Tips for the First 30 Days of Dog Adoption

The first few days in your home are special and critical for a pet. Your new dog will be confused about where he is and what to expect from you. Setting up some clear structure with your family for your dog will be paramount in making as smooth a transition as possible.
Before You Bring Your Dog Home:
Tips for the First 30 Days of Dog Adoption

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    Determine where your dog will be spending most of his time. Because he will be under a lot of stress with the change of environment (from shelter or foster home to your house), he may forget any housebreaking (if any) he’s learned. Often a kitchen will work best for easy clean-up.
    If you plan on crate training your dog, be sure to have a crate set-up and ready to go for when you bring your new dog home. Find out more about crate training your dog.
    Dog-proof the area where your pooch will spend most of his time during the first few months. This may mean taping loose electrical cords to baseboards; storing household chemicals on high shelves; removing plants, rugs, and breakables; setting up the crate, and installing baby gates.
    Training your dog will start the first moment you have him. Take time to create a vocabulary list everyone will use when giving your dog directions. This will help prevent confusion and help your dog learn his commands more quickly. Not sure which commands to use? Check out How to Talk to Your Dog.
    Bring an ID tag with your phone number on it with you when you pick up your dog so that he has an extra measure of safety for the ride home and the first few uneasy days. If he is microchipped, be sure to register your contact information with the chip’s company, if the rescue or shelter did not already do so.
First Day:
    We know moving is stressful — and your new dog feels the same way! Give him time to acclimate to your home and family before introducing him to strangers. Make sure children know how to approach the dog without overwhelming him. Go here for more on introducing dogs and children.
    When you pick up your dog, remember to ask what and when he was fed. Replicate that schedule for at least the first few days to avoid gastric distress. If you wish to switch to a different brand, do so over a period of about a week by adding one part new food to three parts of the old for several days; then switch to half new food, half old, and then one part old to three parts new. For more information about your dog’s diet, check out our section on Dog Nutrition.
    On the way home, your dog should be safely secured, preferably in a crate. Some dogs find car trips stressful, so having him in a safe place will make the trip home easier on him and you.
    Once home, take him to his toileting area immediately and spend a good amount of time with him so he will get used to the area and relieve himself. Even if your dog does relieve himself during this time, be prepared for accidents. Coming into a new home with new people, new smells and new sounds can throw even the most housebroken dog off-track, so be ready just in case. Need more housetraining tips? Check out our Dog Housetraining section.
    If you plan on crate training your dog, leave the crate open so that he can go in whenever he feels like it in case he gets overwhelmed. Also, be sure to check out the do’s and don’ts of crate training your dog.
    From there, start your schedule of feeding, toileting and play/exercise. From Day One, your dog will need family time and brief periods of solitary confinement. Don’t give in and comfort him if he whines when left alone. Instead, give him attention for good behavior, such as chewing on a toy or resting quietly (Source: Preparing Your Home For A New Dog).
    For the first few days, remain calm and quiet around your dog, limiting too much excitement (such as the dog park or neighborhood children). Not only will this allow your dog to settle in easier, it will give you more one-on-one time to get to know him and his likes/dislikes.
    If he came from another home, objects like leashes, hands, rolled up newspapers and magazines, feet, chairs and sticks are just some of the pieces of “training equipment” that may have been used on this dog. Words like “come here” and “lie down” may bring forth a reaction other than the one you expect.Or maybe he led a sheltered life and was never socialized to children or sidewalk activity. This dog may be the product of a never-ending series of scrambled communications and unreal expectations that will require patience on your part.
Following Weeks:
    People often say they don’t see their dog’s true personality until several weeks after adoption. Your dog may be a bit uneasy at first as he gets to know you. Be patient and understanding while also keeping to the schedule you intend to maintain for feeding, walks, etc. This schedule will show your dog what is expected of him as well as what he can expect from you.
    After discussing it with your veterinarian to ensure your dog has all the necessary vaccines, you may wish to take your dog to group training classes or the dog park. Pay close attention to your dog’s body language to be sure he’s having a good time — and is not fearful or a dog park bully. If you’re unsure of what signs to watch for, check out this video on safety at the dog park.
    To have a long and happy life together with your dog, stick to the original schedule you created, ensuring your dog always has the food, potty time and attention he needs. You’ll be bonded in no time! For more information on creating a feeding schedule for your dog visit How Often Should You Feed Your Dog?
    If you encounter behavior issues you are unfamiliar with, ask your veterinarian for a trainer recommendation. Select a trainer who uses positive-reinforcement techniques to help you and your dog overcome these behavior obstacles. Visit Dog Training for more information on reward-based training.
Congratulations! If you follow these tips, you’ll be on your way to having a well-adjusted canine family member.

