The Uncommon Houndblog http://uncommonhound.com/blog every dog has it's day Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:05:24 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 The fist week home with your newly adopted dog. http://uncommonhound.com/blog/?p=9 http://uncommonhound.com/blog/?p=9#comments Sat, 15 Oct 2011 14:31:06 +0000 uncommonhound http://uncommonhound.com/blog/?p=9 Congratulations! After days, weeks or even months of searching you have finally taken the plunge and adopted a dog! You prepared for the “Welcome Home” by carefully selecting a crate, bed, collar, leash, toys, bowls and the absolute best all-natural food! You envisioned your little friend playing happily with his new ball or sleeping like an angel while you watch… admiring his beauty while reveling in your good fortune at finding the absolute perfect companion! Life is so good!
Cory on his first day home

Cory on his first day home

At home you are surprised and disappointed to find that not only is your new dog not interested in his new toys… he has lifted his leg on the corner of the couch, isn’t interested in his new food, and can’t seem to stop pacing. He hasn’t gone near his new bed and is avoiding your offers of affection and comfort.

When the first day home is over you settle him in his crate for the night with a few cookies, and end the day feeling very tired and a bit confused. In bed you lie awake wondering “What have I done?” You question whether you made the right decision as you fear the worst. Where is the warm fuzzy feeling of content happiness you have been expecting for this day?

This is a normal reaction… but hold up! Your new pal sleeping (or whining) in the other room is everything you thought he would be and more! All you both need is time to adjust, and a little common sense. There is no better time to remember the old saying.. “Things will be better in the morning.”

Here are some tips for successfully getting through the first week post adoption.

  • Remember that you are as much of a stranger to your new pet as he is to you. Don’t expect too much right away, especially if he had been a stray or has spent extended time in a shelter or kennel environment. Be patient and forgiving.

  • Spend time near your new dog, in the same room or outside in a fenced yard together. Sit quietly, and let him take his time in approaching you. Reach out to pet him when he seems relaxed and comfortable next to you.. but don’t hug or kiss him or get in his face. Let him come to you… don’t follow him around. Don’t be disappointed if he seems disinterested at first.

  • Speak in kind, gentle tones. It’s OK to give him treats. Once he responds to your voice you can call him softly and reward him with a treat. You may even begin gentle training, asking him to sit for a treat. Training gives a dog confidence but don’t expect too much in the first week.

  • Do not have a party the first day you bring your pet home! Take a week or two to invite family and friends to your house to see your new pet. First make sure the dog is comfortable and secure in his new surroundings.

  • A routine with your dog will give him security and comfort. If you took time off to be with your dog for the first few days, but normally work outside the home, get your new dog used to you leaving and coming back. Don’t change your regular routine too much.

  • If your dog is not house-trained, establish a strict schedule for bathroom breaks. Familiarize yourself with crate-training basics and crate your dog when you can’t watch him. Bring him out to the bathroom area immediately when you take him out of the crate. Don’t start to play until after your dog relieves himself. Bring him to the same spot each time and praise him when he “goes”. Don’t punish him if he has an accident in the house. If you catch him in the act you can exclaim “NO! in a surprised but NOT ANGRY way, and bring him immediately to the chosen bathroom spot. Just a few weeks of diligence will get the job done.

  • Take your dog for regular walks. It will be relaxing and fun for both of you. If your dog pulls, use a no-pull harness at first until you can work with your dog more.

  • Play with your dog! Have fun! Don’t just give him a toy and walk away hoping he will keep himself busy with it. Interact.. throw the ball… set up a puzzle.. play tug! (btw, there is NOTHING wrong with playing tug of war with your dog!)

  • Get help if you need it. Don’t feel you have to pretend everything is all right. If you adopted your dog from a rescue chances are his previous foster home already know his quirks and will be happy to talk to you.

  • Sign up for an obedience class with your dog, but don’t plan on starting until your dog has been with you for at least a few weeks and has built a bond with you and your family.

  • There are many wonderful books that can help with advise on easing the transition for a newly adopted dog. The Uncommon Hound has a section dedicated to just that.

    Before you know it you will be well on your way to a happy and strong relationship with your new dog. You’ll wonder what you ever thought you were worried about on that first sleepless night. You’ll have worked through the hardest part and will feel proud at how far you and your buddy have come together.

    Life IS good!

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