Dear Critter Corner: I am very excited to be able to adopt my first pet! I am leaning towards a dog and would like to know what to expect once I bring them home?
Change can be jarring for anyone, especially for an animal that does not understand the concept the same way a person does. Animals being rescued from shelters are often extremely grateful, but they require some time to decompress. It may be tempting to show off your beautiful new companion to all your friends, or parade downtown, but for your animal this may be overwhelming or too exciting. Let your new companion acclimate and learn the new normal before showing the world what a “good boy” they are. This is doubly true for shyer animals.
For a dog, the first few days are all about establishing a routine and learning boundaries. Some dogs may have been docile during the adoption process but become mischievous the second they enter the front door. These dogs will push the limits to see what they can get away with. However, with a nice steady routine and consistent training they do very well. Others may have been excited and happy in the meet and greet but calm down considerably once they are home. These dogs may take a bit longer to come out of their shell but given some time to relax can show off their goofy sides.
For cats and timid dogs, the slower pace you are willing to go the smoother the transition will become. Cats often do well starting off in a small room with their food and litterboxes. They can spread their scent to all the surfaces easily and make it feel homey. Once they start vocalizing for attention and actively greeting you, you can start to let them explore in short intervals until they are fully acclimated. For timid dogs, start with short walks around the neighborhood to work on a routine and building their confidence. Once they are doing well you may expand their horizons. For any animal, make sure to keep all their new encounters fun and positive.