There are things to consider in order to prevent problems with a new dog.
Before you bring your new dog home, here are ways to prepare him for the new addition to the family. First, Give your dog an ID with your information (name, phone number, address) before you pick up your new pet.
Before leaving the adoption site, check that the new dog’s collar is not too loose. If your dog comes out of the collar, she will be loose in unknown territory with no coordinates.
For added safety, it may be a good idea to purchase a Marcy collar (non-slip collars are available at pet stores) or a harness to use in addition to the regular collar until you have proven that the can handle any new unique and surprising experience, like other dogs, or noise, or traffic.
Keep your new dog on a leash only in a fenced yard or approved fenced area. Always use a leash close to the street or traffic. Your dog may be distracted or scared for a moment and run outside. If your dog is very nervous or shy, you can even give him a light leash and let him lie around while he adjusts to his new home and surroundings.
What Does My New Dog Need?
To be happy and healthy, your dog needs:
• Continued access to a bowl of clean, fresh drinking water
• A nutritionally balanced diet
• A safe place to defecate outside (if not litter training )
• Get some daily exercise
Your new dog also needs exercise if he hasn’t eaten yet. Find dog trainers in your area and choose one that uses humane methods. Human trainers do not use chains or prong collars, nor do they recommend pulling or lifting dogs with collars.
Your dog trusts you to show him the way so you will also benefit from training sessions. if you don’t assume this responsibility
Develop a positive relationship with your dog and guide him gently, or he will start to make decisions on his own, some of which may be inappropriate or dangerous. Your dog also needs daily, loving interactions with you and a social life.
Befriend your dog, take him or her for car rides, leave it with children and other dogs, take it to the groomer, shop with it, pet (some allow you to bring dogs ) and walk him in public. This creates structure and consistency in your dog’s daily life, giving him a sense of healthy stability as a member of the family.
Relations between your family and your new family member will be good if you are patient and positive.
But pay attention to your dog’s body language to make sure he’s comfortable in a situation, observe whether your dog seems nervous or relaxed, because you want these outings to be fun and stress-free.
You should also choose a vet that you feel comfortable with, since you will need to take your dog for regular checkups. Finally, find out what the local dog laws are (such as leash laws) and what the licensing requirements are for dogs in your area.
How Can I Stop My New Dog from Biting My Things?
If your new dog has his own toys, he may not be too keen on chewing on human things (not counting the occasional shoe!).
Buy a durable rubber or nylon toy that satisfies your dog’s desire to chew. Avoid sugar based treats, like Kongs and Buster Cubes, as these will start building plaque in his gums, as it does in humans, and go on to destroy his beautiful teeth.
If he starts chewing on one of your personal items, get him interested in dog toys right away.
Things to buy before you get a
for your dog:
• Food and water bowls
• Treats
• ID Collar Tags
• Leashes
Is My Garden Safe?
Walk through your garden. Is your garden completely enclosed? Does your new dog or puppy have a gap or hole to fit them ? (They can fit through very tight spaces.) Is there anything he can climb that allows him to escape: fountains, trellises, and trash cans)? Some dogs know how to flip open gate latches.
What plants do you have in your garden? Snail bait and some plants, such as phlox, azaleas and rhododendrons, are toxic to dogs. Antifreeze is another danger to dogs: it is toxic and potentially fatal. Dogs are attracted to its sweet smell, so does not allow your dog to drink stagnant water near parking lots.
Here’s 5 quick tips for when bringing home a new dog:
Do you have a pool or outdoor pool in your garden?
Dogs have been are known to drown when they jump or fall into backyard puddles and can’t get out. You should also make sure your litter boxes have tight lids, to prevent your dog from ‘falling into the trash’.
In addition to the stench of an overturned trash can, some items in the trash, such as chicken bones, can be dangerous to your dog.
Ideally, you should check that your yard is safe before you bring your new dog home. If you don’t do this before your dog arrives, monitor the time your pet spends outside. Even a baby toy can be embarrassing if chewed and swallowed.