Welcome to our Dog Care section. This area aims to solve some of the most common issues that people have with dog care and if you have any tips or pointers of your own, please email them through to our animal care staff who will consider them for inclusion in this section. For further advice and information on issues such as behavioural correction, car travel, grooming, your dog and the law, toilet training and how to keep your new dog happy in home and garden, please ask about our Dog Post Adoption Advice form.
- How to settle your dog into their new home
How to settle your dog into their new home
Changing a dog's environment can be stressful, so to minimise this, allow the dog a few days to settle in - don't invite all your friends to visit as this can be too overwhelming for him; let your dog get used to his new family first. Although it is understandable for you to be excited about introducing your new canine chum, when you do finally have visitors try to keep the dog (and the guests!) as calm as possible.
Try and leave the dog alone for short periods from time to time (with the door closed) so that he does not learn to depend on constant company. This helps to prevent 'over attachment' and 'separation' problems later on. Although it is difficult, try your hardest not to return to your dog when he is whining, crying, barking or behaving badly in any way. Wait until the undesirable behaviour has stopped, or create a noisy distraction, and then enter the room. Say hello to the dog but do not stroke him straight away - do something else first (put the kettle on etc.) - and then praise him once he's sitting calmly. This prevents problems later on with 'attention seeking behaviour' and 'over excitement on greeting'.
The first evening/night
The first evening/night
Start as you mean to go on, decide where in the house you would like your dog to sleep and make sure this is where he'll be on his first night. Dogs are pack animals and most will find it distressing to be locked away from their family; so if you are happy to, it is ideal to allow your dog to sleep in a basket in your bedroom.
If this is not feasible be prepared for crying, barking, howling, scratching etc but remember to ignore the kind of 'attention seeking behaviour' and reward your dog when he is calm and behaved. If you decide he will have to sleep in a separate room, you will need him to learn that he is not totally alone, and that people will pop in regularly, but that you will not come back to noisy behaviour. So you should plan in lots of rehearsals throughout the first day and evening to get him used to the idea.
Diet
Diet
For the first few days, feed your new dog the food he has been eating whilst at The Mayhew. The move to a new home can be stressful for him and he may develop diarrhoea and if you change his food as well he will almost certainly develop diarrhoea.
Once settled you can start to introduce a different brand of dog food. Choose a good quality dry dog food; feel free to mix in scraps left over from your breakfast, dinner etc, or even better cook extra so you'll have plenty left over.
Although it is often said that a good quality dry food is the best diet you can offer your dog, think about how you would feel eating the same bland food, day in, day out. Doctors could easily design a dry food for humans, which has the correct amount of vitamins and minerals, but how many people would choose to eat it!?
We recommend your dog is fed at least twice a day, if at any point it looks like he is putting on weight, up his exercise before considering feeding him less.
Contrary to popular belief, you should not take his food bowl away from him while he is eating. This would only make him anxious about your presence near his bowl, and is one of the most common causes of food aggression (wouldn't you get upset if a waiter kept taking your plate away?). It is much better to leave him in peace to finish his meal, or give your dog a small portion of his meal, and then offer him more, it order to make it a rewarding experience. If there are children in the household have them throw, from a distance, tasty treats in to his bowl i.e. small pieces of chicken, sausage etc.
Always ensure fresh water is available.
Never exercise your dog on a full stomach, as this can cause a life threatening condition known as stomach torsion or bloat.
Exercise and mental stimulation
Exercise and mental stimulation
Puppies and all breeds of adult dogs need regular 'off lead' exercise in the park each day to satisfy their mental and physical needs. Time spent in the garden (no matter how large it is) is no substitute for exploring a new environment each day. Dogs quickly get bored by their own gardens, and can get 'cabin fever' if they're not taken out.
You will need to purchase a lead and collar for your new dog. The Mayhew shop has a wide variety, we will be happy to point out and fit the correct size.
Always keep your dog on its lead when walking on the street, or near roads. Only let your dog off lead in the park or in open spaces.
Microchipping
Microchipping
Your dog has been 'micro-chipped' as a 'back up' method of identification, however, in order to comply with the law, your dog must always wear an engraved identity disc with your details on it, include your mobile telephone number, if you have one. The Mayhew will provide you with a tag stating the dog is micro-chipped, not only will this help reunite you quickly with your lost companion, it should also deter a finder (or worse a dog-napper) from keeping him.
Neutering
Neutering
Neutering is a simple, quick and low risk operation and is performed on every animal adopted from The Mayhew Animal Home. As well as the obvious benefits of reducing the population of unwanted animals and the difficulty of dealing with unwanted litters of puppies, neutering can be extremely beneficial to your pet's health and behaviour.
Un-neutered animals face potentially life threatening diseases such as cancer of the reproductive organs, and potentially severe infections such as pyometra. Conditions such as these together with adolescent hormone related behavioural problems can be eliminated if neutering is performed at a young age.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations
Vaccinating your dog is essential in protecting against diseases, some of which can be deadly.
Vaccinations are available to dogs over 8 weeks old and are a simple combination of two injections, 3-4 weeks apart, followed by yearly boosters. Once your dog has had its primary course of vaccinations you will be given a vaccination certificate showing your pet's details on it, the dates the vaccine was given and when a booster is due. This certificate is important if you are putting your dog into a boarding kennels and many will not accept your dog unless you can show an up to date certificate.
All dogs adopted from The Mayhew will have had their first vaccination at least.
Pet insurance
Pet insurance
Animal welfare charities receive calls every day from people who cannot afford to pay their vets' fees and who are asking for help. Charities have only a limited budget with which to provide that help so a responsible pet owner needs to invest in insurance to make sure they can keep their pet happy and healthy.
It is easy to suddenly find yourself with a large and unexpected bill if your dog is involved in an accident or requires an operation. It is advisable, therefore, to take out veterinary insurance before your dog becomes ill and the Mayhew recommends Animal Friends Insurance.
Dog training classes
Dog training classes
A dog is only as good as it owner.
We highly recommend you join a dog training class; it helps with building the bond between you and your new dog.
To find your local training classes you can call the Association of Pet Dog Training who will advise you of the registered trainers in your area: 01285 810 811 or visit their website.
Ask at The Mayhew reception, your local vet, or at other organisations for your nearest training school. Do visit a few classes (without your dog) before committing to classes as some classes are much better than others!
Do you need further advice?
The Mayhew Animal Home can answer any questions you may have, please don't hesitate to call us on 020 8969 0178.
Also please ensure you enrol your dog as soon as possible to a registered training class regardless of the dogs age or how well behaved the dog already is.
To find your local training classes you can call the Association of Pet Dog Training who will advise you of the registered trainers in your area: 01285 810 811 or visit their website. You may also wish to contact the association of Pet Behavioural Counsellors: 01386 751 151.
The most important thing to remember is to have fun and enjoy your new pet!
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