Every animal deserves a loving home. We should preserve the habitats of the wild ones and create safe, comfortable homes for the domestic ones. Each of our stores hosts pet adoptions throughout the year and this month we've seen an uptick in adoptions. We are so pleased that you are expanding your family and opening your homes to new pets.

 

 

The Animal Match Rescue Team, Inc. website points out that, "Most dogs in shelters and rescues have been there anywhere from a few days to several months. So even though when adopted they are going to a home with love and care devoted to them alone, they might have some difficulty understanding why they have 'lost' another home."

It's not a decision to take lightly and some preparation will allow for a more successful integration of your new family member. "The first few days in your home are special and critical for a pet. Your new dog will be confused about where he is and what to expect from you. Setting up some clear structure with your family for your dog will be paramount in making as smooth a transition as possible," writes Sara Lippincott, on the Petfinder website.

We've combined advice from Lippincott's Tips for the First 30 Days of Dog Adoption with Animal Match Rescue Team, Inc's Tips on Adopting a Dog -- A guide to the First Few Weeks to help those of you who come to our in-store pet adoptions be prepared for your new dog.

Before You Bring Your Dog Home:

GET STUFF: Food, food and water dishes, a leash, collar and bedding. Baby blankets or thin blankets that can fit in the washing machine work best for bedding.

PREP YOUR HOME: Dog-proof the area where your pooch will spend most of his time. This may mean taping loose electrical cords to baseboards, securing household chemicals, removing plants, rugs and breakables, setting up the crate, and installing baby gates.

TAG: Bring an ID tag with your phone number on it when you pick up your dog so that she has an extra measure of safety for the ride home. If she is microchipped, register your contact information with the chip's company.

First Week:

CALM: Moving is stressful. Give her time to acclimate before introducing her to strangers. Make sure children know how to approach the dog without overwhelming her.

HOUSETRAINING: Once home, take him to his toileting area and spend time there so he will get used to the area and relieve himself. Even if your dog does relieve himself, be prepared for accidents. Coming into a new home with new people, new smells and new sounds will throw even the most housebroken dog off-track.

FEEDING: If possible feed your new dog the same food on the same schedule as she was on at the shelter for the first few days to avoid gastric distress. Then you can ease her into your schedule and your prefered feed.

HOME TOUR: Show him where his water and food dish are kept. Show him where he is to sleep. When he is indoors keep him confined with you, taking him outdoors at frequent intervals to relieve himself. Take him to the same spot each time and praise him when he goes.

DISCIPLINE: Say, "NO!" and correct her immediately if you see undesirable behavior. You must catch the dog in the act if the correction is to be effective. NEVER hit your dog. Praise is the key to a well-behaved pet.

SCHEDULE: Start your schedule of feeding, toileting and play. Your dog will need family time and brief periods of solitary confinement. Don't give in and comfort him if he whines when left alone. Instead, give him attention for good behavior (Source: Preparing Your Home For A New Dog).

GET TO KNOW YOUR NEW DOG: Limit excitement (such as the dog park or neighborhood children). Not only will this allow your dog to settle in easier, it will give you more one-on-one time to get to know her and her likes/dislikes. She doesn't know why she has come to your home nor what is expected of her. Be patient and anticipate problems. Don't leave tempting shoes, clothing or children's toys within reach of your dog. If she is left in your backyard while you work, understand the first few days will be rough. Try to leave the home with as little fanfare as possible. Tearful goodbyes do nothing but add to your dog's anxiety.

EXPECT SURPRISES: If he came from another home, objects like leashes, hands, rolled up newspapers and magazines, feet, chairs and sticks are some of the pieces of "training equipment" that may have been used on this dog. Words like "come" and "down" may bring forth a reaction different from the one you expect. Or maybe he led a sheltered life and was never socialized to children or sidewalk activity. This dog may be the product of a never-ending series of scrambled communications and unreal expectations that will require patience on your part.

Following Weeks:

SOCIALIZE: After discussing it with your veterinarian to ensure your dog has all the necessary vaccines, you may take your dog to group training classes or the dog park. Pay close attention to your dog's body language to be sure he's having a good time and is not fearful or a dog park bully.

ENJOY YOUR NEW FAMILY MEMBER: Within a week or two, your dog will have settled into his new home and his new routine. Some will take a little longer. Very few are unable to adjust at all. In most cases the dog will be a well-adjusted member of the family within a month.

AMRT's Recommended Reading:

Don't Shoot the Dog: The New Art of Teaching and Training, by Karen Pryor
How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend: A Training Manual for Dog Owners, by New Skeet Monks
The Dog Who Loved Too Much: Tales, Treatments, and the Psychology of Dogs, by Nicholas H. Dodman

We love your pets and all well-behaved animals on leashes are welcome into any of our stores at any time. We even keep treats for them! Check out our events calender if you think you might like to learn more about when our animal welfare partners are in store or find out the next time we host an animal meet and greet.