Congratulations on your newly adopted, canine family member!
Maybe during some extra time at home this spring, you felt the need to expand your family by adding a new canine family member! What a great idea! Congratulations on your new family member! Now what though?
Sure, you know you need to provide the basics which include a leash, food, toys, a vet check, a safe space, shelter and of course, all that love. Is that it? That is a great start; but here are some other things to consider to really enhance your relationship with your new family member. 😉 These ideas include interactive toys and ideas for your puppy or doggie companion, links regarding the new science behind the statements that specific harnesses are better than using a collar for dog walking, and how e-collars, prong collars, and shock collars are outdated, misused, and harmful to our beloved family members. Also included are links regarding how you can earn cooperation from your dog by rewarding desirable behaviors instead of using punishment (i.e using treats, toys, rewards which do not spoil a dog, but increase your bond, trust, and relationship without using fear or pain). Check out these ideas and some local dog trainers and shops!
The Decompression Time
You brought your new puppy home and he is now away from his parent and littermates for the first time. Or maybe you adopted your adult dog from the shelter. Your new family member needs your patience and time to adjust. This is called the decompression stage. It may take more time than you anticipate, and it may look different for every fur baby. Here are some helpful visuals and a link to help you help your dog transition into his or her forever home!
https://lifelineanimal.org/blog/250-bringing-home-your-new-dog
A simple timeline visual:
Training and Animal Behavior
Learning how to teach (a nicer way of thinking about this) your canine pal desirable behaviors can sometimes require a professional trainer or updated resources. Great news! There are many resources available online, and there is a fabulous positive reinforcement trainer in our local area. Here are ones that I recommend.
Do No Harm Dog Training -
http://www.dogpsychologistoncall.com/about-us/
Local, force free dog trainer: Who’s Your Doggie, Mike Romberger https://www.facebook.com/pg/WhosYourDoggie/about/
Reisner Veterinary Behavior – learning and understanding animal behavior among other important information such as safely bringing an infant into a home with a dog.
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ReisnerVetBehavior/
Welfare for Animals - A certified and qualified positive reinforcement force-free trainer and animal welfare professional. This animal specialist uses the most updated scientific methods to help animals, the people they live with and those who work with them.
https://www.welfare4animals.org/
The updated science behind avoiding shock, e-collars, and prongs and the better harness choice.
Need a brand suggestion right away without reading all the articles? Try an X or Y style harness. Some brands fit some dogs better than others. Ruffwear, Perfect Fit, and Chai’s Choice are all popular brands. Many are available on Amazon.
Here is an article on the adverse use of shock collars and why you should consider avoiding them.
This link is an article on using a harness instead of a collar to walk your dog titled, Don’t Jerk or Pull, Use a Harness Part 1 of 4
Why using a non-retractable leash is safer for your dog and you!
· https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2014/06/11/retractable-dog-leash.aspx
Play Time!
Dogs need mental and physical entertainment and stimulation. They also need down time. Here are some ideas that I have found incredibly helpful. Here are a few interactive dog toy suggestions. Always supervise your pets when in use!
* Provide age and size appropriate chew toys. Kong toys (make sure one hole is always open), freeze dried cheese sticks, deer antlers, and marrow bones have been favorites with my bestie pups!
* A newly discovered tool for us, Licky mats, have been great to give with peanut butter, cream cheese, or frozen pureed pumpkin. These are easily found on Amazon. They are great tools to use when bathing or trimming nails to associate the sometimes-scary experience with a more positive and desirable reward experience. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B081DF2J8F/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
* Kong feeders – These are different than Kong treat toys. With these, you put in dry food and it falls out as your dog eats his or her meal. This is totally fun and interactive for your dog. Don’t use raw food with these, and always supervise due to the fact that it can get wedged under a couch and your dog might decide to do anything to get it back (ask me how I know).
Allow “sniff” walks which are highly valuable for our four-legged family members!
I recommend this great, local online shop with delivery Urban Tails, https://www.facebook.com/urbantailspa/ which carries treats, toys, and chewers (since we all now know to choose healthier, safer options instead of rawhides which are dangerous for our dogs).
I hope you find these resources helpful. The source information has been included for credit and for you to easily research additional information. Bringing a new fur baby into your home is such a lovely experience. With the most up to date tools and science, you can enhance your relationship with your canine companion. Once your pup has had time to adjust, email me, ckphotog@gmail.com, about booking a session to document your newest family member!
Compiled by Carisa Kozicki, owner of CarisaK Photography a boutique photographer specializing in photographing animals with their humans. I believe in force free and current science regarding living with our best friends. www.carisak.com