Suggestions for Successful Transitioning of Adult Dogs
Created
for Hawaii Dog Foundation
by Cara Heilmann (www.teammuggles.com)
with updates by HDF
Be prepared for your new family member
- Ask friends,
family, co-workers, etc. for referrals for veterinarians in your area.
If the vet you choose is not available after hours, ask who he/she
recommends for emergency services.
- Find a group
obedience class.
- Ask for
referrals to a good trainer.
- www.siriuspuppytraining.com
although geared towards puppies, an excellent program for dogs of
all ages.
- The Balanced
Dog, with trainer Lisa Porter provides pack training and
socialization for aggressive & fearful dogs, as well as owner
training and consultations on various dog behavioral issues. Please
call (808) 754-7319 for more information.
Learn and read about pack leadership
Things to have ready in the
house
- Ear cleaner
- Nail clipper
(some people use the Dremmel, you have time to research this)
- Brush (slicker,
pin, comb, depending on the type of coat)
- Dog shampoo
(gentle oatmeal product recommended)
- Toothbrush and
paste if you are not feeding raw meaty bones on an occasional basis
- Food and water
bowls, stainless steel is recommended (it is the cheapest and easiest to
care for)
- Collar – see
Lupine note below
- ID Tag
imprinted with your
name, numbers, and your dog's name. We recommend also having the
word "REWARD" on the tag.
- 6’ leash – some
people swear by leather leashes, others love their reflective nylon
leashes, others buy only Lupine due to their replacement guarantee
- Enzyme cleaner,
like Natures Miracle
- Crate – enough
to stand, turn around and lie down
- Toys – this is
the fun part! Kongs and other indestructible toys are great,
however, dogs tend to like things they can destroy, like stuffed toys. Just watch your dog to ensure he/she doesn’t eat contents, like the
squeaker.
- Treats – most
dogs love treats, while some do not. Pig ears and parts tend to be
fatty and may cause loose stools. Rawhide and greenies are thought
to be potential choking hazards. The best treats are healthy fully
digestible treats.
You should talk to your vet about what type of food to
feed your dog and research this on your own, too. There are some who believe
food with corn, as a main ingredient, may be harmful to your dog. On
the other extreme, some people feed their dogs raw meaty bones.
If possible, find out what brand your new dog has been fed
and how he/she responded to it. If you want to change to a different
brand, it is best to do it gradually over three to four days to avoid
stomach upset. You may even want to wait a few weeks before changing
the food.
Start saving your
plastic grocery bags!
Things to think about on the dog’s first day at your
house
Going to a new home can sometimes be
overwhelming. You may want to introduce the house slowly to your dog
showing one additional room every few days. Try to use gestures that
are non-threatening to your dog (do not look directly in the eyes, pet under
the chin vs. on the head, kneel down vs. stand over).
Assume that your dog is not potty
trained and treat your dog like a puppy just learning how to behave in the
house. Remember that potty training is “two steps forward and one step
back.” If your dog is progressing well then one day of many mistakes
in the house, know that it was a day that he/she stepped back. If you
are doing all the right things, keep plodding along. I recommend crate
training.
Hawaii Dog Foundation recommends that
you take your new dog to the vet within the first few days with you. This will give you and your vet a good baseline and possibly address any
issues. Remember that
you are your dog's only advocate. If you think the dog is not feeling
well, losing weight, or is just "not right" to go with your gut always and
have the dog checked by the vet.
Devote the first few weeks bonding with
your new dog. Consider group obedience training after about a month. Follow Amichien Bonding techniques to bond with your new dog.
Here is a list of typical things that
sometimes occurs with rehoming a dog. Most are due to the change in
environment, however, if these symptoms persist, please contact your
representative at Hawaii Dog Foundation and/or your vet.
- Potty accidents
- Not eating for
two to three days
- Loose stools
- Timid behavior
Here is a great site full
of information about rehoming dogs and general dog issues:
http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/
Thank you for doing a
wonderful thing by fostering or rehoming a dog through the Hawaii Dog
Foundation. Email
info@hawaiidogfoundation.org for a referral.
Presently, I provide free
advice and training to families who foster and adopt Hawaii Dog Foundations
dogs. My goal is to see dogs stay with their forever homes.
Team Muggles
Cara Heilmann, Dog Trainer
cara_heilmann@hotmail.com - 292-3836 |
