Life with Your New Pet
When adopting a pet from a shelter you should always remember just how
stressful shelter life is for dogs and cats. In some cases these
animals were surrendered only hours before by the only families they
have ever known, or picked up as strays abandoned on the streets.
Because every dog or cat reacts differently to the kennel environment,
some animals fail to give the best of first impressions. Dogs who bark
incessantly, avoid eye contact, pace frantically, cower in the back of
their runs or urinate submissively often calm down and make excellent
pets once they are adopted and leave the shelter. Older cats have a
tendency to "shut down" and may seem aloof, almost
unfriendly, but with a little patience and understanding the most
depressed feline will quickly come around in her new home.
When you bring your new dog home for the first time, arrange for him to meet your other dog away from your property perhaps at a nearby park. Take the two dogs for a long walk together so their main focus will be on the surrounding sights and sounds and not on each other. Your dog will associate the arrival of the new dog with an activity that he finds enjoyable and will feel less protective and less threatened when he and his new brother or sister finally arrive back home.
Introducing your new dog to your other pet is a process and you should be prepared to give it time. The period of adjustment will prove successful if you let your pets get acquainted slowly. A crate positioned in the comer of your kitchen or family room can provide a safe temporary place for your new dog until the other pets in your home learn to accept him. Remember not to overuse the crate. It should be an aid not a crutch. Remove the crate once you can trust them all alone together. Baby gates can also be used to separate pets.
In the first weeks avoid giving your new dog rawhide or bones. It has been our experience that some dogs, not all, may become overly protective of rawhide if they have not had it before. Wait until you know the dog better, before introducing rawhide, after he has learned to trust and respect you.
After bringing your new dog home, it is a mistake to allow your children to walk the dog without an adult present. A new dog can act as a magnet, attracting the attention of all the other dogs in the neighborhood. If they are not properly contained, they may run to greet your dog with unwelcomed enthusiasm, or if they are not "other dog friendly," a problem may occur that your child will not be able to handle.
The most important thing to teach your new dog is a reliable recall or "coming when called." This is easy with the help of a six foot nylon leash and a package of cream cheese. Allow the dog to walk out to the end of the leash. Call his name followed by the words "treat" then "come". If he turns and walks back to you, praise him and give him a little cheese from your finger. In time you can increase the recall distance with longer leashes or several leashes hooked together. "Recalls" can also be practiced as well. Every time your new dog turns and walks toward you from any part of your home simply say his name, "treat" and then "come." Give him a treat and lavish him with praise. This trick could save your dog's life if he should get away from you and is running toward a busy street.