If you are bringing your new adopted dog into a home with a resident pet, it is smart to introduce the two on neutral ground. One way to do it is to try going for a walk with them. However, do not walk the dogs nose to nose. A side-by-side walk will encourage companionship and tire them out.
Begin obedience classes and have the whole family participate. Learn to shape desirable behavior through positive reinforcement, rather than punish undesirable behavior. Obedience training has a settling effect on a dog and gives you the opportunity to bond. Take time to touch your new dog on their feet, ears, teeth, tail, and paws, because doing so will make trips to the groomer and veterinarian easier for everyone.
When you are bringing home a new shelter dog, it is important to dog-proof your home. This is especially true if you are bringing home a puppy. Walk around your house and yard and move anything you do not want the dog to get a hold of. If you do not want your new dog in certain rooms of the house, purchase baby gates to restrict access. Remember, it is your responsibility to keep your dog away from things you do not want destroyed or that might be harmful to them.
When you are training a new dog, one option to train them is crate-training. If you decide to go ahead with crate-training your new shelter dog, then purchase a crate that is just large enough for the dog to stand up and turn around in — no more, no less. If you are buying a crate for your puppy to grow into, then you can block off a part of it. Stainless steel water and food bowls are recommended, since they cannot be chewed on and ingested. Also, be sure to look out for durable bedding that is hard to chew on and easy to clean. All of this will make your life a lot easier.
There are some essentials every new dog owner needs. First, you will want to purchase a simple, four-to-six-foot nylon leash with a collar. We do not recommend flexi-leads, harnesses, or pinch collars. These are not necessary for proper training. Next, you will want to get some toys, too. It is wise to get a nice variety of toys and rotate them every month. This way your dog doesn’t get bored and it increases stimulation. Hard, rubber toys are wonderful for dogs who chew, especially those toys that can be stuffed with anything from peanut butter and cream cheese to wet food and bananas. You can freeze them to keep your dog busy for a longer period of time.
We recommend feeding your dog at the same times each day. As long as they are healthy, they will eat when hungry. One reason for this is to monitor their health. If your dog refuses to eat anything for a day, then check with your vet since you can determine the fact that it is unusual behavior. Do not leave food out for longer than 20 minutes. Refrain from free-feeding or leaving food out at all times, as it can lead to obesity and can make it difficult for you to monitor your dog’s eating habits as well as you should.
Even if your dog is healthy, it is important to make regular vet appointments for your new dog about two weeks after they have joined your household.
It is smart to have some house rules, so the entire family understands what rules are being set up for your dog. Also, it ensure there is a clear consensus on which behaviors you will reinforce and which ones you will not. This allows for a more coordinated learning for the new shelter dog.
Forgotten Friends of Long Island is a 501c3 non-profit volunteer organization that is dedicated to the rescue of companion animals left in municipal shelters on Long Island for an extended period of time. These are animals that are overlooked by both the general public and other rescue groups.
We have no paid staff and every dollar we raise is used to provide quality medical attention and rehabilitation for the rescue cats and dogs that are in our care coming in from shelters across Long Island. Adopting a shelter dog saves their life as more than six million dogs enter a shelter each year. This has resulted in an overcrowding issue that is all-too-often resolved through euthanasia.
Contact us today to learn more about our rescue animals, small dog rescue, dog adoption, and how you can make a difference in the lives of these dogs. To see a dog in our care, contact us to schedule an appointment with our staff.
When you reach out, we can discuss on which dogs to meet and provide you with the proper paperwork.