Your daily dose of doggy goodness!
Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!
Dog(s) of the Day:
Max
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Meme of the day: All better!
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Welcome Home: Making the Introduction Smooth for Your New Dog
Bringing a new canine companion into your life is an incredibly joyful experience. Whether you’re welcoming a playful puppy or an established senior, this new member of the family needs patience, preparation, and love to feel secure in their forever home. The first few days and weeks are critical for establishing trust and routine, setting the stage for a wonderful life together.
Before They Arrive: The Preparation Phase
A little planning goes a long way in reducing stress—for both you and your dog!
Establish a Safe Haven: Set up a dedicated area—a crate, a corner of a quiet room, or a pen—that is solely your dog’s space. Fill it with a comfy bed, fresh water, and a few durable toys. This retreat is essential when your dog feels overwhelmed or needs to decompress.
Puppy-Proof (or Dog-Proof) Your Home: Get down on your hands and knees and look for anything a curious mouth might find interesting: electrical cords, toxic plants, small items on low tables, or valuable rugs. Remove or secure these items.
Stock Up on Essentials: Have their food (ideally, the food they were eating previously to prevent stomach upset), treats, leash, collar/harness, food and water bowls, and waste bags ready to go.
The Big Day: A Gentle Welcome
When you first bring your dog home, aim for a quiet, low-key arrival. Overly enthusiastic greetings can be overwhelming.
First Impressions (Outside): Take your new dog for a walk near your home or in the yard before bringing them inside. This allows them to relieve themselves, sniff out the new environment on their own terms, and bond with you outside the confines of the house.
Explore on a Leash: Once inside, keep your dog on a leash for the initial tour. This keeps them safe and gives you gentle control while they investigate. Let them explore the designated areas slowly, allowing them time to sniff and process the new smells.
Respect the Space: Direct them to their safe haven. If they choose to retreat there, let them. Never pull them out or disturb them when they are in their safe spot. This teaches them that it is a place of comfort and security.
The First Week: Building Trust Through Routine
Consistency is the cornerstone of building confidence in a new dog. The first seven days are all about establishing predictable routines.
Schedule Everything: Dogs thrive on knowing what comes next. Create a consistent schedule for feeding, potty breaks, playtime, and quiet time. For instance: wake up, potty, eat, play, nap, potty, etc.
Focus on Positive Reinforcement: Use high-value treats and enthusiastic praise whenever your dog exhibits desired behavior—going potty outside, resting quietly in their bed, or coming when called. Positive experiences build a strong, trusting bond.
Supervise, Supervise, Supervise: Keep a close eye on your dog, especially if they are not house-trained. Supervision is key to preventing accidents and catching unwanted behaviors before they become habits.
Introducing Family Members: Have family members meet the dog one or two at a time in a calm manner, preferably sitting on the floor to appear less imposing. Teach children how to interact gently, keeping excitement levels low.
A Note on Other Pets: Introductions between your new dog and existing pets should be done slowly and neutrally. Start with supervised interactions through a gate or on neutral territory (like the yard) before allowing them to share space. Patience is vital here!
Beyond the First Week
As you move beyond the initial adjustment period, continue to nurture the bond you are forming. Continue training with basic commands, gently increase their exposure to the world outside your home (following vaccination schedules for puppies), and most importantly, enjoy the endless joy and unconditional love your new best friend brings.
Your new dog may not be perfect, and you will undoubtedly encounter a few bumps along the way. But by preparing your home, maintaining a calm and consistent routine, and giving them the space and time they need to settle in, you are creating the foundation for a lifetime of happy tails and warm companionship.
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Dog Food and Supplement Recalls
Here are the recent recalls and advisories:
Bonnihill Farms (Fromm Family Foods) - BeefiBowls Beef Recipe gently cooked frozen dog food, 16 oz. chubs for potential plastic contamination
Foodynamics - Freeze Dried Pet Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.
Nature’s Own - Pet Chews Bully Bites Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.
Family Photo of the Day:
Cooper!
We want to feature your pup!
We want to share your pup with our pack. Email us your favorite doggy pic or video with your pup’s name, and we'll try to feature it as a family photo in one of our upcoming newsletters or on our Facebook page.
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Meme of the day - Instagram: @doggocom2
