My New Home
"A Difficult Journey"

A Difficult Journey
The animal you are adopting has been through a difficult journey.
He may have been lost, stress and neglected, frightened by being homeless, and may have been given up by his family not understanding where they are and why.

Imagine:
" You are alone in a strange place
" You do not know anyone
" You can not speak the language
" You don't know the rules of acceptable behavior

Confused and scared you probably will offend a few people before you got the hang of things.

Although your new pet may not show his confusion. All he knows is that you are just another part of a parade of people who have passed through his life lately and your home is just another place to stop.

His first stop might have been ….
" A shelter
" The town pound
" Concerned stranger's home
" Or one of our volunteers

In Various Rescue Programs……
" He was rescued from a cage where many people walked by and strangers took care of him.
" He might have gone through surgery (spay/neuter)
" Medical treatment
" He was bathed
" Placed in a Foster Care Home
" And a New Routine

IT IS NOW UP TO YOU TO HELP HIM FEEL LOVED AND SECURE……

The transition time for each animal is different, taking from a few weeks to a few months to completely adjust to a new life.

Some may be ….. Overly Excited, A Bit Depressed (because of loss of family), some may be needy and clingy, some are a bit defensive and worried and some take it in stride.

Let's Look From Your New Pets Point of View

It is your job to communicate clear rules in a way your animal can understand.

Your new adopted pet may have been encouraged to: Sit on a sofa, Beg for food, Jump up for attention, Play roughly.

If it is not permissible teach him, DON'T BLAME him. BE KIND and PATIENT; dogs/cats need repetition and consistency to learn. Instruct him in a positive way so that he does not feel defensive or confused. Reward him for good behavior with treats, hugs and a happy voice.

Make Him Familiar With Key Words

Regular commands like sit, stay and come, off, give or trade, and leave it will help in communications with your pet. Always stay calm but firm.

To have fund and bond with your pet take an obedience class, even if your dog comes trained. No dog is ever to old to learn and obedience classes area a great environment to improve social skills with people and other dogs.

DON' T ASSUME…..IMPORTANT….. ALWAYS

" Don't assume he will come to you automatically or stay with you on a walk.
" Important - Do not allow him off the leash in unfenced areas.
" Always us a nylon training collar or chain when out walking so he can't slip out of his collar if panicked or aroused.

Follow the leash law and you and your pet will be safe and happy for many years to come.

Important Points

" Go Slowly
" Start teaching new rules from the start
" Be respectful
" Take time to bond with your new pet
" Offer love and guidance (NEVER FORCE)
" Keep the environment quiet for the first few days
" Get your new pet comfortable in your home before meeting your friends.
" Get the dog or puppy out more often to help him adjust to new toileting schedule.
" Keep your dog or puppy on a schedule of healthy dog/puppy food (Don't change food it can cause diarrhea).
" Take precautionary measure when he is alone in the house, when meeting new children, and unfamiliar animals.

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