TROUBLESHOOTING: Adopting a Dog
Adopting a dog is a big commitment that requires realistic expectations, preparations, patience and persistence.
Setting up:
Bringing your new dog home:
Once home, take him to his toileting area immediately and spend a good amount of time with him so he will get used to the area and relieve himself. Even if your dog does relieve himself during this time, be prepared for accidents.
From there, start your schedule of feeding, toileting and play/exercise. From Day One, your dog will need family time and brief periods of solitary confinement. Don’t give in and comfort him if he whines when left alone. Instead, give him attention for good behavior, such as chewing on a toy or resting quietly.
For the first few days, remain calm and quiet around your dog, limiting too much excitement (such as the dog park or neighborhood children). Not only will this allow your dog to settle in easier, it will give you more one-on-one time to get to know your dogs likes/dislikes.
My dog doesn’t know basic commands:
This dog may be the product of a never-ending series of scrambled communications and unreal expectations that will require patience on your part. Training your dog will start the first moment you have him. Take time to create a vocabulary list everyone will use when giving your dog directions. This will help prevent confusion and help your dog learn his commands more quickly. Consistency and routine is key. You may also need to invest in some professional training with your new dog. Professional training could be puppy preschool, group training or one on one training. There are also some amazing articles online and YouTube videos that can help you with this.
My dog can’t walk properly on a lead:
A lot of dogs unfortunately haven’t had much leash training. This is extremely important for all dogs so that you can walk them to keep them happy and healthy and also for when you need to take them somewhere such as the vet. Practice, practice and practice. It is also a good idea to take a pouch of small treats with you on walks so that you can reward their good behaviour and you also have a bargaining chip if they decide not to listen to you and start pulling or barking at other dogs. You need to teach your dog that on a walk, they need to look to you for guidance. Every time you see a distraction approaching (another dog, a bike or kids) get a treat out of your pouch and show them. Keep showing them until the distraction has passed and give them their treat. With enough practice, they will realise they need to look to you for guidance.
My dog keeps walking around the house:
This is totally normal. When you bring your new dog or puppy home they will want to explore. Dogs have a keen sense of smell and will want to go around and smell everything. This can last from a few hours to a few days – even during the night.
My dog doesn’t seem to be taking to me or my family members:
Every dog is different. It depends on their personality, their surroundings, their past etc as to how quickly they can take to you. Give your dog time. You also need to bond with your new pet. Take them for a walk, take them on a day trip to the beach or even a short car ride, bath them, feed them, participate in some training with them. All of these things will help build the relationship up between you and your new pet.
My dog constantly wants to sit on my lap:
This is certainly ok. Your pet is trying to bond with you and clearly feels secure with you. However, if this does become excessive over a number of weeks you can try some activities to help them be okay with being more independent. Try new toys and treats and rewarding their good behaviour.
My dog is meant to be housetrained but is having accidents inside:
Coming into a new home with new people, new smells and new sounds can throw even the most housebroken dog off-track, so be ready just in case. Dogs thrive off routine. Sometimes you may even find your existing pets have an accident inside when you bring your new dog home. Giving your dog routine gives them expectations. They need to know what to expect at this house as they could have been in various different homes with various different expectations over their life. Once they know what is expected of them in the way of where the toilet is, when to go etc they will feel a lot more relaxed. It is always better to ignore bad behaviour and reinforce good behaviour. If you catch your dog in the act a stern “UH UH!” will do the trick and take them straight outside. It is also good in the first few weeks to help your dog adjust by walking them morning and night to get them into routine for their toileting times. You can then set toilet breaks throughout the day and take your dog outside on the grass – rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and some little treats.
My dog is displaying separation anxiety:
Usually if a dog has separation anxiety this will be mentioned in their profile however sometimes dogs show these symptoms once adopted. This is no surprise, since changes to the environment, the addition of new people or dogs into the home, and past trauma are all triggers for this behavior. Whether this is separation anxiety or purely just settling in nerves there way there are some things you can do to help your dog adjust and ease the symptoms. Symptoms can include chewing and destroying things, barking, crying, howling etc
My dog is not getting along with my current dog:
Dogs, just like humans, need to get to know their new family members. This can take time. It is always a good idea to introduce new pets on a neutral ground such as a park. This gives them room to get away if they want and lessens the opportunity for them to be possessive about their belongings or owners. If either of your pets gets jealous and aggressive when they are on your lap or in your arms it’s important to turn away from your pet and ignore this behaviour. They will soon learn that if they act that way when they are enjoying time with you, they will lose that time. Another great idea is baby gates. This way you can let your dogs become acquainted through smell and sight without them able to get to each other. This works especially well on larger dogs.
Have more questions? Please feel free to email any concerns you have to us at [email protected] .
Setting up:
- Ensure that your home is ready for a new member of the family. Remember your dog will be under a lot of stress with the change of environment (from shelter or foster home to your house.
- Get a properly fitting harness (harnesses are better for your dogs back and shoulders and will help with walking if they haven’t had much experience) as well as a sturdy five- to six- foot leash.
- To ensure your pet’s safety, purchase tags to place on his collar while you are waiting to change their microchip information over.
- Chat to your foster carer in detail. They know these dogs best so feel free to pick their brain at the meet and greet to know exactly what you are up for.
Bringing your new dog home:
Once home, take him to his toileting area immediately and spend a good amount of time with him so he will get used to the area and relieve himself. Even if your dog does relieve himself during this time, be prepared for accidents.
From there, start your schedule of feeding, toileting and play/exercise. From Day One, your dog will need family time and brief periods of solitary confinement. Don’t give in and comfort him if he whines when left alone. Instead, give him attention for good behavior, such as chewing on a toy or resting quietly.
