Tips for the First 30 Days of Dog Adoption ♥

The first few days in your home are special and critical for a pet. Your new dog will be confused about where he is and what to expect from you. Setting up some clear structure with your family for your dog will be paramount in making as smooth a transition as possible.

Before You Bring Your Dog Home:

* Determine where your dog will be spending most of his time. Because he will be under a lot of stress with the change of environment (from shelter or foster home to your house), he may forget any housebreaking (if any) he's learned. Often a kitchen will work best for easy clean-up.

* Dog-proof the area where your pooch will spend most of his time during the first few months. This may mean taping loose electrical cords to baseboards; storing household chemicals on high shelves; removing plants, rugs, and breakables; and installing baby gates.

* 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.

* Bring an ID tag with your phone number on it with you when you pick up your dog so that he has an extra measure of safety for the ride home and the first few uneasy days. If he is microchipped, be sure to register your contact information with the chip's company, if the rescue or shelter did not already do so.

First Day:

* We know moving is stressful . . . and your new dog feels the same way! Give him time to acclimate to your home and family before introducing him to strangers. Make sure children know how to approach the dog without overwhelming him.

* When you pick up your dog, remember to ask what and when he was fed. Replicate that schedule for at least the first few days to avoid gastric distress. If you wish to switch to a different brand, do so over a period of about a week by adding one part new food to three parts of the old for several days; then switch to half new food, half old, and then one part old to three parts new.

* On the way home, your dog should be safely secured, preferably in a crate. Some dogs find car trips stressful, so having him in a safe place will make the trip home easier on him and you.

* 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. Coming into a new home with new people, new smells and new sounds will throw even the most housebroken dog off-track, so be ready just in case.

* If you plan on crate training your dog, leave the crate open so that he can go in whenever he feels like it in case he gets overwhelmed. (Although we don't advocate crates in general, they are useful in certain situations . . . and, many dogs prefer the den-like qualities of a crate).

* 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 him and his likes/dislikes.

* If he came from another home, objects like leashes, hands, rolled up newspapers and magazines, feet, chairs and sticks are just some of the pieces of "training equipment" that may have been used on this dog. Words like "come here" and "lie down" may bring forth a reaction other than the one you expect.

* Or maybe he led a sheltered life and was never socialized to children or sidewalk activity. This dog may be the product of a never-ending series of scrambled communications and unreal expectations that will require patience on your part.

Following Weeks:

People often say they don't see their dog's true personality until several weeks after adoption. Your dog will be a bit uneasy at first as he gets to know you. Be patient and understanding while also keeping to the schedule you intend to maintain for feeding, walks, etc. This schedule will show your dog what is expected of him as well as what he can expect from you.

* After discussing it with your veterinarian to ensure your dog has all the necessary vaccines, you may wish to take your dog to group training classes or the dog park. Pay close attention to your dog's body language to be sure he's having a good time . . . and is not fearful or a dog park bully. If you're unsure of what signs to watch for, look online for signs of dog behavior, or email us directly for more information.

* To have a long and happy life together with your dog, stick to the original schedule you created, ensuring your dog always has the food, potty time and attention he needs. You'll be bonded together in no time!

* If you encounter behavior issues you are unfamiliar with, ask your veterinarian for a trainer recommendation. Select a trainer who uses positive-reinforcement techniques to help you and your dog overcome these behavior obstacles.

Congratulations! If you follow these tips, you'll be on your way to having a well-adjusted canine family member. ♥

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Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com

Pet Adoption 101 ~ Adopting a Rescue or Shelter Pet

Adopting a new pet involves far more than choosing an adorable animal from a rescue website or shelter cage and bringing it home.  Every rescue and shelter has their own unique approach, and set of guidelines to finding new homes for their adoptable pets.  However, most of them do try to balance the interests of the pet and the adopter.  The adoption process usually involves the following steps:

* Filling out an adoption application
* Interview with shelter staff
* Selecting your new pet (if you haven't already from their website)
* Waiting period for reference checks (vet / landlord / etc.)
* Signing an adoption contract and paying fees
* Trial period (some rescues build this in to the process)

