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​by Holistic And Organix Pet Shoppe
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​If you have or are planning on adopting a dog from the shelter, I want you to know what to expect and what you can do to help your new furry family member become a part of the family. Many dogs show different signs of stress. But for you to help your new dog, you need to take steps to help them transition into their new home. 
​​First off, they have been in an extremely loud place with many other barking and stressed dogs. One dog can cause all dogs to become stressed. Some become terrified and hide in a corner, others may show aggression or biting and a select few may go with the flow and show excitement. Whichever dog you choose, you need to allow the dog to decompress once home. If you have other dogs, you should introduce them in a neutral zone, for example the front yard, where your other dogs won't see this as territorial and a strange dog coming into their domain. Make sure all dogs are on a leash in case you lose control of the situation. Always be ready just in case. Watch the dogs closely for any odd reactions. You may need to have on you a deterrent such as a water bottle or citronella spray. These can help break up a fight.
​​ Meeting in the front yard should be closely monitored and no kids close by. The area should be relatively quiet and calm. After 15 minutes or so of meeting and all signs seems to be going ok, let the NEW dog walk into the house first. Then the other dogs walk in slowly behind the new dog. No excitement should be going on when walking in. Keep the dog separate from other pets and children at this time. Allow playtime one-on-one with each pet and/or child separately. Let them get to know one another. It is best to keep the dogs separated for the time being until the new dog adjusts to its surroundings and begins to feel safe. A dog that has lived off the streets or is starving, will fight for food. If another dog or person comes around, they may bite. This does not make the dog aggressive. This is an unstable dog that is hungry and use to fighting for his food. Give him time, he should adjust within a few months.
​Allow this dog its own space, a covered crate or corner that he/she can get away from any noise or excitement or the other dogs. You will need to allow this dog a lot of space. Allow the dog to come to you. Keep other dogs away and out of the new dogs face. Same for any children. Do not invite strangers to your house for at least a week; longer if possible. Normally it takes a dog to decompress at least 21 days and in some more severe cases up to 6 months. Allow your dog in your backyard alone to start; to be able to inspect, sniff, and potty alone. Never allow your other dogs in the same area as your new dog when eating or chewing on treats. Always supervise when food is in play or when children are around. NEVER leave a child alone with ANY dog no matter what, even for 2 seconds. You may give the dog Rescue Remedy Bach Flowers to help the dog calm down and relax. Also CBD oil can help with that as well. It may help the other dogs also if they seem overly excited or way too interested in the other dog.
​​Your new dog has been eating kibble throughout its stay in a shelter and most likely before that. You can start a new diet right away if you like, but you want to take it slow. First, I would recommend a cooked diet. But you will also need to add supplements in to start. Add in digestive enzymes and probiotics then add milk thistle along with Colostrum to help build a strong immune system. Your dog will most likely show some detoxing. Begin the diet with cooked foods for about a month or so then you can slowly transition into a raw diet if you prefer. Allow your dog's immune system to rebuild itself with the homemade diet. Go slow and don't add in everything and not expect some loose stools or diarrhea. I also recommend some Slippery Elm to help with that. 
​If your dog will need to be neutered or spayed, wait as long as you can before doing this. Do not give your dog vaccines on the same day. Give one vaccine every 30 days or so. Do not do combo vaccines. Find a vet that offers single dose vaccines. Also a vet that supports a 3-year Rabies for future reference.
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If a dog is injured or in pain, or ill; they will bite. It is in their nature to protect themselves from any more pain or being prey to others. So keep other pets and children clear of any ill dogs or a dog that's in pain.

Take these steps to ensure that your new dog adjusts and becomes a happy and relaxed dog. Time and patience is extremely important.

  • Give the new dog a lot of space
  • Keep loud noises to a minimum
  • Keep children away from the new dog
  • Do not bring in strangers into the home to pet the dog
  • Feed the dog in a separate part of the home away from others
  • Do not crowd the new dog, let the dog come to you
  • Give the dog a space away from or a crate to come and go as he/she pleases for quiet time alone
  • Never leave the new dog alone without supervision not even for a moment.

Also note, when you get a new pet, they are getting overloaded with vaccines, surgeries and medications. ALL of these can and have caused aggression and mood swings. It may go on for months. So always be aware of what goes into your pet's body; foods included.
​You may need to hire a trainer to help you learn how to teach your dog what you want it to do and not do. Dogs are always willing to listen. You just need to know how to talk to them in dog language. All dogs need some sort of obedience training.

Note: If you happen to have found a dog and taken it in to keep as your own, wait until approximately 18 months to 2 years before spaying/neutering. Please make sure you search for the owners first as they may have loved this pet just as much and may be missing them as well as the dog missing their owners as well. Have them scanned for a chip and post on social media for missing family.

If this is your first dog, you will experience many fun times and exciting moments and began a life of everlasting love and commitment. Allow them to become a part of your family and enjoy life as much as you and your family do.

I encourage you to grab a copy of my book to help you give your dog the best throughout the lifetime of your dog's life to help have one of the healthiest dogs on earth. We owe it to them. They love us unconditionally.  

​by Holistic And Organix Pet Shoppe