For the first few days, remain calm and quiet around your dog, limiting too much excitement (such as the dog park or neighborhood children). Not only will this allow your dog to settle in easier, it will give you more one-on-one time to get to know your dogs likes/dislikes.
My dog doesn’t know basic commands:
This dog may be the product of a never-ending series of scrambled communications and unreal expectations that will require patience on your part. Training your dog will start the first moment you have him. Take time to create a vocabulary list everyone will use when giving your dog directions. This will help prevent confusion and help your dog learn his commands more quickly. Consistency and routine is key. You may also need to invest in some professional training with your new dog. Professional training could be puppy preschool, group training or one on one training. There are also some amazing articles online and YouTube videos that can help you with this.
My dog can’t walk properly on a lead:
A lot of dogs unfortunately haven’t had much leash training. This is extremely important for all dogs so that you can walk them to keep them happy and healthy and also for when you need to take them somewhere such as the vet. Practice, practice and practice. It is also a good idea to take a pouch of small treats with you on walks so that you can reward their good behaviour and you also have a bargaining chip if they decide not to listen to you and start pulling or barking at other dogs. You need to teach your dog that on a walk, they need to look to you for guidance. Every time you see a distraction approaching (another dog, a bike or kids) get a treat out of your pouch and show them. Keep showing them until the distraction has passed and give them their treat. With enough practice, they will realise they need to look to you for guidance.
My dog keeps walking around the house:
This is totally normal. When you bring your new dog or puppy home they will want to explore. Dogs have a keen sense of smell and will want to go around and smell everything. This can last from a few hours to a few days – even during the night.
My dog doesn’t seem to be taking to me or my family members:
Every dog is different. It depends on their personality, their surroundings, their past etc as to how quickly they can take to you. Give your dog time. You also need to bond with your new pet. Take them for a walk, take them on a day trip to the beach or even a short car ride, bath them, feed them, participate in some training with them. All of these things will help build the relationship up between you and your new pet.
My dog constantly wants to sit on my lap:
This is certainly ok. Your pet is trying to bond with you and clearly feels secure with you. However, if this does become excessive over a number of weeks you can try some activities to help them be okay with being more independent. Try new toys and treats and rewarding their good behaviour.
My dog is meant to be housetrained but is having accidents inside:
Coming into a new home with new people, new smells and new sounds can throw even the most housebroken dog off-track, so be ready just in case. Dogs thrive off routine. Sometimes you may even find your existing pets have an accident inside when you bring your new dog home. Giving your dog routine gives them expectations. They need to know what to expect at this house as they could have been in various different homes with various different expectations over their life. Once they know what is expected of them in the way of where the toilet is, when to go etc they will feel a lot more relaxed. It is always better to ignore bad behaviour and reinforce good behaviour. If you catch your dog in the act a stern “UH UH!” will do the trick and take them straight outside. It is also good in the first few weeks to help your dog adjust by walking them morning and night to get them into routine for their toileting times. You can then set toilet breaks throughout the day and take your dog outside on the grass – rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and some little treats.
My dog is displaying separation anxiety:
Usually if a dog has separation anxiety this will be mentioned in their profile however sometimes dogs show these symptoms once adopted. This is no surprise, since changes to the environment, the addition of new people or dogs into the home, and past trauma are all triggers for this behavior. Whether this is separation anxiety or purely just settling in nerves there way there are some things you can do to help your dog adjust and ease the symptoms. Symptoms can include chewing and destroying things, barking, crying, howling etc
- Activities: Make sure your new dog has plenty of activities to do while you are away. You can try slow release treat puzzle balls, putting peanut butter inside a kong and freezing, putting treats in ice cube trays and giving them doggy ice blocks or creating a scavenger hunt of healthy treats for them to find while you are gone.
- Exercise: My best piece of advice for a lot of issues that dogs have is “A tired dog is a good dog.” Make sure your dog is exercised before you leave. Different breeds and ages of dogs require different amounts and types of exercise. A senior dog might just need a good stretch of the legs and a 15 minute walk around the block while a young dog with high energy (mini foxy, jack Russell, whippet etc) may require an hour brisk walk with some running around time. These are things to consider before you adopt your new family member as well to ensure you have the time and ability to provide your dog the right exercise.
- Routine: The best thing for you to do for your dog is give them routine. Dogs thrive off routine. This sets expectations and limits anxiety. Dogs need to know when they will be given breakfast and dinner, when they are going for their walk, when it is play time and when it is not, when you are leaving and what’s happens when you do. Create a happy experience for them when you leave. Leave your dog a long lasting chew just before you go out the door. That way they associate you leaving with treat time.
- Environment: When you leave your dog do not make a big deal about it. Limit the triggers of the lead up such as putting shoes on, jingling keys and opening and closing the garage by doing this at various stages throughout the day when you are home so these noises do not create a panic for them. Do not make a big deal when you get home as well. Walk through the door and place your handbag and keys away waiting for your dog to sit calmly. You can then give them a well-earned cuddle. Do not give bad behaviour attention even by yelling at them if they are jumping up and down. All this does is reinforce that they will get your attention if they act this way.
My dog is not getting along with my current dog:
Dogs, just like humans, need to get to know their new family members. This can take time. It is always a good idea to introduce new pets on a neutral ground such as a park. This gives them room to get away if they want and lessens the opportunity for them to be possessive about their belongings or owners. If either of your pets gets jealous and aggressive when they are on your lap or in your arms it’s important to turn away from your pet and ignore this behaviour. They will soon learn that if they act that way when they are enjoying time with you, they will lose that time. Another great idea is baby gates. This way you can let your dogs become acquainted through smell and sight without them able to get to each other. This works especially well on larger dogs.
Have more questions? Please feel free to email any concerns you have to us at [email protected] .
