Are you planning on bringing a new pup home from the shelter?
Some things to consider!
- Understand that life as this pup knows it just drastically changed from the kennel to your home.
- Provide a safe space (or two) where the pup can go in the beginning (like an appropriate sized crate). One can be placed in the central part of the home and the other in a more quiet area.
- Never force your pup to go into the crate or safe area but make it very inviting so the pup enters of its own will (think treats, blankets, toys, etc) and leave the door open so they can enter (or leave) freely.
- Provide long-term appropriate chews (like bully sticks in a bully buddy) to help them relax. Chewing releases serotonin that relaxes them!
- Bow Wow Labs, Inc. has developed a new product, Bully Buddy that will ensure your dog is safe while chewing on the much-loved bully stick treat. Bully Buddy is a durable, easy-to-use, veterinarian-vetted, and dog-approved device that tightly secures bully sticks, preventing dogs from choking on the tail-end of the treat. The tightening ring keeps bully sticks secure, and dogs can really appreciate this feature as opposed to working their paws to keep a loose bully stick in place. Learn more at: https://bowwowlabs.com
- Give the dog 3-4 weeks to break out of their shell, become familiar with their new surroundings/routine, and to trust you (they’ve been failed by humans before if they’re in a shelter!)
- Manage your expectations—not all dogs came from a good home the first time around and they need time to learn that you are going to be their furever home—trust them, love them and treat them kindly! They’ve been through a lot!
About Johnna Devereaux (Clinical Pet Nutritionist): Johnna Devereaux has been a small business owner for over a decade. Devereaux is the founder of Fetch RI, a holistic pet boutique and supply retail store. As a Clinical Pet Nutritionist, Devereaux has been invited to speak at veterinary hospitals to speak about the benefits of proper nutrition for dogs and cats. Devereaux has also been a repeat presenter at Potters League University, teaching children and adults the benefits of feeding pets in a species-appropriate way. Devereaux’s writings can be found in Animal Print magazine, Rhode Island’s Family Guide and the 2019 Health and Wellness Guide for Southern New England. Devereaux has been featured as a Trailblazer in the pet industry by Pets+ Magazine and her store, Fetch RI, has been awarded “Best of Rhode Island” by Editor’s Pick and Reader’s Choice. Fetch RI has also been awarded “Top Dog” by Animal Print magazine. Devereaux has completed a BFA from New York University and the Clinical Pet Nutritionist program from the Academy of Natural Health Sciences.
Meet Johnna
See Johnna on camera here
Johnna on Daily Mail TV