Page 309 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

BRINGING YOUR DOG HOME

Introducing a young child
Let your dog meet your child once he has settled in.
Demonstrate how to stroke the dog gently, then
let your toddler try.

Puppy pen To introduce a cat, choose a large room before bedtime, and just after any exciting
Put the pen in a warm, draft-free area where your puppy and hold on to the dog while the cat event (such as meeting a new person). You
can see you and other members of the family during the
day. It should be large enough for him to move around in. comes to meet him. Make sure the cat has may need to take a young puppy out about
an easy escape route. Never feed cats and once an hour. Watch for signs such as sniffing
since he may need to relieve himself. Then dogs together because the dog may steal the ground, turning in circles, and squatting,
let your dog into your house and let him the cat’s food. and take him out immediately. Stay outdoors
explore. For the first day at least, keep your with your dog until he relieves himself, then
pet in his den area so he can get used to the EARLY ROUTINES give him lots of praise.
home gradually. A puppy will tire quickly Establish a routine from day one and ask Household appliances such as the vacuum
so allow him to sleep whenever he wants. everyone to keep to it. Feed your dog and cleaner and washing machine are noisy and
take him outside to relieve himself at regular potentially frightening so let your dog be
FIRST INTRODUCTIONS times. Set ground rules for what your dog is present while the machine is running—but
Introduce your dog to everyone in the family. allowed to do and where he can go. at a comfortable distance with an “escape
If you have children, supervise them for the Developing a routine will help avoid route.” If he looks nervous, speak to him in
first few days while they and the dog get accidents while housebreaking. Take your a gentle tone, or distract him with a toy.
used to each other. Explain that your new puppy outside after eating, after a nap, just Being alone is stressful for a dog, and he
dog may be feeling a bit nervous so they need will need to learn that he will be safe on his
to be quiet around him. Ask the children to own and trust that you will return. To begin
come into the room with your dog, sit down training, choose a time when he is calm or
quietly, and offer him treats. They will need sleepy and leave him in his pen or a room for
to keep play sessions short for the first few a few minutes. Come back in, but don’t
days so that your dog does not get tired or make a fuss of him; stay nearby quietly until
overexcited. They must not grab him or pick he calms down. Extend the periods gradually
him up suddenly because he could get until he can be left for several hours. When
frightened and bite them. leaving your dog at home alone, make sure
Let your new dog meet other pets one he has access to his bed and a bowl of water.
at a time after the first day or so, once he Leave him with some favorite toys, including
has settled in. Introduce resident dogs to one with food hidden inside it to keep him
the new one in “neutral territory,” such as occupied for a while after you have left.
the yard, so there is room to escape if one of
them gets nervous. Make a fuss of your Making friends
resident dog before paying attention to the If you have rabbits or other small animals in your home or
yard, keep them separated from your dog and supervise the
new one to reduce any risk of jealousy. dog whenever he is around them.

307