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So what is the best way to handle getting a dog that is being re-homed? Introduce your new friend to a space at home with an open crate to feel safe. Place the crate with a treat in it away from the home’s major traffic areas. It will be to your advantage to limit your dog’s explorations until everyone is on the same page about where or when to go potty and what constitutes a chew toy. Getting everyone on the same page takes a leader and a plan. The plan is based on starting with a routine because simple repetition will ease fears, encourage trust and confidence. You are the leader just to be clear. Some folks miss this point creating a more difficult transition. Who’s the boss??? Health Matters. We would encourage you to take your new friend to the vet asap for an overall well check and especially a stool check to make sure unknown and unwelcomed critters (giardia or coccidia for example) are not coming into your home, too. Unfortunately, dogs often experience soft stools or diarrhea simply due to stress but the only way to know the difference between stress, parasite(s) or both is with a stool check. Underlying Issues. Make notes or observations. For those who have rescued their dogs out of situations, or if they are throwing a tantrum. Take a breath. Dogs give off social cues. If you do not know how to read them or what they mean take the time to observe them. Is there a pattern of behavior? Storytime: We rescued a Havanese years ago, little did we know when we first found her. We did our due diligence and decided she'd be great for 2 Cute, however when we arrived we found her chained on a concrete pad, spiked collar used for aggressive breeds around her neck, less than a twenty minute drive from Lake Eerie. It was November and there was already two feet of snow on the ground. Matted and covered in mud, we could not leave the bright little dog there. We made an emergency grooming appointment because there was no saving her coat, stopped by a local pet store for a sweater, and brought her to Texas. It took 3 years to stop the happy-piddling. However with time, patience, and observations of her social cues, we were able to correct the issue. Happy ending. Right? The point though is that she gave a consistent set of social cues. If put in the same situation she would exhibit the same repetitive behavior. For us it was easy to work with her and improve over time. It's not always like that though, and if you find that you are struggling, reach out to your vet. They are there to help, and if they don't know then they have the experience and resources to direct. Getting Started: The Early Days. Through the first days your pup needs to set the pace of interaction with the ability to go easily into the crate. He or she needs you to monitor any excited children and his comfort cues. A big change can be challenging. Let your pup guide you at his pace except where routine demands come into play. Occasional treats go well with settling in but be mindful that he may experience a temperamental tummy with all the ‘news’. Have water freely available. He may eat less, initially than you think he should as he becomes more comfortable. We advocate free feeding where food is available 24/7. No, our dogs do not have a weight issue. Children and new pets. We all expect a gentle dog with children but the fact is your pup is still a stranger and your family is new to him. Always monitor children with a new pet. It is wonderful if beforehand you can use a stuffed animal to teach the children how to pick up and set down a dog. This is a new situation to them as much as it to your new dog, and practice creates confidence and provides you the opportunity to teach them how to positively interact with a new dog in a safe space. Tip: The best starter is to have your child quietly sit on the floor criss-cross applesauce and allow the dog to explore coming to them, crawl in their lap and even lick their face. A treat might seal the relationship! Basics: Problems with your new friend will show up pretty quickly. A friend recently adopted a dog and learned potty training was not well done. She wisely started working with her new dog as if it was a puppy learning to potty 101 with 2-hour intervals. Things improved rapidly with patience, praise and treats – the ultimate positive training triple threat. Your expectations may be different than what they were taught. As you get to know them, they get to know you. As your dog becomes more familiar with his new family, routine, and world, he will settle in and begin a lifelong journey with you based on love and trust. Smooth sailing is a great thought but highly doubtful in reality which is fine because it is in the things you learn about one another that will deepen and define your relationship. Consider a simple manners class in a couple of months for many good reasons. Best wishes for a wonderful adventure! If the fit is not right. It's okay. There is no need to tolerate a dog. As a person if you lived with someone that tolerated you, that would be damaging. So the healthy thing to do is return the dog if you have bought from us, if not reach out to that person, if you feel that there'd been abuse reach out to your vet to or talk about options. Also don't be afraid to reach out. We are here to educate and welcome any questions or concerns.
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Speak with your vet first about portions appropriate for your dog. A little goes a long way. Too much can cause gastrointestinal issues and other health problems. There are recipes for dog-friendly stuffing, cookies, etc., and you can be as elaborate as you want, just be sure to run it through your vet! Here is a brief overview of what they can have:
We touched base about gastrointestinal issues, but it is more than mere tummy issues. Pancreatitis is an awful stomachache. It is so bad that it requires a vet’s attention and it is the reason. DID YOU KNOW? Thanksgiving Day and the day afterward are the busiest days of the YEAR for emergency veterinarian clinics. It's easy to forget our pets have a very different digestive system than we do, especially when we sit down to the table to celebrate. During the holidays you can avoid going to or having to find an ER clinic, the long wait, and the Thank-you tab they give you before you can leave (the bill) by eliminating the table food. What is so wrong with table food you might ask: Two words: Poison & Problems.
If there is any considered error here it is on the side of caution. Don’t forget the turkey bones or the carcass (splinters) and the cooking bag can be dragged from the garbage can. Store carefully. Lastly, a sugar substitute found in over 700 products humans consume from gum to toothpaste and peanut butter is Xylitol. It is deadly for our pets and quick-acting. Faster than many other poisons with less recourse. If your pet is displaying out of the norm behaviors after they may have gotten a hold of people food call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435, there may there may be a fee. REFERENCES: “Merrick® Grain Free Adult Wet Dog Food - 12.7 Oz., Gluten Free, Grain Free.” PetSmart, www.petsmart.com/dog/food/canned-food/merrick-grain-free-adult-wet-dog-food---12.7-oz.-gluten-free-grain-free-5287727.html?gclsrc=aw.ds&gclid=CjwKCAjwx_eiBhBGEiwA15gLN_C_TdsKp9WRngXZEqRxluCIdWgG7bTd7lbBCk2dTbnoRHIgofBEWhoCSfQQAvD_BwE. Happy Thanksgiving from Our 2 Cute Havanese Families to Yours |
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