Getting Ready for Your New Friend

There’s nothing more exciting than adding a fuzzy member to your family. For most of us, logic goes out the window when we see that new puppy’s face or are kissed by that grateful rescue dog. We act before we think. But planning for your new dog’s transition into your home will make a big difference to his comfort and yours. Here are some ways to make your new arrival feel comfortable and confident more quickly – and make your life easier.

Set up “safe zones.” Your new friend needs some boundaries until he learns your house rules. If you give him too much freedom to move around your home when he first arrives, he’s sure to make some bad choices. He may tear up your favorite cushion, eliminate in the house, or engage in more dangerous behavior – like chewing cords, eating clothing, or destroying woodwork.

So, before you bring him home, choose defined spaces for your pup to relax. Use barriers – like baby gates, exercise pens, crates, and tethers – to keep him and your possessions safer. As he learns the ropes, you can begin to increase his freedom, room by room.It’s better to avoid problems in the first place. This gives your dog a chance to build good habits instead of practicing bad ones.

To crate or not to crate? Many people think that putting a dog in a crate is cruel. That’s a myth! With the right training, your dog can learn to love being in a crate, and even choose it as a favorite resting place.

Crates are recommended by veterinarians because they help prevent potty accidents and other unwanted behaviors – and make everyone’s life calmer and safer.
Crates are the best sleeping places for most new dogs and all puppies.
They become a haven from well-meaning guests and overactive children, who, despite their best intentions, can overwhelm.
When you’re busy with everyday life and can’t watch your dog closely, a crate becomes a safe place for your dog to relax with toys and food puzzles.
Keep in mind that your dog will be confined in a kennel every time he visits the vet, groomer, or boarding kennel. It’s kindest to teach him “crate comfort” from the start.

The key to crate training is to make the crate a pleasant place to be. It should never be a punishment or isolation place. Teaching tips:

DO place the crate near your main living space and/or bedroom.
DO feed your dog his meals in his crate.
DO give him some treats or toys every time he goes inside.
DO put him in the crate randomly.
DO change the amount of time he’s in the crate.
DON’T use the crate for time outs or any other form of punishment.
DON’T use the crate only when you leave him at home alone.

If you don’t want to use a crate for your dog, he still needs a resting place of his own where he can sleep undisturbed. It can be the laundry room, the kitchen, a special zone that you gate off in your family room, etc. When he is in that space, he should be allowed privacy while eating and sleeping.

Set up a schedule. Having a daily routine is very important to a dog in transition. It helps him feel more secure about his new life and learn what’s expected in his new home. It also prevents problems with “unscheduled” elimination. Your plan should include predictable times for meals, walks, naps, and play.

Your dog’s care can be a shared responsibility among family members.
Everyone should agree on the routine, and children can be involved, but parents must take the primary responsibility.
Don’t forget to plan how your new arrival will get regular play and exercise.

Make introductions to your resident dog(s) safe. At first, your resident dog may not find the newcomer as appealing as you do. And the new dog may feel unsettled and out of place. That’s a recipe for bickering, which can lead to a fight. Fights can poison relationships forever, so the more you prevent bad feelings between the two dogs in the first few months, the more likely they will feel comfortable together in the long run.

Above all, resist the temptation to “just let them play together.” Dogs who seem fine with each other after a day or two are nowhere near ready to be left alone together. Rushing relationships can lead to fights, injuries, and heartbreak. Go slow and be a safe parent. Give them a chance to become friends at their own pace. That’s worth the investment, right?

Tips for more successful introductions:

DO keep the mood pleasant. If there are hostilities or lunging, increase the distance between the dogs.
DO offer plenty of treats to both dogs whenever they’re together and being calm.
DO avoid corrections, which just make things more emotional.
DO let the dogs learn to accept and trust each other at their own pace, without “helping.”
DO start introductions in a neutral place, outside and away from your home or yard. Both dogs should be on leash and allowed to see each other at a distance. End the session after two minutes. If things are going well, gradually build up to 10 minutes over several days.
DO take “pack walks” – leash-walk both dogs in parallel, on opposite sides of the street at first. When things are going well, gradually move closer together.
DO keep a barrier between the dogs while indoors, until they are true friends. Baby gates work well, while a sheet of Masonite or other visual barrier prevents stare-downs and keeps the energy level lower.
If the newcomer is a puppy, DO let the older dog have plenty of time and space of his own to get away from “junior.” He is not a baby-sitter.
DON’T allow nose-to-nose play, no matter how well things seem to be going. Good manners do not equal friendship. Relationship- and trust-building take time.

Use special precautions with cats. If there are cats in your household, special protections are a must. Cats look like prey to many dogs.

DO make sure your kitty has her own areas, away from the dog, and that she can always get to it safely. This could be a bathroom or laundry area. It should have her cat food, a litter box, and a comfortable sleeping place. Also check that there are other safe spots around the house where Fluffy can rest, out of the dog’s reach.
DO use barriers. There are good hook systems and gates for doorways that allow a cat through the door, but not a dog.

When you allow your dog to meet Fluffy:

DO use a barrier – like a baby gate – to keep them apart for now.
DO attach a leash to his collar, so you have a safe way to hold him.
DO give the dog treats whenever he sees the kitty, so he learns that she predicts good things.
DO keep the introduction short – no more than a minute or two.
DO be patient. Building comfort between animals takes time. It takes weeks for them to become truly comfortable with each other. Going too fast will sabotage the process, so don’t rush.

Above all, always be kind to your dog – even if he gets anxious or enthusiastic around the cat. Scolding him for his excitement will only make matters worse. Instead, separate them quietly and go slowly with further introductions. By being patient, you are making a long-term investment in a happier household.

Important: Some dogs are unable to avoid chasing cats. If yours is one, it’s not his fault – it’s his genetics. Be safe. Use barriers. Discuss the situation with your vet or call us for more help.

Find a good puppy kindergarten class, or basic manners class for adults. Class time is important for bonding and critical for socializing young puppies. Choose classes and trainers that use only positive reinforcement and no punishments – like choke or pinch collars, leash corrections or harsh words. Better classes often have waiting lists, so sign up promptly.

Be aware: anyone can claim to be dog trainer. Check out the trainer you choose – their background, credentials, reputation, and experience. Be careful about trainers who are employed in a place where they are expected to sell you collars, leashes or food.

The “Lassie Myth.” It’s unrealistic to expect your dog to be “Lassie” – loyal, handsome, quiet, friendly, protective, gentle, AND a mind reader. Set fair and reasonable goals. My goal for my own dogs is to have enough manners that everyone can enjoy them. I want them:

To be generally calm and friendly (when they don’t feel threatened).
To give me their attention when I ask for it.
To come when called.
To be mostly quiet when in the house.

I also love to teach them a few fun tricks, because we have a great time working together. And fun they are. Training time together is wonderful for all of us.

For more information on these topics, contact us: info@spry.dog