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Litter Box Problems
and Cat "Spraying"
Adopting a Shelter
Dog or Puppy
Adopting a shelter Dog or Puppy ...
Kate's Commentary:
"There's nothing more satisfying than bringing home a new pet that you've rescued ... That is, until the poor little critter huddles, slinks or shakes when you look at him ... That's when you need to think about this life changing moment from your new pets experience. If you've chosen a canine companion, it's important you know that dogs or puppies that have been in shelters can frequently be easily frightened ... Try to think about what his life up to that point has been like ... (the noise, the fear) and realize that he needs to understand that this is a safe place, that you are his friend. Slowly, let him know that he is "home" with you. Your touch and voice, your kindness will help his trust level begin to build. Don't expect too much from him for a week or so (or maybe longer depending on the dog ...) Reassure him and be kind ... lots of petting and gentle words will go a long way to tell your new pet who you are..Patience, kindness and the following information from Dr. Mike Richards, DVM should be helpful."Dr. Mike Richards DVM:
"It is good to talk to him and say something in a soothing tone like, "It's OK boy,everything's alright", but if you go to him and hold him or if you sound anxious and say something in an irritated tone, you might actually encourage him to be more fearful. Sometimes, just calling him to you gently and getting him to sit or lie down is the best approach. It takes his mind off what he is worrying over and lets him know that you are in control, so things will be OK.In time, it is good to figure out one or two commands (more is OK, too) that you can work on with your pet. You want to be able to have something that he is expected to know how to do where you can show him gently that you are the boss. It will actually help in times of stress to give him something to concentrate on.
Most dogs will learn to sit pretty rapidly if you simply reward them with praise or a small food treat and say "sit" when you notice that they are getting ready to sit on their own. This can work to teach a dog "down" too, but it is a little harder to figure out when they are actually going to lay down and you do have to time the word "down" and the reward with the action.
Asking him to sit prior to giving him his meals, making him sit before opening the door so that he can go out, rewarding him for interacting with you when you ask him to ... these things and a lot of patience will go a long way toward creating the relationship you both will enjoy.
Lastly, don't forget that dogs have short attention spans. It is a lot better to try to teach your new dog by making many small efforts during the day than to set aside an hour as "study time" and expect him to pay attention for that long at one time."
Kate's Commentary: "Patience, kindness and reassurance that your new canine friend is safe and loved will eventually do the trick ... If, however, you find over a month or two that the same fearful response is occuring, you might want to look into bringing an Animal Behavorist into your dogs life ... You will both be taught how to speak the others "language" and this can only improve your relationship.
Remember, kindness is the key. Bullying an animal might get the job done for the moment, but that kind of training doesn't last. And one last point ... be sure you get a tag on your new pet immediately. Far too many animals are lost in the early days of a new adoption simply because the well meaning "rescuer" forgets to tag them ... I'm sure you'll agree that you and your new dog do not need this experience."
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