Adopting a pet is definitely a big adjustment – both for you and your new buddy. You’re going to be sharing your home and the things in it – things that your new dog might consider chew toys – and your dog is likely to be coming from a very stressful environment, like a shelter and can be fearful. But there are a lot of things you can do to ease this transition if you live in the Bay area, including watching for deals in the San Francisco pet services and supplies site online.
First, determine the house rules and remain consistent. Before driving your dog home, decide as a family whether the dog will be permitted on the couch, or if he can sleep on the bed, or if there are any rooms of the house that are not allowed. Making certain every loved one enforces these rules will help your dog learn more swiftly and avoid confusion. Also take time to set up the needs that your dog has – a leash, collar, water bowls, food, treats and pet toys.
It’s also best if you take your pet for a checkup at the vet soon after adoption. Viruses and other illnesses are often transferred from one pet to another in dog shelters, and there are a few dogs that haven’t undergone vaccination. A vet can make sure your pet is in good health. If your new pet isn’t housebroken, seek the advice of resources like the Humane Society’s housetraining suggestions and as with the house rules, be consistent and patient. Almost every dog will have an accident at some point, but establishing a regular schedule, taking your dog outside regularly to a familiar bathroom spot and rewarding your dog every time he eliminates outside will help housebreak your dog or puppy more quickly.
If you adopt an adult dog, you might be lucky enough to bring one home that already has some good manners. But it’s best to presume you’re starting from the begining and to let your pet know right away that you’re in charge. If your dog misbehaves, you must notify him instantly in a disapproving and audible tone. Use positive reinforcement in training your dog and if it is possible, you can also join obedience classes and you can look up for courses like these on the San Francisco pet services.
Dogs who are taken from the shelter frequently undergo a process called as separation anxiety. They have gone through a horrific experience and are nervous when you leave them and wonder if you will come back for them. If you observe whining, crying and nervous pacing when you leave the house, start training your dog to be alone by leaving for short durations and try not to emphasize arrivals and departures with big hellos and goodbyes. Your dog ought to learn that you leaving isn’t a big deal and that you’ll always go back.
When you’re away, keep and set aside those things you don’t want to get in your dog’s mouth.. Chewing is both an instinctual activity for dogs as well as a symbol of boredom. Using toys that are filled with food, such as Kong toys, make them more edible to your dogs rather than shoes, for instance. And it is a good idea to look up San Francisco pet services and supplies online so you can purchase in bulk, as you will go tough many toys, chew sticks, bedding and other merchandise during puppyhood.
With uniformity and patience, you and your dog will soon adjust to your new life together.
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/bringing_new_dog_home.html http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART00560/shelter-dog-to-family-pet.html http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/housetraining_puppies.html http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/dog_training_positive_reinforcement.html