Furrends

The Application and Interview

Many pets are surrendered to shelters because people are often unrealistic about the time, effort, money, lifestyle compatibility, and facilities that pets require.  Because of this, shelters often perform vigorous personal interviews to insure a great match for you and your new pet.  You will usually be required to fill out basic contact information, provide photo identification, proof of residence, and proof of prior pet ownership with veterinary and licensing records if applicable.  In addition, the shelter staff will use the following information to help match you with your perfect pet: 


* Reasons for getting a pet (e.g. companion for yourself, children, or another pet; agility dog, etc).
* Number and ages of children and pets you currently have and previous pet experience.
* Facilities or housing situation and whether you rent or own.  Some shelters will require a letter from a landlord stating that pets are allowed.
* Lifestyle information ~ activity level, travel, etc.


Selecting Your New Pet

It can be overwhelming when you arrive at a shelter to see how many choices you have. Before you arrive, it is important to construct a list of desired traits ~ such as coat type, size, shape, temperament, activity level, gender, and age.  As many shelters have purebred dogs and cats, you should also research breeds that appeal to you in both physical and behavioral characteristics.  Some shelters will keep a waiting list and contact you if a particular breed you are looking for becomes available. 

Oftentimes pets that appear quiet, scared or even overly excited are overlooked by potential adopters.  Ask the shelter staff about the personality of each pet you may be interested in. The shelter staff usually has had the opportunity to interact with the animals in various environments and can often assist you in better observing his or her true personality. 

Please feel free to request more information regarding choosing the right pet for your home and your lifestyle!  We are happy to provide you with additional resources to help you make the best decision.  (Messaging and contact information can be found at the end of this article!)

Shelter Dog Waiting for Adoption!

Waiting Period

Many shelters and rescue groups will require a waiting period of 24 to 48 hours (or more) before allowing you to take your new pet home.  This is intended to give families time to discuss the decision of getting a pet and make sure it is not just an impulse.  A family must be emotionally, financially and personally ready to take on the responsibility of a new pet.  It is important that all members of a family are "on board" with getting a pet and everyone is committed to its care.  It must be decided who will feed, groom, exercise and pick up after a pet in advance.  This waiting period also gives prospective families time to prepare their home for a new pet.  


Adoption Contract and Fees

Most shelters require that you sign a contract when you adopt a pet.  These contracts will often require that adopters be responsible for:

* Spaying or neutering (though many times this is included in the adoption fee, especially with older pets)
* Provision of suitable housing (not dumping your pet outdoors in harsh climate conditions!), nutrition and health care
* Return of the animal to the shelter if an adopter can no longer care for him or her
* Associated costs of adopting the pet

Some shelters also require post-adoption visits by shelter staff.  In almost all cases, you will need to pay an adoption fee to the shelter.  Also, if the animal has experienced significant health care costs while at the shelter, they may ask the adopter to help with the costs. Shelters always appreciate contributions toward their programs and facilities. 

Trial Period

Many shelters offer a trial period that allows you to take your new pet home to determine how he or she does in their new environment.  This is particularly important if there are already pets or children in a household.  Occasionally a behavioral or medical problem may be discovered that was not noticed in the shelter.  Some shelters offer post-adoption assistance with minor behavioral or adjustment problems.  If the adopter or shelter feel the match is not a good one, the animal can be returned during this trial period to the shelter without penalty. 

Again, please feel free to request further information regarding your new pet into your home and family!  We are happy to provide you with additional resources to help you make the transition as smooth as possible. (Messaging and contact information can be found at the end of this article!)

Many shelters have information about their specific adoption process on their websites so you can prepare in advance.  Although this process may seem extensive, it is beneficial to all parties involved ~ you will have a relationship with your pet for the lifetime of the pet,  so it is worth the time and effort to insure the best match possible.

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Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com

Guinea Pigs as Pets ~ Things You Should Know

Guinea Pigs can be lovely pets, but there are a few things you should know before getting a pet Guinea Pig. From expected life span to the social nature of Guinea Pigs, here are some things to consider before choosing a Guinea Pig as a pet.

