Deb D’Andrea, Nederland. Many of our pets are extremely thrilled we’re home to hang out with them, go hiking, snuggle, and watch a movie or ten. And, ironically we now have a better perspective of what they go through being cooped up inside while we’re away from home. If you’re contemplating adding to your furry family, now’s a great time. There are several rescue groups offering reduced rates if you adopt, and many are looking for foster families. I even read that Busch Beer is offering a three months’ supply of its beer to the first 500 people who adopt from the MidWest Animal Rescue in Minnesota!

While I believe it’s always best to adopt, there are many things to keep in mind when a family decides to bring a joyful, appreciative soul to their furever home. It’s beneficial to keep in mind and consider what the new family member may have experienced beforehand when they react to new situations, even over a year after they’ve been with you. Regardless of how many times you’ve adopted, there’s always a learning curve; especially with families that have children who may or may not know how to behave around pets; or maybe there’s an older dog or cat that has been the only pet that may be a bit jealous of a newcomer. Of course, there are ways to work through these issues to help ensure an easier, positive transition for all.

As with any life change, the first couple weeks can be filled with tension as everyone learns how to communicate with each other. It’ll take a little while for everyone to settle, to determine who’s who in the household hierarchy; and discover how various personalities interact. Already having a well behaved furry family member to guide and help the newcomer adjust makes a huge difference in the new pets understanding of your households’ daily routines. If you don’t have another pet in the house as a role model, its good practice to start positive training from day one, and set a routine you both can follow.  

Daily training is a great bonding experience that provides mental exercise to help release some tension and energy; of which your older pets will appreciate if you have just added a puppy to the family. Three core training words to begin with are “Come”, which means come when called 100% of the time; “Wait”, stay quietly while things are going on around you until called; and “Stay”, stay quietly while things are going on around you until I walk back to you. I always introduce and use hand signals for all my ‘words,’ helping reinforce clear communication. Walking on leash is a lifelong necessity if you travel with your pup or cat; and I only use a harness versus a collar with my Girls. These basics have proven essential in my personal daily life – with one more command of “Leave It” being valuable on many levels.

As can be expected, introducing new pets into the household can stir up issues not witnessed before with older pets or kids. Recognizing issues before things blow up, communicating how best to resolve them, and working through these issues is important to ensure everyone gets along. Sometimes though, just like with humans, issues surface that are not resolvable and re-homing is a last resort and the only option for the safety of everyone. 

Many foster and adoption groups will provide you the option to return a pet should things go south. But with careful integration, training, oversight and opportunity for success, hopefully that won’t be necessary. It’s always an adventure, best of luck with your new adopted family member; one that will offer a lifetime of love, snuggles and smiles. Till next time. 

Deb D’Andrea, founder 4TheLuvOfDogz, Making Tails Wag Better since 2007; www.4theluvofdogz.com