No matter how long you’ve been talking about getting a new pet, the moment your new pup or kitten arrives, mayhem inevitably ensues! It might be the kids, it might be your other pets, but somehow everything becomes chaotic, and your poor new pet doesn’t know where to run and hide! Chances are you’re fretting over that forgotten bowl or collar. The kids want cuddles, and there is so much noise you can’t think straight.
Stop
The first thing to do is just stop. If you’re fretting and worrying, then your animals and your kids are going to pick up on that. If you’re calm and still with a smile on your face, then everyone else in the room will soon follow suit. Hushed voices aren’t ideal, but a quieter soothing tone can help everyone calm things down. It gives you time to think, and it gives your new pet a chance to smell around the room without the distraction of loud noises.
One At A Time
Don’t worry about the forgotten pet bowl, or the missing collar just yet. One thing at a time. That includes the introductions! Don’t bring in all the family at once. Start with the eldest child and give them a good ten minutes or so to get to know your pet. Then let them leave for a while before the next child comes in. Leave other pets till later in the day. Your new pet will want a drink and a meal before much else happens!
Layout
Introduce your dog to his bed. This is his safe zone and the place you expect him to sit quietly when other things are going on. It will undoubtedly become the place where your puppy goes to sleep at night or while you are out during the day. Show your new pet where their own water and food bowl is. You’ll need to let the other pets know this is not theirs!
Treatments
If the store or breeder didn’t do this already, then administer any preventative treatments soon. Options like Revolution for dogs cover most of the essentials. You’ll likely need a veterinary appointment soon to check your new pet is up to date with boosters too. It’s worth getting a health check and weight done also. For now, keep a diary of what your pet is eating, drinking and delivering at the other end! It helps to get to know their moods a little too in the beginning.
Walks
Your dog will need a walk or two from the very first day. You don’t have to take your other dog if you have one. It might be better to go alone anyway, so you can get to know how your new pet responds to different environments and dogs/people encounters. Make some notes, so you know what you need to tackle at behavioral classes. You might need to bath your pup afterwards. Take your time, and give them a chance to relax.
By the end of your first day with your new pet, you’re all likely to be exhausted! Sure, there might be a few messes and a few cross words between pets. But tomorrow is another day, and things will undoubtedly be much calmer. Enjoy your new pet!
Comments