Adopting a homeless pet can be one of the best decisions you ever make. 

See! Look what I found!

 

 

 

What A Great Day - You Are Taking Your Dog Home!

 

We at The Underdogs Rescue evaluate our dogs for temperament and interaction with other dogs on an ongoing basis. Most dogs have been with us anywhere from a few days to several months.  So even though when adopted they are going to a home with love and care devoted to them alone, they might have some difficulty understanding why they have "lost" another home.  

We ask you to read the following information to help you adapt to the adjustments you and your dog will make while becoming a whole family unit.

 

Things to Buy Before or Immediately After the Adoption

 

Food, bowls for water and food, treats, a leash, collar, bedding and toys.  What works pretty well for bedding are baby blankets, or thin blankets which can fit in the washing machine.  

An ID tag. Some pet stores, such as PetSmart, have machines were you can create an ID tag immediately.  Some rescues and shelters also provide an ID tag. Some even for free. 

Please bring a leash and collar with you when picking up your dog.  Some rescues and shelters will provide this for you.

 

The Adult Dog

 

There are many advantages to adopting an adult dog.  You already know the size and the disposition of your pet, something not known of a puppy.  However, you do not know your pet's past.  You do not know if he is housebroken or trained.  He has had to adjust to different situations so it is imperative you be patient with your new pet and let him know and understand your patterns.

 

The First Days Home

 

To avoid your new best friend from getting diarrhea from a change in diet, give boiled potatoes with the new food. Works great.  Rice also works but is more fattening.

Keep your new dog on a leash.  Show him where his water and food dish are kept.  Show him where he is to sleep.  When he is indoors  be sure and keep him confined with you,  taking him outdoors at frequent intervals to relieve himself.   Take him to the same spot each time and praise him heartily when he goes.   Until he learns this new routine he will have to be watched closely.  If there is an accident in the house please do not assume he is not housebroken.  He must get accustomed to his new home and his new routines.  However, loudly say "NO!" and take him outside immediately.  You must catch the dog in the act if the correction is to be effective.  NEVER hit your dog if an accident occurs.   Praise, not punishment, is the key to a well behaved pet.

 

Period of Adjustment

 

The first couple of weeks you and your pet are "getting to know one another".  He doesn't know why he has come to your home nor what is expected of him.  Please be patient with him and anticipate problems before they occur.  Don't leave tempting shoes, clothing, or children's toys within reach of your dog.  If he is left out in your backyard while you work, please understand the first few days will be rough on him.  Try to leave the home with as little fanfare as possible.   Tearful goodbyes do nothing but add to your dog's anxiety.

 

Things to Watch For

When he's first settling in, your dog may experience shyness, anxiety, restlessness, excitement, crying or barking.  He may exhibit excessive water drinking, frequent urination, or diarrhea.  His appetite may not be good.  If any of these symptoms last more than a few days, call your veterinarian. 

 

Be Consistent

Your new dog must learn a whole set of new rules. Be patient and be consistent.  If you want him off the furniture, don't allow him to sit on the couch "sometimes". Don't allow him to do something one time and forbid it another.

 

Training

Most cities' Parks and Recreation Departments offer dog training. A six to eight week class taking one hour of your time one day a week, and a training lesson with your dog 1/2 hour a day, will teach your dog the simple commands so necessary in having a well-behaved and safe pet. 

Another big plus: training time is bonding time! 

 

A New Member of Your Family

Within a week or two, your dog will have settled into his new home and his new routine.  Some will take a little longer. Very few are unable to adjust at all.  In most cases the dog will be a well-adjusted member of the family within a month.  And well worth it, it will be. In fact, you will probably have trouble remembering when he wasn't one of you.

 

Recommended Reading: 

 

• The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs  - by Patricia McConnell

• Bonding with Your Dog: A Trainer's Secrets for Building a Better Relationship - by Victoria Schade

• The Power of Positive Dog Training - by Pat Miller

• For the Love of a Dog: Understanding Emotion in You and Your Best Friend - by Patricia McConnell

 

 

 

 

Last Exit Shelter? 

 

"Don’t dump your pets at a shelter without knowing the facts. And if you know all the facts and still think the shelter is the best place for your pet, well, here’s hoping a more loving, responsible owner comes along and takes him home."

 

"No pet is ever “better off” in a shelter, stuck in a tiny kennel with limited human interaction, competing with dozens of other pets for the chance to be adopted. No pet is ever better off exposed to kennel cough and other life-threatening diseases.I believe there are legitimate reasons why a person might need to give up a pet. Illness, death of a family member, loss of a job, these are just a few circumstances that might make a family think they can no longer care for a pet."

 

http://www.thelazypitbull.com/2013/07/the-truth-about-animal-shelters/

 

 

 

 

Tips for Adopting a Pit Bull

 

http://www.aspca.org/fight-cruelty/dog-fighting/tips-adopting-pit-bull

 

"Thinking about adopting a Pit Bull? Well, congratulations! Despite the bad rap they get,

Pit Bulls can make very sweet and loyal family dogs. Adopting a Pit Bull should be fun and

joyful, so we’ve created a list of handy tips to help you make good choices.

 

Adoption is the best option. By rescuing a Pit Bull, you are saving a dog that needs a home and family. Adopting a Pit from a shelter means that the dog will have had an initial health evaluation and should also have already been vaccinated and spayed or neutered for you. More and more shelters use a standardized evaluation to assess the behavior of their dogs. If the dog you’re interested in has been evaluated, ask to

see the results so you can get a more complete picture of the dog’s typical reactions to things. "

 

 

 

Top 5 Dog and Cat Training Myths

 

http://doggonesafe.blogspot.ca/2009/04/top-5-dog-and-cat-training-myths.html?utm_content=buffer50841&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer