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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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Here are some basic procedures:
 IMAGE COURTESY OF PAUL REYNOLDS One buyer asked if after neutering his dog is there plastic surgery to have the dog look intact? At the time I was unfamiliar with testicular implants but assume there was something since plastic surgery is such a broad and booming market for humans. I was right! According to the American Pet Products Association Americans will spend more than $69 billion annually (since 2017).
Surgeries are generally done to improve function for the dog with persistent issues. Most of these surgeries repair birth defects, damage done via accidents or to simply improve life in everyday medically warranted scenarios. Some of these issues requiring repair are a result of misguided aesthetic-based breeding such as a shorter snout that can impair breathing along with other issues. Cosmetic surgery is on the rise in the US although many of these surgeries are banned overseas. Improving aesthetics for a dog without a medical reason is frowned upon. With any of these surgeries, there is a risk to the dog. The answer to the question “Why?” most often is “They’re family”. References: “From Birthday Parties to 'Pawdicures,' House-Bound Americans Can't Stop Spending on Their Pets.” Money, https://money.com/spending-on-pets/. TodayShow. “Puppy Plastic Surgery Is a Booming Business - Here's Why.” TODAY.com, TODAY, 13 July 2017, https://www.today.com/pets/puppy-plastic-surgery-pets-booming-business-t113801. Whalen, Sydney. “Plastic Surgery for Dogs: Top 9 Procedures for Man's Best Friend.” Zwivel, 1 Apr. 2022, https://www.zwivel.com/blog/canine-plastic-surgery/.
DID YOU KNOW? A MAJORITY OF DOGS SURRENDERED TO ANIMAL SHELTERS ARE UNTRAINED.
Story Time: Last week, while I was wrapping up a routine check-up at the vet’s, there was a serious problem.. Two owners, each waiting their appointed time struggled to control their dogs. They exhibited aggressive behavior such as snarling and posturing. These were not little dogs either. Luckily, before an accident could happen reinforcements arrived in the form of our amazing vet techs. Basic Training Includes:
Training is part of responsible ownership, and a fundamental part of having dogs in our society as well-behaving members. Civility is simply a question of a dog behaving well when it meets another dog, person, or behaving well in an unfamiliar environment and responding on command. Basic obedience is critical to ensuring the safety of all, especially with the growing canine population. A core component of training is socialization. Training is rewarded and reinforced with treats along the way to make it a positive experience for the dog. Good behavior is further encouraged when the proud handler praises the dog. A skittish, shy, or aggressive animal can be rehabilitated with rewards and praise to become more comfortable and confident. An owner can confidently enjoy their pet outside of the home and enriched their relationship through training. Basic training can offer other avenues and levels to pursue, but it begins with simply passing the Canine Good Citizen course. AKC events are a lot of fun such as agility. Mostly just having a well-mannered dog is very comfortable and a basic course is not strenuous. The benefits for all are worthwhile and last a lifetime. |
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