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For New Dog Owners
The topics below offer a brief summery of
important information that should be looked up by new, soon to be and even
current dog owners. For more extended information on these topics, check the
offered links on the left side of this page.
(Things you
should be aware of before bringing your new dog home)
Whether you have already brought home your new dog/puppy or are still
in the deciding stage, here are some things you should know about bringing
a dog into your heart and home. Issues such as adjustment period, behavior
issues, training, knowing what is normal and what is not. Proper
care of dog which includes food/water, and grooming.
Adopting A New Puppy
Choosing The Right Breed
When going to the shelter to pick out your new puppy, bear
in mind that all puppies start out small. Research
breeds as to what their size and temperament is likely to be as they
mature. You don't want the surprise of your puppy growing into a 150
pound dog if you are living in a small apartment!
Before adopting any dog, be aware of the difference in
breed specific behaviors. Especially if you have children in the home,
some breeds make better pets for children than others. What kind of dog
traits are you looking for? What about personality? His size when full
grown? Temperment? How much food will he eat? How much exercise will he
require? If you hadn't given it any thought it's best to do so now
before you adopt.
To find out more on dog breed characteristics, click on the following
link:
Dog Breed Characteristics
Puppy Personality
No matter what the breed puppies are bundles of seeming
endless energy. Who will need very close attention at playtime. Puppies
like to chew and you must be watchful that he doesn't ingest any harmful
substances.
Adopting An Older Dog
If you don't think a puppy is right for
you, consider adopting an older dog. Older dogs are often overlooked by
potential dog owners at shelters. Many people have concerns about adopting
older dogs, but these dogs will make wonderful first time pets. They have
already been in households with humans and should already know the basic
rules and already have been housebroken and are well past the excitable
puppy/ younger dog stage.
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Question About Adopting Older
Dogs
Won't I be adopting someone else's problems? If the dog were so
wonderful, why wouldn't they have kept him?
......Answer:
Older dogs lose their homes for many different
reasons....most of them having nothing to do with problems the dog has,
but rather with those of the person surrendering the dog. Many folks
think dogs who end up at shelters or in rescue are all genetically and
behaviorally inferior. But, it is not uncommon for very expensive,
well-bred dogs to outlive their usefulness or novelty with folks who
bought them on impulse and no longer want to take responsibility for
them.
Other
reasons older dogs become homeless: death of a guardian....not enough
time for the dog...... change in work schedule..... new baby.....need to
move to a place where dogs are not allowed.... kids going off to
college.... allergies.... change in "lifestyle".... prospective spouse
doesn't like dogs. (All these reasons are taken from real case
histories.)~Reprinted
courtesy of srdogs.com~
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Adjustment Period
After your new dog/puppy arrives home he will a bit
scared and anxious being in a new environment. This is normal. Give your
new dog time to make the adjustment. Keep him confined to a room or
crate when you cannot be there to supervise his activities until he is
house trained. Not only will there be adjustment period for the new
arrival but for any current resident pets as well. Take the
introductions slowly, and make extra efforts to show resident pets they
are still number one in your affections. Your resident pets will need
time and space to adjust to the new comer, this will help avoid
possible territorial disputes.
Supplies
You should get in the necessary supplies you
will need for your dog before you bring him home. Here is a list of some things you will
need...at least to begin with.
Collar/leash/harness- Collar, harness and leash should be
of the appropriate size for the size of your dog.
Crate- For house training your dog.
Food/water dishes- Choose the appropriate size bowls for your
dog. Puppies and small dogs can have bowls that sit on the floor. Larger
dogs will need raised bowls.
Food-Dry and wet food- It is best to start with the same food the
shelter/breeder was feeding
then slowly switch over to new brand if you want to change foods.
Bedding- There are many kinds/ shapes and sizes of dog beds on the
market today. Some are for regular use and some are for the specific
needs of special need dogs such as dogs with arthritis. Find one that
your dog will fit onto or into comfortably.
Grooming supplies- Bushes, combs, shampoo.
Other Dog Need To Know Stuff
Crate Training
Crate training can be beneficial when house training your puppy
or dog. It will help him learn where to "go" and where not to "go".
When done properly it is a effective training tool.
Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is one of the most common mental health
issues in dogs. Dogs are very social animals and do not like to be alone.
Some dogs are fine alone while others go into a panic attack and cry and
bark for long periods. While still other dogs go into a destructive frenzy
and you come home to a destroyed house.
Grooming
Dogs should be groomed daily. Start getting your dog used to
daily grooming while he is still a puppy. Different types of
coats require different amounts of grooming and it is best to get your dog
accustomed to the routine while he's still young.
Nutrition
Dogs are carnivores and need meat. Be careful to read
ingredient labels on the dog foods you purchase and buy the one with the
best ingredients you can afford. Not the cheapest you can get away with.
The cheaper brands of pet food contain mainly meat-by-products and
corn ingredients which are not a healthy for pets to be eating. Choose
foods that are free of dyes. Dyes are used solely to make the food
look more appetizing to the consumer, but it makes no difference to the
dog what their food looks like. Plus dyes can cause illness in some pets.
Obesity In Dogs
Just as in humans, obesity is a serious health risk in dogs, leading
to health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. Check
this
weight chart to see what shape your dog is in.
Flea Medications
If you find your dog has fleas do not run out and buy over the counter
flea products and shampoos, these have proven harmful and sometimes fatal to
animals. Take your dog to the vet to get a safe flea treatment for your dog. It
may be a bit more costly than what you can buy in the store but your pet's
health is well worth it!
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