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On December 31st in anticipation of this new year, we opened our home and heart to a rescue dog. We weren’t sure what to expect from that scruffy little puppy we brought home, but after almost 3 months with this cute guy, we now wonder what we ever did without him!
Bringing a new dog into your home definitely requires some planning. Your planning will make sure this transition period goes well for both you and your new fur family member.
Here are just a few tips we have used that really work!
Introduce them slowly to your house.
Our dog Eddie was 1 year old when we adopted him, but we think he spent his first year in the desert and had never lived in a home before. We knew it was our job to introduce him to his new environment and help him understand the rules about life in our home. When we first brought Eddie home, we did so on a leash and took him on a grand tour of our home and yard. We let him off leash in the yard and let him roam freely.
While he was inside for the first several days we didn’t allow him unsupervised access to all the rooms unless we were in them with him. This was to ensure his safety as well as allow him the opportunity to learn how to be a good member of our family and not chew or tear into things he shouldn’t. We will talk more about that issue next.
Provide Lots Of Dog Friendly Toys and Keep Them Accessible
Our first night at home with Eddie he tried to chew on one of my 3 year old daughter’s dolls. We corrected the behavior immediately since we were in the room with him. As part of the correction, we instead offered him a toy of his own. This is important, because instead of punishing him for not understanding the rules, we just gave him something of his own and praised him when he played with it. Winning right? Now each time we bring a new toy into the house for him we let him sniff it and we put it in a small basket that he can easily reach. Eddie knows all the toys in that particular basket are his and he can play with them anytime he wants.
House Training
It is best to prepare yourself for accidents. I am no dog training expert, but to date, our family has potty trained 2 dogs. We first did it with our sweet Zoe when we brought her home as a 4 month old rescue puppy and then with Eddie. There are lots of different ways to do this, but here is how we did it. We took our dog outside every two hours and waited patiently with them while they sniffed around and ultimately went potty. Right after our dog went potty we praised and re-enforced their good behavior with rubs, hugs and treats. We did this for about 2 weeks to make sure they understood where to go to the bathroom. At night we made sure to have them either in a kennel or safe and secure place, since dogs generally don’t go to the bathroom where they sleep.
Eddie has been with our family for almost 3 months now and I think he is actually more potty trained than the 4 year old! Hopefully she will become a model citizen like he is.
Picking A Food
This is important! We love our Eddie and want him to be the best he can be, so we picked Purina One ®Smartblend® Small Bites Beef and Rice Formula Adult Premium Dog Food.
It has real beef as the first ingredient blended with other high-quality protein sources that help support strong muscles and a healthy heart. Plus Omega-6 helps give your dog a radiant coat and healthy skin. Have you looked at our little Eddie’s fur? It is plush I tell you! I think he secretly feels radiant might be a pretty good descriptor word for it!
My helper and I picked our Purina One up at our local Target. No matter which product you buy, Target has an amazing variety of Purina dry dog food products in the pet aisle.
There have been no complaints from Eddie. We think he rather agrees with our choice!
Before you go, in honor of those pups that warm our heart and make us smile every day, I made a brand new printable. Put it in a frame, pop it in a card or use it any way that makes you happy! Grab it here.
I need to close here, because it is getting close to dinner time and Eddie is giving me the look that it is time to eat! Thanks for stopping in, and I hope you enjoyed these tips and the printable.
Love,
Jen
Go ahead and share this post, you know you want to!
Comments
Awesome tips from all I recall from when we got our puppy here almost three years ago as all of the above are important and essential when introducing a new dog into your home. Thanks for sharing and love your printable, too!! :)
Janine Huldie recently posted…5 Ways for All Parents to Get Fit for Spring
Your cute Elsa! Yes mam, I bet you had your fair share of puppy escapades :)
Jen recently posted…The Happy Now Blog Link- Up #52
It takes work, patience and lots of love and they are worth it. We sure miss our Little Bit. She was the best dog ever.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Have a fabulous day, my friend. ♥♥♥
Comedy Plus recently posted…Awww Mondays
Our dogs definitely make our lives fuller. We still miss our Zoe, but somehow I feel she would approve of our taking Eddie in.