1. Guinea Pigs Are a Long Term Commitment ~ Guinea Pigs live on average around 5-7 years, sometimes longer, so be prepared to provide care over the long term.

2. Guinea Pigs are Social - Plan on Keeping More than One ~ Guinea Pigs are very social animals, and will be happiest living with other Guinea Pigs (and don't worry, they will still bond with their owners, too). Keep a same sex pair; females can be kept together as can males, though sometimes individual differences will mean certain Guinea Pigs won't get along. Introducing them as babies is the best way to get a pair to bond, though even adults can usually be introduced with care.

3. Guinea Pigs Need a Large Cage ~ Guinea Pigs need a lot of floor space, and most cages marketed as Guinea Pig cages are much too small, especially for a pair. Making a homemade cage is very easy, though, and since Guinea Pigs are a good size and not escape artists, making homemade cages is a great option.

4. Guinea Pigs are Generally Quiet, But Can Wheek Loudly ~ Guinea Pigs make a distinctive wheeking or whistling type sound, often in anticipation of getting a favorite treat or when in need of some attention. Though generally not loud enough to annoy the neighbors, a wheeking Guinea Pig can be surprisingly loud.

5. Guinea Pigs are Generally Easy to Tame ~ While Guinea Pigs may be nervous or skittish at first, with consistent gentle handling, they usually become tame very easily. Careful handling is a must, and children should be supervised with them, but they are unlikely to bite even when stressed.

6. Guinea Pigs Require Vitamin C ~ Guinea Pigs are one of the few animals (humans are another) that cannot manufacture their own vitamin C, so they will need to get adequate vitamin C from their diet. Choosing a good quality diet and providing a variety of fresh foods is important, but most owners choose to also give a vitamin C supplement ~ and tablets are generally a better way to supplement than adding vitamin C to the water.

7. Guinea Pigs are Often Available at Shelters ~ Before heading out to buy a Guinea Pig, please check with your local shelters or rescues for Guinea Pigs in need of a new home (or check on Petfinder.com). Many Guinea Pigs end up at shelters, and are in need of a second chance at a forever home ~ and Guinea Pigs are generally so social and easy going, it should still be easy to bond with even an older piggie! ♥

Adopting vs. Shopping . . . .

People are often unaware that a local shelter has guinea pigs, or that a cavy rescue is located nearby. In many parts of the country, hundreds of rescued guinea pigs need homes-primarily as a result of caretaker surrenders. Doug Duke, director of the Nevada SPCA in Las Vegas, finds that half are turned in by owners and the other half are rescued from the county. He notes, “We try to keep the county shelter, which shares the complex with us, from euthanizing any who are healthy.”

A prospective guinea pig guardian typically visits a pet store first. But many pet stores house both males and females together and occasionally sell incorrectly sexed cavies. This increases the odds that a breeding pair has been sold or that a young undeveloped sow is already pregnant when purchased (sows can become pregnant as early as four weeks of age). Other pet caretakers intentionally breed their guinea pigs “to see what it’s like”; add in the many non show-quality cavies produced by breeders and the number of guinea pigs needing homes continues to grow.

A pet store guinea pig purchase is often unplanned and unresearched. Getting information on proper care into the hands of prospective new guardians helps them make better-informed decisions. Since January 1, 2003, California pet stores have been required by law to provide care sheets with the purchase of each animal. Several dedicated guinea pig people were instrumental in getting this legislation passed. Be proactive: encourage your state representatives to address this important issue for all pet-store animals in your state.

Julie Morris, ASPCA senior vice president for National Shelter Outreach, designated March as Adopt-a-Rescued-Guinea Pig celebration month. “The idea behind the celebration month is to encourage future adopters to think of shelters and rescue groups first.” Her promotional team has assembled an online page hosted on www.petfinder.com with fun and educational materials contributed from various sources. Internet sites like Petfinder.com, are an invaluable resource for people who wish to adopt homeless guinea pigs from shelters and rescue groups. Last year Petfinder alone listed over 10,000 guinea pigs.

Guinea pigs are not for everyone. They’re definitely not just for kids! But an informed, committed guardian who is willing to care for them day after day and seek health care when needed will find them charming companions.

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Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com