Bringing a new pet home

Whether you buy or adopt, whether canine or feline, it can be a challenge to bring a new pet home. The most important thing to remember when introducing a new pet into your home is to take things slow. Time is your friend. Keep in Mind the rule of three, allow your pet the space he or she may need to feel comfortable and settle as the transition may be somewhat stressful. An important thing to remember is that a dog that may display a happy, playful attitude at a meet and greet, may be weary or fearful in a completely new environment.

Watch for cues about how your pet is feeling. If your pet seems timid, try to move slowly, watch for cues about how your pet is feeling. If your pet seems timid, start by sitting calmly in the room, maybe read a book or watch a TV show, let them just be around you until they feel comfortable enough to approach you. If your pet is full of energy and ready to play, get out the toys right away. But be cautious. Pets can be both scared and full of energy. The care you take with your own behavior in early days will pay off in the future as your pet learns that you are someone to trust.

To have the run of an entire house can be overwhelming, especially if it happens too fast. Sheltered pets are used to restricted areas and may feel more at ease in a smaller area of the house at first. Resist the temptation to let your pet run loose in the house during this first week, especially if you have other pets. If your new dog seems comfortable and relaxed (not hiding and is willing to come to you for affection and food) you can provide access to other areas of your home.

If your new dog is the only pet in your home, you can close off “off limit areas” like the garage if you have some toxic items in there that you don’t want your dog getting into and allow them to explore the rest when they are ready.

Cats are creatures of habit and will hide under beds etc. Set up a small, quiet area for your new cat to help establish a safe and secure environment. A small quiet room with a litterbox may be best at first, until your cat is more at ease in the new environment and with you. If your cat seems comfortable and relaxed (not hiding and is willing to come to you for affection and food) you can provide access to other areas of your home.

If you already have pets at home, you’re no doubt looking forward to a happy, harmonious relationship between all your animals. If you want to introduce a new dog to a resident dog, a walk may be a great way to do so. One person per dog, in a neutral outdoor space. Start on the opposite sides of the street and gradually move closer, rewarding both dogs every time you move a little closer, until they can walk side by side. Allow them to sniff each other while still on leash so you have control over them should something go wrong. Always use a calm neutral tone of voice, high pitches may cause excitement.

When going home with both dogs, allow them to run outside first before allowing them both in the house together. Again, keep that calm tone of voice and leave those leashes on so you have control if needed. Supervise their interactions closely.

If an altercation occurs, separate the dogs for a few days to give them a break from each other. Stress hormones can take this long to return to normal, and if you try to continue the introduction too soon, the altercations could get worse. Some posturing and mild aggression can be normal as dogs become more comfortable, even after a successful first few days or weeks. Don’t panic!

Caring for a pet can be a wonderful way to teach your children respect and compassion for all living things. Make it clear to children that pets aren’t toys. Animals must be treated gently and handled with care. Young children must never be left alone or unsupervised, with any animal, even for a moment. Although children can participate in light–care activities like grooming and playtime, a parent must be fully prepared to be the primary caretaker.

Even the most docile of dogs can cause harm if teased or frightened or if his/her prey drive is triggered. As a parent, it’s up to you to teach your dog appropriate behavior, as well as teaching your children how to behave around pets. Teach your children to treat animals with respect. Help children understand canine body language so they can recognize when a dog is friendly, fearful, or aggressive. Teach your child to allow dogs to approach them, not the other way around as sometimes a child can make a dog feel threatened. Teach children to respect a dog’s privacy. Never allow a child to disturb a dog while eating, chewing on a bone or toy, or sleeping. Dogs are naturally territorial and may growl, snap, or bite to protect their possessions. Tell children not to look a dog directly in the eye. In dog language, a stare is a threat and may trigger the dog to act dominantly or aggressively.

Your new cat or kitten will need several days to adjust to its new home, so limit your child’s interaction to gentle petting, and only when the cat approaches. Don’t allow young children to pick up, carry or put their faces close to the animal. Sudden movements and loud noises can easily frighten your pet, so children should speak and sit quietly around the cat.

Source: English & French Bulldog Rescue SA

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Disclaimer: The information produced by Infurmation is provided for general and educational purposes only and does not constitute any legal, medical or other professional advice on any subject matter. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always seek the advice of your vet or other qualified health care provider prior to starting any new diet or treatment and with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you suspect that your pet has a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.