Introduction of a pet in the family

You have finally made the decision. After long discussions about the pros and cons of having a pet, you’ve decided the time is right. Your children are no longer infants; They have spent a lot of quality time with Aunt Trudy’s Labrador Retriever, “Sunny” and her Siamese cat, “Simone”. They have played with a neighbor’s German shepherd. Uncle Fred has brought his Border Collie “Billy” to the house many times. The children have also learned about pets and how to care for them at school where they have turtles, rabbits, gerbils and hamsters in the classroom. Although children love all types of animals, it seems that they are more in love with the canine variety and want a dog of their own.

While the kids have been begging for a dog for a long time (seems like forever!), you want to make sure they (just like you and your husband) are really ready to take responsibility for the life of another living thing. who will reside in your home. Her little son is 8 years old, her sister is 5. She wants her children to learn to be responsible. Still, ultimately, you will be the primary caretaker and supervisor of your children. Is everyone ready to share this responsibility?

Before you adopt your new canine, do your homework! Go to the Internet. Read and research the various dog breeds that appeal to you and your family and determine which ones seem most compatible with your personality and lifestyle. Decide if you want to buy a dog from a breeder (make sure they have a good reputation and references!) or if you want to adopt an animal in need of a loving home from a shelter or “rescue” group.

There are countless breed-specific rescue groups across the country, featuring purebred representatives of virtually every type of dog, from mastiffs to dachshunds. These rescue groups are easily located on the Internet and often feature a gallery of dogs available for adoption along with details about the animal’s age, health, and personality.

There are many wonderful, healthy, and loving animals that have been abused, neglected, or abandoned and are in need of loving homes. Too many pets end up in shelters or rescue organizations simply because their owners didn’t know enough about the breed they selected. Maybe you can adopt an animal that needs a home!!! Go together as a family so you can see how each of you interacts with a potential adoptee. Most organizations or shelters have special visiting areas and give you the opportunity to “play” or visit with the animal. Decide together which animal is the most suitable for your family.

Before you take the final step of buying or adopting a pet, make sure you’ve asked yourself the following questions: – How much time does my family really have to spend with a pet?

-How smart/trainable is the breed of interest?

How well does he get along with other dogs? People?

-How big is it, or if it’s a puppy, how big will it get?

-Is the dog good (patient and trustworthy) with children?

-How much exercise and space will it require?

-Is my backyard fenced so my dog ​​can run and play safely and not escape?

-Can we afford to take care of a pet? Your food and medical costs?

Once you’ve determined you can care for a pet, take the pet you’ve selected to a veterinarian (ask your pet-owning friends for references) for a checkup to determine if it’s healthy or prone to any health problems. Your vet should provide you with a vaccination and a schedule of regular exams. Ask him to recommend the food and diet that best suits your dog’s needs. It’s a good idea to have your pet tattooed or microchipped by your veterinarian as a means of permanent identification in case your pet is lost or stolen. Also, ask about flea, tick and heartworm prevention and spaying/neutering.

Once you know the pet is in good health, make your dog friendly and safe both inside and out. Check the fence to make sure your dog can’t escape. Inside, determine where your pet will eat and sleep. Provide separate bedding and bowls for their food and water.

Have the family decide on a name for the pet, then purchase a comfortable and secure collar, an ID tag with your name and phone number, and a leash.
When your family is ready to bring your pet home, each of you should pet him and talk to him gently and comfortingly. As easily and gently as possible, put on the new collar, name tag, and leash. Speak softly and calmly as you guide and help him into your car. Stroke him gently.

When you get home, orient him to his new surroundings: walk him around your house and introduce him to your backyard while he’s still on a leash. Bring him home and take him to his special “place”; then guide him through your house slowly and calmly so he becomes familiar with it. Let him experience the “scent” of each room. Finally, show him his bed and his special place and take him off the leash. Give him cool water and talk to him and pet him gently. Give him some dog toys to play with. Hold him in his lap, cradle him in his arms and welcome him to his family!

So, now, you have completed all your task. You have read and researched. You have asked the right questions and received answers. His expectations are realistic-And he has finally found the dog of his family’s dreams. Good job well done! You and your family are now ready to enter into one of life’s most enjoyable, rich and rewarding relationships and to experience the unconditional love and acceptance that only a beloved companion animal can provide!

Congratulations!!!