ATM dog: Forgotten your pin? Please join the queue for the dachshund

You stand at the ATM but, instead of producing your card and PIN, you unbutton your trousers while a dachshund, trapped in the machine, sniffs around your intimate regions, identifying you by your unique scent. This is the future dreamed up by artist and designer Soomi Park, as part of her project The Republic of Privacy, currently exhibiting at the Biennale Internationale Design in France.
Park created the project while studying at the Royal College of Art in 2013, after becoming intrigued by the mass-collection of personal data by governments and corporations. “I was naive before the project started”, she says “but as I wrote my dissertation I became more concerned about privacy invasion. When Tim Cook says, ‘We want to change the way you live your life,’ that kind of speech scares me!” In response to these concerns, she invented the titular republic: an imagined utopia where citizens are guaranteed total privacy. The exhibition comprises artefacts and photographs documenting life in this fantasy world, including an eccentric wedding ritual and, not least, the dog-equipped cash machine. The specific idea of using dogs in institutional data-collection came from Park’s research into the history of state espionage. The Stasi, she explains, harvested scent-data by collecting strips of fabric from the interrogation-room chairs in which suspected dissidents had sat, to be used later to assist sniffer dogs in their searches. “I found that fascinating” says Park. “If dogs are well-trained, they can immediately recognise a scent.” The dog, pictured wearing the artist’s idea of scent-enhancing nose-gear, solves the problem of the bank having to keep personal information on record. “It’s private, because a dog can’t talk,” she says.
But the solution is flawed, of course, since the act of being examined by the dog is itself an invasion of privacy. “It’s a paradox”, Park says, “It’s not supposed to make sense at the first glance, but I want to believe that it could provoke a debate.”

Why my dog will take pride of place at my wedding

The paper that brought us scoops such as the Pentagon Papers has given us a new exclusive. According to the New York Times, there is a growing trend at weddings to have your pet as a special guest. While most of us wouldn't go as far as to have a chicken in place of a bouquet, as one delightfully eccentric interviewee did, it seems surprising in this age of extravagant weddings that more of our furry friends don't take pride of place in wedding festivities.

