Dogs From Animal Shelters
By David the Dogman
Often I am asked "Is it better to have a pedigree puppy or get
one from the local animal shelter "? I always recommend that
one should try to adopt a rescue dog from an animal shelter.
These dogs have so much love and companionship and are so easy
to train.
Before taking a dog from an animal rescue shelter, it is wise
to visit with the whole family and no decisions should take
place on the first visit. On the second visit after family
discussion and of course making certain that you will not fall
foul of any agreements you have with a rented property. Also if
you live on a community then it is best to check with the
President if dogs are permitted.
To avoid future heartbreak and heavy veterinary bills do insist
that a medical certificate is given with your new pet and that
your new pet is neutered. If this is not available at the time
of collection do not take the pet and return when the medical
certificate is ready. Unfortunately many dogs have an assortment
of viruses, distemper and Parvo entering the shelter, and local
shelters do not always apply quarantine rules before rehoming
dogs and cats. This is in the interest of your family and any
other pets you may have in the home.
I recommend that as soon as the dog arrives at his new home it
is taken out of the car on a leash and walked quietly around the
outside area, allowing plenty of time to absorb all the new
sights, sounds and smells. A drink of water should be offered as
soon as possible..
Introductions to all members of the household should be done
whilst still outside in a gentle manner and the dog made to sit
before being patted, it is best to start basic obedience
immediately. If you have an existing pet it is better to
introduce them away from the home, maybe up the road.
Dogs will no doubt want to urinate fairly early in the
proceedings. If it performs in an acceptable area then praise is
essential. Unfortunately a dog which has been kept in a shelter
even for a few days will have learned to relieve itself on a
hard floor, so he may well need some housetraining.
The dog should be allowed to inspect the whole house ( still on
his leash) and prevented from doing anything undesirable.
Lingering slightly in the dogs proposed sleeping area where his
basket should have been placed and offering a small food reward
is useful.
Possibly the most difficult message to convey to a new owner of
a rescue dog is that entering a new environment is stressful
and as far as is practicable the dog should be allowed to have
time to adjust, but also ensuring that "House Rules" are
established and enforced early. If a dog is not going to be
allowed to jump on chairs or be allowed in the bedrooms then it
should not be allowed from the start.
In my experience providing a regular routine from day one is
probably the best way to settle a dog into a new home. Regular
walk times, regular meal times, regular fun times with the
family, regular settling down.
It takes about 12 weeks for a dog to completely settle into his
new home. I always recommend that rescue dogs should be taken to
your own vet immediately for worming even though you have a
health certificate, and ask your vet for preventative treatment
for heart worm and fleas.
Commitment, Firmness, but Kindness
****************************************************************
Reprint permission for Internet use (use on web sites or in e-
newsletters) is granted only if all information below this
notice, including the WWIO web site link and authors biography
are included as written. For use in other printed media e-mail:
wwiopet5@certificate.net
----------
Copyright © 1997 by David Klein. Do you have any problems with
your pet? Then why not send your problem to DAVID THE DOGMAN.
David is a Canine Behaviourist who works and lives in Marbella,
Spain. Tel/Fax (00345) 2883388. His web site is located at:
http://www.k9netuk.com/dogman/.
David has his own radio and TV shows, and writes for many
newspapers and magazines. David has been working with dogs for
many years and started his career in Israel, working on the
Border Police. He has been involved in all forms of training,
including air sea rescue, air scent work, and has trained dogs
for finding drugs. David has devoted the past 10 years to
studying behaviour and the very passive approach. He does not
use choke chains, check chains, or any form of aggression.
David The Dogman is available for private consultations in your
home, for further details telephone; Tel; (95) 2883388
----------------------------------------------------------------
Brought to you by World Wide Information Outlet (WWIO) your
source of FREEWare Content online. Located on the Internet at:
http://certificate.net/wwio/
----------------------------------------------------------------
LET WWIO MARKET YOUR PRODUCT(S) FOR YOU. Are you the author of a
unique information product that could become a hot seller with
the right marketing help? Let WWIO promote your product to a
large audience that you wouldn’t otherwise reach at no cost to
you. Send details on your product, in complete confidence, to:
mkt-help@certificate.net
|
