Pet Gazette

I Want That One: A Guide To Caring For a New Puppy

Even though we take great joy in adopting a new dog, it can be a stressful time for the puppy! They are being wrenched from a comfortable (or at least familiar environment) and being placed into an entirely new situation. This can be traumatizing and scary. When dogs are frightened, they can act unlike their usual self and behave in ways we might find offensive. In order to acclimate your dog to the new environment, try the following tips:

• Talk in very gentle, soft voices, repeating his name often. Dogs do not understand words, but they do understand your tone. If you sound kind, calm, and happy, your dog will reflect similar attitudes in his or her behavior. Also, the more often you repeat your doggy’s name, the more likely he is to retain that information.
• Your new dog will not be trained in the way you see fit immediately. Be patient, understanding, firm, and kind when training your animal. Most likely there be some “accidents” at first. Have a bottle of cleaner readily available. Even though most people believe rubbing your dog’s nose in his “accident” will teach him a lesson, this is VERY rarely effective. Dogs live in the present and cannot associate punishment with past events. Monitor his body language and be sure to walk, let outside, or keep him by the paper after periods of play, eating, drinking, or sleeping.
• Always have a food dish readily available until you learn your dog’s dietary needs. In the beginning, food can be a stress as the dog will wonder when his or her next meal is, where it is coming from, and if it will be ample. Until your dog is comfortable with you, keep food available at all times. Water should be available at all times no matter what.
• See a veterinarian regularly. Humans have all type of specialists to make sure they are in good health (general doctors, dentists, dermatologists, cardiologists, etc.). Dogs only have one! It is good to see your veterinarian at least twice per year t do a thorough checkup. Animals age faster than humans and problems can arise quickly.
• It would be wise to purchase dog insurance or some form of pet insurance in case of dire medical needs. This type of insurance can ease the financial burden if your animal needs medical attention.

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• Myths about Spaying and Neutering
• House training a puppy
• Diarrhea in Cats and Kittens
• Love Your Dog As You Love Your Family

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