The British have long been known the world over as a nation full of ridiculously soppy pet owners. Early evidence of this comes in the form of a poignant pet cemetery in Hyde Park, which sprung up in 1881. If the Victorians went to such great lengths to ensure their dogs would meet them in heaven when they passed on, why shouldn't you tuck a chicken under your arm as you embark on what is commonly billed "the happiest day of your life"?
As usual, when it comes to the faintly ridiculous, the UK is taking its cue from America. Over there, a whole industry has sprung up around ensuring little Fido looks his best for your big day. Where else would you go for a couture doggie tuxedo but a website offering "luxury formal wear for pets"?
As I prepare to enter the world of extravagant wedding planning (average wedding costs have hit £21,000 – do you know how many cats you could get for that?), I have no idea what to wear, how to entertain guests, or whether to drunkenly sing Stand By Your Man as people slowly back away. I do know, however, that my own pet (he's a dog, but a chicken bouquet has got my brain heavily whirring) will be hugely involved.
One of the couples interviewed by the NYT explained why their dog would be accompanying them up the aisle: "He's part of the family, so there was never any question." Call me insane, but this sounds like a perfectly valid argument. A partner's initial reaction to your pet is surely one of the biggest hurdles to overcome in a new relationship. A fellow allergic to dogs, or a man who preferred the company of cats could surely not stick by my side through thick and thin. No wonder, then, that the couples who sail this challenge victoriously are so eager to publicise it.
While I'm still not sure of the dog's role in my own proceedings, I'm leaning heavily towards ringbearer. I've fed him a lifetime of treats, why shouldn't he do a proper job for a day? I've told him it's that or workfare. Embarrassing the vicar, and possibly my family with a pet guest still certainly sounds better than the role animals had in weddings as described in the Bible:
    "The blood covenant began with the sacrifice of animals. After splitting them precisely in half, the animal halves were arranged opposite each other on the ground, leaving a pathway between them. The two parties making the covenant would walk from either end of the path, meeting in the middle." Genesis 15:9-1
Since I want happy memories of the day, my beloved and I have decided not to dismember the family dog in front of the congregation. Instead, he'll be in all the photos, entertain small children and hopefully bite the ankles of pesky relatives who refuse to leave when the party winds up. You may be twinning your life with another, but as the old saying goes:
"Acquiring a dog may be the only time a person gets to choose a relative."

How designer fashion is going to the dogs this Christmas

It’s tough on the high street as fashion chains struggle to offload winter woollies and coats after the warm autumn, but business has never been brisker in the market for specially tailored clothes for our canine friends.
£170-a-go designer jackets, Christmas jumpers, hi-tech waterproofs, tracksuits and hoodies for pampered hounds have been flying off the shelves.
When Marks & Spencer joins Barbour, John Lewis, Asda and even teen brand American Apparel in providing clothing for dogs, it’s clear that a trend has emerged.
Pets Corner, the UK’s second largest pet store chain, says sales of dog coats are up 35% this year compared with 2013, as pet owners have moved on from simply wanting something to keep their dog dry to searching out more stylish kit. Pets at Home, the UK’s biggest pet store chain, says so far this winter it has sold 17% more than in 2013 – or some 105,000 items of pet clothing.
“All you have to do is take a walk in the park in the middle of the day to see that more and more dogs are wearing coats or jackets,” says David Robinson of the Kennel Club. “It’s become more acceptable. Dogs have become part of the family, so people want to buy them toys, accessories and clothing.”
Marks & Spencer started selling dog coats in October, while John Lewis says sales of pets’ clothing and accessories are up 94% on last year, when it first opened a pet department.
Barbour – purveyor of status waxed and quilted jackets for country pursuits and City commuters – says it has doubled sales of canine coats in the past three years. It sells a range of six styles, in dachshund to great Dane sizes, to match those worn by their owners.
While they are catering for those wanting to keep their pets stylishly warm and dry, novelty outfits are also in demand, especially for Christmas. Asda says it has sold 2,500 Christmas dog jumpers so far this year – including a red knit patterned with Christmas pudding motifs, holly, and the words Ho Ho Ho – and a whopping 5,500 novelty pet outfits for those who prefer to dress up their pets in Santa costumes or as green-suited elves.

In a tough economic environment, where shoppers are being choosy about how they spend their disposable cash, retailers and brands are keen to jump into a relatively high growth market.
A survey conducted by the RSPCA last year found that more than nine in 10 UK pet owners planned to buy their dog a gift last Christmas, with half ready to spend more than £10 on the family pooch’s festive treat.
Analysts at Euromonitor say the amount spent on pet foods and care products is 4% higher than a year ago and they predict growth will continue at that pace for the next five years.
With an eye on that opportunity, internet grocer Ocado has opened a separate online pet store, called Fetch, while the discounter Poundstretcher is trying out a Pet Hut chain to sell bargain pet care products.
Sarah Bourne of Pets Corner says: “People are a lot more precious about their pets.” Customers who buy special shampoo, £90 sacks of dog food and treats made from venison or dried salmon “want their pet to be snuggly. Or pretty. Or both.”
She reckons the trend in the UK was kicked off by celebrities like Paris Hilton and Lady Gaga, who both dress up their pet dogs like dolls, but says the majority of Brits want more practical outfits. As a result Pets Corner has responded with new ranges of far more technical kit with Teflon-coated, weather resistant, anti-microbial, thermal polyfill and breathable fabrics. “People are used to buying North Face and want the same for their dogs,” Bourne says.

