ADJUSTMENT TIPS…YOUR DOG IS UNIQUE

He/She is not your old dog, other dog or the great dog you had before.  He/She has their own special way.  Let them show you what a nice friend they can be.  Be patient for they have feelings, fears and emotions.

1. PUT ID TAG ON YOUR DOG.  If he/she gets out, your pet will not know how to get home.  It may take several months to learn that they belong to a home.  Be sure to transfer the microchip information for your dog to your name.

2. HAVE A CALM, QUIET ATMOSPHERE.  Pets need time to adjust to all the new experiences.  Pets will be confused.  Provide a radio or TV when away from the house.

3. GIVE PET TOUR OF THE HOUSE, YARD AND NEIGHBORHOOD.  The pet will settle down more quickly if pet knows the territory and where a safe place is.  Make sure your yard is escape proof and everyone keeps the gates and doors CLOSED.  Put LOCKS on gates to prevent carelessness.

4. STICK TO A SCHEDULE.  Pets will like the structure of knowing when he can eat, go walking, to the bathroom, go to bed and get up.  Schedule time each day.

5. SUPERVISE PET…DON’T GIVE THE RUN OF THE HOUSE.  Your dog does not know your house and will need to learn where to relieve themselves even though the pet has been housebroken before in another home.  Expect a few accidents for a couple of weeks.

6. INTRODUCE YOUR DOG SLOWLY TO OTHER PEOPLE,CHILDREN AND PETS.  Make it on neutral territory & be positive and respectful of the pets fears and insecurity.  Give the pet a special place to eat, sleep and keep a special toy.

7. PET THEFT IS RAMPANT.  Never leave your pet tied outside in front of a business or in a car where the pet is accessible and can be stole.

8. SELECT A VET.  Make sure you have all of the medical records in the vet’s office and keep up to date the needed shots.

9. HAVE EQUIPMENT READY.  Collar, leash, dishes, brush/comb, treats, bed, toys & shelter.

10. MAKE SURE PET HAS ADEQUATE WATER, FOOD, SHADE/WARMTH.
Do not plan to leave the pet in the yard or in a space separated from people.  Your pet is a domesticated animal and needs companion & interaction with people.

11. ALL DOGS HAVE BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS AT FIRST.  Do not expect to have the perfect pets.  Some are escape artists, others have separation anxiety, some may dig, some may jump up on you or cry & whine, some get into the trash or chew your belongings.  Each has his own personality, just like us.  Teach your pet what you expect by positive reinforcement, not by hitting or yelling.

12. SOMETIMES A DOG WILL BE DEFENSIVE AND APPEAR AGGRESSIVE.  Many times it is because the pet is hurting and cannot tell you.  Respect the pet’s space; do not approach during food or while the pet has a treat.  The pet does not know you at first and is afraid of losing it’s treasure.

13. BE AWARE OF SEEMINGLY HARMLESS FOODS and cleaning chemicals. They can become deadly for a dog, so keep them away.  Plastic bags, cigarettes, nicotine patches, alcohol, products containing lye, medicines, caffeine, pesticides, soy, bread dough, salty foods, cured meats, avocado, onion, garlic, nuts, grapes, raisins, chocolate & very fatty foods can be lethal.

14. IF YOUR DOG has been in a shelter or a group of rescue dogs, it is very important to test him for worms/parasites.  Many times it is best to have a vet prescribe treatment right away to prevent the problem from growing.  Symptoms may be bloating, being very thin, diarrhea, dehydration, blood or mucous in stool, depression and sometimes, but not always, visible worms in stool.  Flea control is very important to prevent worm infestation.