the suitability of both the dog and the prospective owner. Dont be scared of the process as all agencies will take back a dog who does not fit in with your enviroment. The point of adoption is to find loving two way relationships that do work.