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We're getting our 1st dog today, what can we do to help with transition?


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We are getting our very first dog today. He is a beagle about 7-8 years old. A family that dh knows is no longer able to keep the dog. The Dad is driving the dog up today and will be dropping the dog off at our home along with his bed, food etc. We have never met the dog before as they live out of state. Is there anything that we can do to help the dog with the transition?

 

Thank you!

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Congratulations!

 

Please give the dog the time and space he needs to adjust to your home and family. He will probably be overwhelmed and confused... dogs grieve over loss, and he is losing his family!

If he is crate trained, give him time to settle in his new home, keep his crate in a quiet place out of the flow of traffic so he can feel safe.

 

Love him gently, be consistent in how you talk to him, even tones are best - not high pitched and loud.

 

Enjoy your new family member!

 

:001_smile:

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We are dog lovers and have a yellow Lab! We had one before who lived a full life with us.....dearly loved....a member of our family for both of these labs.

 

How long was the dog with the previous owner? IF there is an attachment you may want to consider asking them to donate an article of clothing (t-shirt, etc) that has scent of dog's family on it. Dogs have keen sense of smell and this brings them comfort. You can, in the weeks/months ahead, wean dog off of this.

 

Speak in soft, gentle tones. Not alot of hyper excitement in the beginning. Not only are you going through transition, but like you state, the dog is as well. Try to crouch down to be more eye level with him/her. Get on the floor and just sit there for awhile.

 

Have a few toys. Dogs need some but not an abundance. They are pack animals and LOVE to be with their pack...you, the family.

 

Get medical records and current vaccine report. Make sure dog has no ticks/fleas before entering house. When we brought our first puppy home she had 40-50 ticks....this was a 7 1/2 week old female yellow lab!! ARG!!

It's that time of year for flea/tick control. Schedule an appt. with your vet soon to establish care for your pet.

 

If you have to be gone for long stretches of time during the day (homeschool field trips, errands, etc), leave a radio or TV on.....VERY LOW volume.

 

Perhaps some outside time and a walk around the block to acquaint them with the immediate surroundings.

 

WHAT IS THE NAME?

HTH. Sheryl <><

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Thank you! His name is Ranger and he arrived an hour ago or so. Your replies were very helpful and I was able to prompt the kids ahead of time. Transition is going well so far, he is just exploring the house and we will take him for a walk in a bit.

 

We really like him!

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