DOG LOVERS
Congratulations on adopting your new dog! Now what do you do? Below are some tips to help you bond with your new dog and make him feel like he’s a part of your family.
- First, remember to go slow! New sights & sounds can be frightening to your new friend.
- Realize that he doesn’t know any of you and needs to learn that he can trust you. The best way to introduce your newest family member to your home is slowly and calmly.
- Let your new pup explore on his own and praise him whenever he behaves well.
- Whenever dogs get really excited, they may scratch or bite. They don’t mean to hurt you but they can. Sometimes dogs forget they can't play the same way you do because they don't have hands, so they use their mouths to grab things. A dog may accidentally hurt you simply because he is really having fun.
- Never tease your dog or play too roughly.
- Treat your dog like you would want to be treated. NEVER pull their ears or tail, hit or slap. Dogs have feelings just like you.
- Don't bother your dog when he is eating or sleeping. You wouldn't like someone taking food out of your mouth. And being startled out of a deep sleep can scare anyone—including your dog. He may nip to protect himself because he’s startled and doesn’t know what’s happening.
- If your dog has a special place, like a crate, bed or kennel—treat it like his room. That’s his place for privacy—just like your room is yours.
- Be sure to tell all your two legged friends how to act when they come over to visit your new four-legged buddy.
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CAT LOVERS
Cats are different from dogs, but the same basic rules should apply — go slowly, be kind and never give your new cat time to warm up to her new family.
- When you bring your new kitty home, she will likely look for the closest place to hide. That doesn’t mean she doesn’t like you—it just means she’s scared. Give her time to sniff and explore her new surroundings.
- Make sure she knows where her litter box, food bowls and bed are located.
- Never interrupt her if she is using the litter box or eating.
- Once she’s feeling a little more at home try to entice her to play with a dangling toy or maybe some catnip on a soft pillow.
- Just like dogs, cats don’t have hands. So sometimes they can get too rough with their mouths and claws.\
- Loud noises or wild behavior can frighten a cat.
- Inside your home the best way to hold your cat is to let the cat be in control. Let her sit on your lap, or curl up next to you on the couch. Remember your cat has claws that she uses to grab a hold of surfaces. If you are holding your cat too tightly and she wants to get away—she might accidentally scratch you.
- If your cat comes to you and bumps you with her head—that means she knows you’re her friend and she probably wants some attention.
- Finally, don’t give your adult cat milk! Babies can handle milk but it gives adult cats a stomachache.
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