I am going tomarrow to pick me out a dog from the local shelter. I was just wondering what I can do to make this move for him easy. The one i really want was with a family before. Do I have to take that into acount to when he comes home?
2006-12-01 12:57:10 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Yes, ask about what he likes and did, you should consider buying a bed and some toys and lots of treats. :)
2006-12-01 13:02:16 · answer #1 · answered by hatchly758 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you bring your dog home, have an area prepared for him where there is not a lot of stimulation. It will be normal for him to be stressed for a few days while adjusting to his new surroundings. Even if he seems right at home immediately, just give him time to discover his new environment. Handling him a lot or having a lot of people over to see him the first day or two is not recommended.
Have an area prepared for him where he will sleep. And show him his feeding and watering area(s). Have a few toys and some things to chew on. Find out what he has been eating and have that same food for him even if it is not what you want to keep him on. If you decide to change his food, after a few days of adjusting to your home you can gradually change his food but avoid foods that have a lot of by products and fillers.
Stay away from foods that are overly wet or saucy or with gravy as a dog can get really sick from them. Especially if he is used to eating a dry kibble. You didn't ask about diet change so I won't get into it further, but congrats on your new dog.
2006-12-01 21:08:26 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are more adaptable then you think. Let the dog become familiar with his or her surroundings. I started by introducing my shepherd rescue to the back yard. That gave him freedom to not feel threatened. We played catch for 15 minutes then I let him sniff around the yard. Then I left the back door opened when I walked in and he followed. Sniffing the house up and down. Eventually when the dog is comfortable (can take an day or a few weeks) he or she will come to you. Just show lots of love. Most of all give it time. Bear my resue was a year old shepherd. He was a wild man when he came to us. Kept in a yard with no attention on a chain. He is with us over a year now and just started to allow me hug him around the neck. It took two months to get him calm and the next 10 months to teach him some manners. He was so wild the animal shelter told me it was us or heaven because the last person that adopted him brought him back. Even my husband who trained shepherds years ago wanted to bring him back. If you are willing to adopt a young dog versus a new puppy you have to just give it time and be patient. I can tell you my patience paid off. I now have a dog that obeys commands and brings me his own leash to go for a walk. He even jumps in our bed and lets us give him a hug before he makes his way to our hallway and sleeps right in front of our childrens bedroom door.
2006-12-01 21:24:51 · answer #3 · answered by just_ole_nanny 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well you should take a blanket or playtoy from his cage or pen with his scent on it so that he will feel like its his old home sort of. You should ask what ration (food) he was on previously because a sudden change in diet could cause a severe stomach problem. Also realize that you might not get a dog when you say 'tomorow I'll pick me out a dog' because you might have to look for many weeks for the 'perfect dog'
2006-12-01 21:03:00 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Jo" & "just_ole_nanny" have already covered this question well!
One thing I might mention is to never scold! Pets can't understand the reason behind it, & think that you don't want them around. Instead, offer lots of praise whenever they've done something you'd like for them to repeat, & praise at other times as well. This motivates tham to want to stay near you, as well as to repeat desired behaviiors. It sounds like you are going to be a brand new dog owner, so I thought I'd also share a favorite set of articles ...
Pets---How Do You View Them? :
~ Animals--A Gift From God
~ Pets--Keeping a Balanced View of Them
~ Animals--A Pleasure Forever!
http://watchtower.org/library/g/2004/2/22a/article_01.htm
You say you're getting him from a shelter ...
I'm just wondering ...
the Humane Society?
- or, a No-Kill, Rescue, Animal Shelter?
The latter tends to know their dogs so much better, & can therefore be a great aid in making successful matches.
2006-12-01 22:08:10 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make a little "doggie corner" for him. Get a doggie bed, put in a fleece blanket or something he can ball up and make it comfortable to sleep in. Let him explore the house a bit. If you don't let him sleep on your bed, make sure his sleeping place is close to your bed. Dogs like to be able to see you and know you're there whenever they wake up at night.
2006-12-01 22:19:39 · answer #6 · answered by tamara_cyan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes just show him alot of love and toys for him , it probley will take him time to get use to you , but i will tell you he will be so glad to get out of the cage hes in . just give him a lot of love , he will know this .
2006-12-06 22:29:20 · answer #7 · answered by janice a 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some toys, a rawhide bone, maybe a blanket, and most importantly, lots of LOVE.
2006-12-01 21:09:59 · answer #8 · answered by gothic_marionette 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say your house should be calm so that the dog does not get freaked by stuff that is new to him.
2006-12-01 21:02:58 · answer #9 · answered by Lynn 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
first let him know where its ok to go and not ok, then let him roam free at his own pace. show him where his food/water are & where he's gonna sleep. most of all dont push him.
2006-12-01 21:26:41 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