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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Adopting a dog

4 replies

Iatemyskinnyperson · 31/08/2012 23:13

After sustained pestering by my DC we are adopting a 2yr old male lab. We're well set up for a dog (big garden and I am SAHM).

Can anyone help with tips on how to help him settle in with us? Also, he currently sports a reaaalllyyy stupid name. Would it be very distressing for the poor creature if we changed it?

I havn't had a dog for years - not since I left my parents house 20 yrs ago!!

I havn't had a dog since our family one over 15 yrs ago!! Have

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Iatemyskinnyperson · 31/08/2012 23:14

Sorry, that came out a bit crap, am on iPhone, couldn't figure out how to scroll up/down Confused

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Beamur · 31/08/2012 23:18

Changing a dogs name won't upset him - might be better for recall though if you choose something that sounds similar or else he won't know you're calling him!
When we got our dog (also rescue & similar age) we were warned she would probably be on 'best behaviour' for a week or two while she sussed us out - we were also advised to try and walk her and make sure she toileted before taking her in the house for the first time. Despite walking for ages she resisted and then peed in the house!

Scuttlebutter · 31/08/2012 23:30

The rescue charity who you adopted through should be able to give you a picture of what your dog likes doing, his training, routine, food preferences etc. As much as possible, stick to this in the first few days to minimise the stress of a new home.

Don't make too much fuss (tempting though it is!) of him in the first few days, just go about your typical daily routine, gently and cheerfully with him. I'd strongly recommend signing up for local classes - basic obedience, something like KC good citizen scheme is great fun, and you will have a better behaved dog, who is a pleasure to have around. It will also greatly increase the bond between you.

Before he arrives, sort out with DH and DC the agreed boundaries/rules about interaction with the dog - consistency is absolutely vital from Day 1. Make sure DC understand doggy manners - no grabbing, poking, pulling, not to disturb dog when sleeping or eating. Depending on how/where your DC eat, think about making sure dog does not have access to abandoned bowls of cereals, etc - this is particularly important as items such as chocolate and grapes/raisins are poisonous to dogs and are frequently found in things like biscuits, cereals, cakes etc. Kitchen - Labs are notorious dustbins - make sure bin is secure and get in the habit of not leaving foodstuffs anywhere accessible.

Practical questions - ensure you have insurance from Day 1 - vital. Make sure dog is chipped and details are up to date, and get tag made for collar. Ensure garden is secure, and that all members of family are briefed on importance of keeping doors shut and entrances secure, especiallly in the early days. Register with local vet, and as mentioned, find local training classes. Your car - how/where will dog travel safely? A number of options and you may need to consider this before dog arrives, depending on your preference and the type of vehicle you own. Get vet number and local dog warden programmed into your mobile, and ensure you have a good set of pics and a detailed description on your phone in case you ever lose him and need to provide a description quickly.

He will probably be OK if you change his name, though obviously this will take a little longer to accustom him to it.

There's a very good Labrador Forum which you will also find very useful - I know Daisy frequently recommends it.

Don't forget plenty of poo bags, collar, lead (not an extending one), brush, bed, food, bowls for water and food, treats for training.

Good luck!! Smile

Oh, and we want LOTS of pics. Grin

Iatemyskinnyperson · 31/08/2012 23:43

That's fantastic!! Thanks a million.

Our garden is pretty secure, thanks to mini Houdini DC, but I must tour it again tomorrow for dog-sized holes, as opposed to DC-sized holes.

Car is a good point, we have a 7-seater but don't use back seats so he can go in there with the boot cover open.

Must have a talk with the DC about being chilled-out and breezy, not sure if that could work though!!Wink

Thanks again..

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