A dog's life? Readers share their pet stories

Mary Adlington's dog, Murphy.

Murphy's lawless reign

I first saw Murphy on the day my dad died. Dad would have loved him. We decided at once that this bundle of black labrador was what we needed to cheer us up. We had always had rescue dogs, but Murphy was the first puppy we ever had. He became my fourth child and was not much bigger than my husband's shoe. From that time of sadness came years of joy.
Like all labradors he was driven by food and became adept at stealing it. At Christmas he stole the chocolate gifts hanging on the tree. He would nonchalantly slink past us with the tell-tale silver string hanging from his mouth, avoiding eye contact. When we had the builders in, he got into their van and stole their lunch, leaving the silver foil evidence on the lawn. When I stood at the door to say goodbye to friends after coffee, he would creep to the sugar bowl and then innocently come and stand next to me with a white, sugary nose.
But he had his uses as well. We walked him in the woods nearby and everyday he would bring home a log. As he grew stronger the logs became branches that would block the lane as we walked home. Even now, years after his death, we still have "Murphy's log pile". Mary Adlington

Our feline facilitators

Some of our pets have come and gone (chickens, fish, guinea pigs) but cats have been a constant since before our three children were born.
Trying to talk to my teenage son without the conversation sounding like a lecture or me getting cross at his apparent indifference, I found by accident that talking through our cats can break these barriers down.
So when something has gone wrong, the cat will sit with my son and me and ask the hard questions about how something has happened (clearly it's me doing the talking) and my son will reply lovingly to the cat. And if things are a little sad (dropped from the rugby team etc) our other cat, a tiny black kitten, will sit with us and facilitate the communication of feelings.
I know this sounds terribly twee and I should point out that my son is a normal 16 year old and I'm a normal (ish) father. I think it's the loving, non-threatening nature of a cat on your knee or squeezed up to one's chest, watching bright eyed and sometimes with a little purr as we speak, that allows a calm and often heartfelt conversation.
Anonymous

Falling for Bouncer

We didn't have children and just the two of us was fine by me. Then Andy said there were only so many dogs that he could own in his lifetime, so we went to see Bouncer and she came home with us. Within hours, she had tumbled down the stairs; explored the fishpond and escaped her puppy crate, spraying diarrhoea everywhere. I hated her. I coped by telling myself she was Andy's dog.
Then, two days after she arrived, Andy was admitted unexpectedly to hospital. Bouncer followed me devotedly, waddling unsteadily on her tiny puppy legs. That evening, I visited Andy, stinking of labrador wee and ragged with worry, leaving Bouncer shut in the kitchen. I berated my semi-conscious husband for his treachery.
On my return, Bouncer had gone. I searched the pond, hysterical, and finally ran wailing into the street, and into bedlam. Several neighbours had seen Bouncer run in front of a car: she had escaped by pushing through the catflap, the tape my DIY-hating husband had used to secure it flapping from her legs. A helpless puppy, looking as if she had had her legs bound with duct tape. It was no surprise that the Police and Animal Rescue were at the scene. One red face and a lengthy explanation later, I walked up the steps to the house with her wriggling in my arms, and knew then that she was my dog. Sarah Corbett

