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Your Newly Adopted Dog
- 1. Your Newly Adopted Dog
- 2. Preparing Your Home For A New Dog
- 3. 31 Fun Facts and Helpful Tips About Your New Dog
- 4. Urban Dog Etiquette and Street Sense
- 5. Responsibilities for the Parents of the Newly Adopted Dog
- 6. Changing the Name of Your New Dog
- 7. Pledge for New Dog Adopters
- 8. Conditioning a Dog to Loud Noises
- 9. Catalog Supply List For Dog Toys and Other Useful Items
31 Fun Facts and Helpful Tips About Your New Dog
Jacque Lynn Schultz, Director, ASPCA Special Projects
About Your New Best Friend
10/1
I like a bit of a mongrel
myself, whether it's a man or a dog; they're the best for every
day.
George Bernard Shaw
10/2
If you are planning to bring home a new dog soon, call a family
conference to set up schedules, choose commands, and discuss who
will perform which tasks.
10/3
A visit to the veterinarian should be scheduled shortly after
acquiring a new puppy or dog. Be certain to take any medical
records with you as well as a fresh stool sample.
10/4
When naming your new best friend, avoid confusion by steering
clear of names that sound like corrections or other commands such
as Snow (No), Sid (sit) or Dow Jones (down).
10/5
Abrupt changes in diet can result in digestive distress. Find out
what the shelter was using and introduce new foods gradually over
several days' time.
10/6
Kennel cough is caused by several viruses and bacteria. A hacking
cough may persist for up to 6 weeks. Treatment may or may not be
needed depending on severity.
10/7
Two dogs may be twice the fun, but it is important that each dog
have an individual relationship with you and the ability to stay
by himself from time to time.
10/8
The greatest dog in the
world…is a companion who does all but speak. He will be
gay or serious; he will console you in your lowest
moods.
Ludwig Bemelmans
10/9
In 1492, Christopher Columbus brought dogs of war to the New
World. His men used them to seize the wealth of native Indian
populations who lived in mortal fear of the dogs - for good
reason!
10/10
Housebreaking is accomplished by employing the three C's:
Consistency of feeding and walking schedule; Confinement, at
times, in a crate to build bladder and bowel control; and
Cleaning with an odor neutralizer when accidents happen.
10/11
Feed a diet that is age-appropriate. Puppies need the extra
protein and calories found in growth formulas whereas as senior
dogs need much less of both in order to maintain their youthful
figures.
10/12
Spaying your dog will not only prevent unwanted pregnancies; it
will also protect your dog from mammary tumors and uterine
infections. Castration protects against testicular cancer and
prostate problems. These procedures can be done safely in animals
as young as two months of age.
10/13
Most actions pet-owners define as misbehaviors are merely normal
dog behaviors done at the wrong time or in the wrong place.
10/14
By enrolling your canine youngster in puppy kindergarten classes
at 11-19 weeks of age, he or she will get a jump-start on
socialization and appropriate behavior.
10/15
No one appreciates the very
special genius of your conversation as a dog does.
Christopher Morley
10/16
A dog just can't have enough identification! A tattoo or
microchip is great for permanent identification. Make sure to
keep the registry current when you move, change jobs or get a new
phone number.
10/17
Although most people think of dogs as carnivores or flesh-eaters,
they are really omnivores - meaning they eat plants and animal
tissue. Unlike cats, dogs can thrive on a well-balanced
vegetarian diet.
10/18
Hydrogen peroxide is a handy item to keep in your medicine
cabinet. In addition to being an antiseptic, it can be used to
induce vomiting if your veterinarian or poison control center
advises you to do so in the event your dog has ingested a toxic
substance.
10/19
Playing "hide the kibble" is a good way to exercise your dog on a
rainy day. Put him in a sit-stay in the bathroom, hide a handful
of dog food in a dozen spots around the house and then command
him to find it.
10/20
The adolescent dog tests boundaries and seems to possess
limitless energy - not unlike his human counterparts.
Aerobic-level exercise, lots of mind-challenging play and careful
management will get you both through this tough developmental
stage.
10/21
Take a hike in one of America's 171 national forests. Your dog is
welcome but must be on leash in developed recreation areas.
Remember to pack out or bury any waste.
10/22
You may make a fool of yourself
with a dog, and not only will he not scold you, but he will make
a fool of himself too.
Samuel Butler
10/23
Every dog needs plenty of toys to stave off boredom by chewing,
tugging, shaking and killing, tossing, carrying, hiding, burying
and napping with them. Rotate toys to keep them interesting.
10/24
Dogs make terrific therapists. If your dog consistently responds
to basic commands, enjoys new situations, and lights up around
strangers, animal-assisted therapy can be a great way to do
volunteer work while spending time with your dog.
10/25
In recent years canine health care has gone holistic. Veterinary
chiropractors and acupuncturists are being consulted to alleviate
pain alongside traditional practitioners.
10/26
Keep your dog's mind sharp and body toned by involving him in
canine sports such as agility, freestyle, flyball, lure coursing,
herding or water trials. Dog camps are the best places to sample
an array of these activities.
10/27
As tempting as it may be, avoid giving your dog chocolate. Even
small amounts can be toxic, causing a rapid heartbeat, collapse
and, in some cases, death.
10/28
If you live in the country or go there on weekends, get your dog
a reflective orange vest to wear outdoors during hunting season.
Don't let your dog become another hunting casualty.
10/29
The dog was created specially
for children. He is the god of frolic.
Henry Ward Beecher
10/30
To costume or not to costume, that is the question. If you enjoy
dressing up your dog (and he enjoys it as well), make sure the
costume does not hamper sight or movement. Take a few days to
acclimate the dog to the finery before showing him off to adoring
friends and relatives.
10/31
Halloween can be a scary time for pets. If they are not well
socialized, put them in a quiet place during trick-or-treat hours
or a party. And keep them indoors so they won't fall victim to
neighborhood pranksters.
Courtesy of
424 East 92nd Street
New York, NY 10128-6804
212-876-7700
www.aspca.org
Next in
After You Adopt: Your Newly Adopted Dog:
Urban Dog Etiquette and Street Sense
