New Puppy |
| Q: Our family is considering adopting a new puppy. We are concerned that Toby, our four-year-old dog, may have problems adjusting to the new family member. Do you have any suggestions on how we might make this transition easier? Amanda, Harker Heights. A: This is a situation that many pet owners must eventually deal with and must be handled delicately. Your adult pet is accustomed to being the main focus of attention in the household and may take offense to a new addition to the family taking attention away from him. Most importantly, you must make Toby feel like he is still the number one dog. Greeting him first when you arrive home, putting his food bowl down first, and giving him attention first when playing with the two of them are just a few tips that will help Toby deal with the transition and accept the new puppy as a friend, not a competitor. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't give the new puppy appropriate amounts of attention, just make sure that she waits for her turn. Another similar situation is when a couple has a new baby and the canine or feline companion that has been the number one focus of attention now has to deal with immense competition. Obviously this problem can not be dealt with in the same manner described above. Introducing the pet to the infant when he or she is first brought home from the hospital is very important. Most pets will deal very well with the new baby as long as they are still treated as a part of the family. Good luck and good pet parenting. |