My guardian angel

Given that I have an allergy to cats, the sound of persistent mewing outside the back door one dark rainy evening, didn't fill me with delight.
On opening the door a small tabby kitten looked beguilingly up at me. What to do? I couldn't pick it up or I'd have started sneezing and wheezing within minutes. But neither could I leave it there. I had just split up with my partner and felt an affinity with this lost soul sitting outside on its own.
A novice at pets, I poured some milk into a saucer and placed it inside the door of the garden shed. The kitten trotted over, sniffed at the milk and settled inside for the night.
This pattern continued. In the difficult months when I had to get used to solitude, I came to rely on the kitten as a kind of independent companion who respected my space but kept me company, albeit at a distance.
After eight months I met a new partner and I think my little pet sensed this. One evening he didn't appear and I never saw him again, despite me keeping to my side of the bargain by providing food and drink.
I hope to this day that he went on to find another soul in need of company. He was my feline guardian angel for a short spell and I will never forget him. Anna Brown

The second life of Brian

My sister and I were thrilled when we bought our first flat. We cemented this rite of passage by obtaining kittens, brothers named Brian and Jerry.
Jerry was a nervous thing, who cowered under the bed when it thundered, while Brian was beautiful and fearless, with his affectionate nature, long tabby fur and appealing eyes. We loved them both.
Lindsey Sharp's kittens, Brian and Jerry. My sister married and bought the flat next door, and my brother moved in with me to help pay the mortgage but Brian and Jerry were still an important part of our family.
One morning, Brian went missing. We searched the streets but to no avail. Eventually, my brother came back, shaken, saying he had found Brian's body several streets away. Poor Brian had been hit by a car.
Distraught, we dug a hole in the garden while my brother retrieved the body. Still crying, we held a short ceremony and tried to contemplate life without Brian.
Just as we had filled in the hole, we turned round and saw ... Brian, sitting watching us. First with horror, and then with huge relief and happiness, we realised it wasn't Brian's ghost – we had buried someone else's cat. Lindsey Sharp

This hamster is for life

When I was 10 I bought a hamster. I loved him dearly, constantly worrying about his wellbeing. Once, my mum allowed my younger sister Suzie to play with him (something I'd never have sanctioned) Benjamin escaped through a hole in the floorboards. I arrived home to this crisis. It took three days, but we managed to coax him out using a trail of food.
Alan B Baker's illustration of his hamster, Benjamin. Every morning before school I'd warm some milk and mix it with his food. One freezing morning in 1963, Benjamin didn't appear for his breakfast. I gently put my hand into his nest and lifted out a cold, hard, dead hamster. I couldn't accept he had died and prayed to God that he would be alive when I got home from school. Three days of constantly checking passed before I could tell Mum. My voice was somehow locked in my throat and I was unable to speak. I was very, very frightened of my own emotion and also suffered from a bad stutter. Eventually all the pent-up grief poured out. I thought I'd never stop crying. It was my first experience of death.
A month later my dad died.
Years later, at art school I wrote and illustrated my first children's book. The inspiration came from Benjamin. It led to a successful series. The royalties enabled me to buy a second house. My sister Suzie now lives there. The image above is of Benjamin from one of my books inspired by him, titled Benjamin's Portrait. Alan B Baker

Our chubby chaffinch guests

I found Salty and Deano when I was checking for nests in a tree we had to remove on safety grounds in Saltdean, near Brighton. There were three chaffinch chicks in the nest, mouths open wanting grub. I took two home, my colleague took the other.
After a confab with Lucia and Cerys, my daughters, we named them and kept them in their original nest inside a cardboard box, feeding them meal worms and water through a pipette. Deano was a bit greedy and became a rotund fluffy fellow in no time. Salty was choosier with his food but was fattening up nicely.
Salty and Deano, the chaffinch chicks Carlos Daly rescued. After a week they were perching on the radio aerial and hopping around. Lucia and Cerys took them to school one day, which went down well.
Next was flight school! Salty and Deano were flying around the kitchen and wanted to test out the big bad world so I took them to work with me and they met up with their sibling Grumpy for some flight experience.
After five weeks they were looking like proper chaffinches and the time came to let them go. I took them up to a woodland near me and they flew off. If you are in Brigh