Thanks my friend. I appreciate it :)
Jen recently posted…The Happy Now Blog Link- Up #52
Such great tips and that printable is ADORABLE! Love that quote! [client]
Thank you! That quote is definitely one of my favorites!
Jen recently posted…The Happy Now Blog Link- Up #52
I so, so, so agree with picking a food. It can be so confusing otherwise. And Athena had been a rescue in AL and was on a transport for 24 hours. Her stomach was so messed up in the beginning.
Your dog is so cute, I wish I could hug him. Eddie!!
Tamara recently posted…Belle Oreo Cookies and Weekend Update
Poor Athena! I wish we could make sure every dog has a home like yours and mine. Our dogs live a pretty good life, but they give back a ton don’t they :)
Jen recently posted…The Happy Now Blog Link- Up #52
Aw that quote is adorable – and so true! Thanks for sharing. Eddie is adorable and it looks like he fits in well!
-Lauren
ShootingStarsMag recently posted…Friday Favorites: Usborne Books, Beauty and the Beast, and More!
Thank you! I think he has fit in quite well around here.
Thanks for popping in and hope you have a great one!
Jen recently posted…The Happy Now Blog Link- Up #52
House training is my least favorite part of getting a new pet, but the few weeks of misery are always worth it in the end :)
Akaleistar recently posted…Inside the March ipsy Glam Bag!
I know right! I feel bad for them too, all this change is confusing and if we are patient it all works out in the end.
Jen recently posted…The Happy Now Blog Link- Up #52
Thanks for sharing and love your post, too!! :)
Kristi Cathey recently posted…When Can You Hear A Baby’s Heartbeat With A Stethoscope?
Thank you so much Kristi!
Jen recently posted…The Happy Now Blog Link- Up #52
These are great tips and I love the pictures, Jen. There’s nothing like a girl and her dog. My kids adore our dogs. They are definitely members of our family. I woke up to a major mess in my kitchen from one of them last night. I’ll spare you the details but it was quite traumatic. Unfortunately house training can be a life long issue ;).
Candace Playforth recently posted…Is It Well With Your Soul?
Oh good gravy! I am sorry. I am just waiting for something like that. I remember though when Zoe did things like that she always hid and was so embarrassed. I hope that is behind you with no recurrences now :)
Jen recently posted…The Happy Now Blog Link- Up #52
Everyone keeps saying when we move, we have to get a dog. I’ll keep this post in mind in case we decide to take that plunge :).
Beth Newman recently posted…Our Spring Break Fun List
Take your time and get the right one for your family. Our Eddie is such a sweet guy and makes everyone happy, but we did it on our own time schedule and in a way that worked for us. Good luck deciding!
Jen recently posted…The Happy Now Blog Link- Up #52
I love the concept of redirecting naughty behavior and then praising the proper one. The last thing I would want is for a new possibly anxious pet to be frightened of me!
#happynowlinkup
Carolina Twin Mom / Mary Peterson recently posted…Does Your Toddler Have a Speech or Language Delay?
Thank you! Our little guy was pretty shell shocked and we didn’t want to make what should be a happy time into something frightening for him. So far so good :)
Jen recently posted…The Happy Now Blog Link- Up #52
These are great tips! Eddie is adorable!
WebMDiva recently posted…You’re So Vain
We sure love that guy! Thanks :)
Jen recently posted…The Happy Now Blog Link- Up #52
Hmmmm. Do I believe in signs? I have been thinking about when we should get our first dog and then I saw your post. My husband isn’t as excited as I am…and he’s had a dog, I haven’t. We will see. I still have to do the research for a very hypo-allergenic one. Wish me luck.
Caryn recently posted…Clean Eating for Easter and Passover
I have just a new dog this Friday. Thanks for your sharing, it’s so useful to me :).
Congratulations! Good luck with your new fur family member :)
Jen recently posted…Unicorns, Rainbows and the BEST Bean Salad Ever!
Hi, I finally found a site that makes me and my dog at home. Keep on posting! You’re blog is fun and informative.
Thanks Sarah, and I am glad you enjoyed this!
Jen recently posted…The Happy Now Blog Link- Up #90
that is best blog and thanks for sharing this best informative post.
Thanks for your sharing, it’s so useful to me :).
Really helpful and effective article.Thanks for sharing this useful and knowledgeable article.Keep sharing.