P.O. Box 171 • Butler, NJ 07405

973-831-5555 • info@tbaw.org

Dogs! Dogs! Dogs!

Our Dogs are ready to Love... All dogs are evaluated and when needed attend training and obedience classes. All dogs are walked three times each day by our volunteers. When considering which dog to adopt remember puppies are cute ,but for first time dog owner especially, puppies can sometimes be a real handful. By adopting an adult dog you will get to see the personality ahead of time (some dogs stay very active and playful, whereas some dogs become more passive and relaxed). They will also be spayed/neutered, have had all shots, and should be house broken already

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FULL DOG LIST

So, You've Adopted a Dog...

Congratulations! No doubt you're excited and looking forward to forging a lifelong friendship with your new buddy. But try to keep in mind the confusion he is feeling right now. Whatever his past history, coming home with you is a new experience. He is likely to be a little disoriented, wondering where he is and who all these new people are.

The key to helping your new dog make a successful adjustment to your home is being prepared and being patient. It can take anywhere from two days to two months for you and your pet to adjust to each other.

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WELCOME HOME

Try to arrange the arrival of your new dog for a weekend or when you can be home for a few days. Get to know each other and spend some quality time together. Don't forget the jealousy factor - make sure you don't neglect other pets and people in your household!
Give your dog proper shelter. A fenced yard with a doghouse is a bonus, especially for large and active dogs; however, dogs should never be left outside alone or for extended periods of time. Dogs need and crave companionship and should spend most of their time inside with their family

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HEALTHCARE

Take your new dog to the veterinarian within a week after adoption. There, your dog will receive a full health check. Give your dog a nutritionally balanced diet, including constant access to fresh water. Ask your veterinarian for advice on what and how often to feed your pet. Give your dog enough exercise to keep him physically fit (but not exhausted). Most dog owners find that playing with their canine companion, along with walking him twice a day, provides sufficient exercise. But, every dog is different, just as every human is different. If you have questions about the level of exercise appropriate for your dog, consult your veterinarian. Like people, dogs have different health requirements at different stages of their lives. What a puppy needs from you is quite different to the senior pet that you have owned for 15 years. The age of your dog will determine the daily care and special treatment it needs.

Check the following sites for additional healthcare information:

• The Vet at The Barn - Offering superior traditional as well as alternative veterinary care
• Pet Healthcare.com
• The Humane Society

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HOUSE RULES

Work out your dog-care regimen in advance among the human members of your household. Who will walk the dog first thing in the morning? Who will feed him at night? Will he be allowed on the couch, or won't he? Where will he rest at night? Are there any rooms in the house that are off-limits?
It is essential that all family members work together and stay consistent in the training method that you choose.

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TRAINING

Dogs need order.
Remember, they are pack animals, so make yourself the "pack leader."
Let your dog know from the start who is the boss.
When you catch him doing something he shouldn't, don't lose your cool. Stay calm, and let him know immediately, in a loud and disapproving voice, that he has misbehaved.
Reward him with praise when he does well, too! Sign up for a local dog obedience class, and you'll learn what a joy it is to have a well-trained dog.
Make sure that all family/house members are "on board" with your training program!
A dog will get confused and frustrated with inconsistency in the rules.

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CRATING

A crate may look to you like the canine equivalent of a jail cell, but to your dog, who instinctively likes to den, it's a room of his own. It makes housetraining and obedience-training easier and saves your dog from the headache of being yelled at unnecessarily for problem behavior. Of course, you won't want to crate your dog all day or all night, or he will consider it a jail cell. Just a few, regular hours a day (but no more than four hours at a time) should be sufficient. The crate should not contain wire where his collar or paws can get caught, and should be roomy enough to allow your dog to stand up, turn around, and sit comfortably in normal posture. If you still can't face the idea of a crate, at the very least consider some sort of confinement to a dog-proofed part of your home. A portion of the kitchen or family room can serve the purpose very well. (A baby gate works perfectly.)

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PLAYTIME

Dogs need an active life. That means you should plan plenty of exercise and play time for your pet. Enjoy jogging or Frisbee? You can bet your dog will, too. If running around the park is too energetic for your taste, try throwing a ball or a stick, or just going for a long walk together. When you take a drive in the country or visit family and friends, bring your dog and a leash along.

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PATIENCE

Finally, be reasonable in your expectations. Life with you is a different experience for your new companion, so give him time to adjust. You'll soon find out that you've made a friend for life. No one will ever greet you with as much enthusiasm or provide you with as much unqualified love and loyalty as your dog will. Be patient, and you will be amply rewarded - and remember that the vast majority of behavior problems can be solved. If you are struggling with your pet's behavior, contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice, and check out The HSUS's Pets for Life campaign information.

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Tri-Boro Animal Welfare P.O. Box 171 Butler, N. J. 07405
973-831-5555

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