Very few positives can be found in our current predicament. Locked in our houses, stir-crazy and scared, we look for any opportunity to brighten our days somehow. Animal shelters everywhere have taken notice of this, as well as of the difficulty to sustain a great number of animals in this crisis, and are doing what they can to find their pets a new home.
The response has been overwhelming. Many Americans have decided to invite a new friend into their hearts and homes, and this really is a beautiful sentiment. Nothing can cheer us up as much as love, and the love we get from our cats and dogs is unlimited and unconditional. In addition, apart from the obvious benefits of bringing us warmth, companionship, and better health, they have this wonderful ability to take our minds off things, which is something we all need at the moment.
So, if you are one of those amazing human beings who already adopted, or if you are considering doing it (what are you waiting for???), we’re sure you’ve thought of the food, bowls, snacks, toys and arranging a health check, however complicated logistically this may be right now. What else do you need to make this experience easier on the dog and yourself? A couple of things come to mind:
- A crate that’s large enough for your new friend to stand, sit, turn around, and sleep comfortably in. Train your buddy to use it from the very beginning, and you will be glad you did when life goes back to normal. The best way to get them used to it, is to give them snacks and lots of positive reinforcement when they are in it. You may want your dog to spend the nights in it, or leave them in there when you need to go out. Trust us, this is the most foolproof way to protect your belongings from getting chewed up, and to make Buddy feel secure in his new environment. Just make sure the crate is not too large so he doesn’t have any accidents in it.
- A good quality, sturdy dog bed, placed somewhere he can see you from, but out of the way or regular home traffic. This is a must if you want to keep your dog off of your couch, bed, or other furniture. They will be perfectly happy lying on the rug, but a place of their own is so much better than the floor, and it helps them feel at home even more.
- Wee-wee pads. No matter what age your new pup is, coming from a shelter to a home is a traumatic, though welcome, event. There is a whole new set of rules, smells and noises to learn, so don’t be surprised that they may forget where they should tinkle. In this adjustment period it’s worth to be supplied with pads, in the event you may need to potty train your fur-baby. Be patient and don’t worry, they will get this eventually.
- Leash and collar. Even if you have your own yard, you want to train your pup to walk on a lead for all those times you will go outside. It strengthens your bond, establishes you as the one in command, and gives you both the much needed exercise. There is nothing better than exploring the world together, even if the world is limited to your nearest neighborhood.
Although adopting a dog now seems like a great idea, please make sure that this doesn’t turn into a mistake made in a moment of temporary weakness. Set some rules for both of you from the get go and be firm in following them. It’s up to you to take responsibility not only for what happening now, but also what your relationship is going to look like when things go back to ‘normal’. You are in control of shaping this new normal, so you have the power to make a happier life, for yourself and your new best friend. And that’s the ultimate positive to focus on.
Your friends at Wikopet
