{"id":188592,"date":"2022-02-23T08:00:08","date_gmt":"2022-02-23T00:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/hong-kong\/?p=188592"},"modified":"2024-11-28T15:29:38","modified_gmt":"2024-11-28T07:29:38","slug":"advice-for-new-dog-owners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/hong-kong\/advice-for-new-dog-owners\/","title":{"rendered":"Tops tips from trusted experts on what to expect as a new dog owner"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bringing home a new dog to be part of your family can be daunting, especially if it is your first time. While there is a ton of research that you can do beforehand to prepare\u2014such as looking into where to adopt<\/a> from, or how to sign up to be a foster<\/a> pawrent\u2014the real endeavour starts when you bring a dog home. So, whether you are bringing home an energetic eight-week old pup or an adorable adult dog, we have gathered the top tips for new dog owners from the leading experts in Hong Kong to help you through your first month and beyond!<\/p>\n

Top tips for new dog owners<\/h2>\n

Sheila McClelland, founder of LAP<\/h3>\n

New dog owners should expect the unexpected\u2014especially if they are adopting a pet from a shelter\u2014for about the first month or so. Over the last 18 years we have seen that every home is different and every dog is unique, so each adoption is a one of a kind experience. It\u2019s important to keep things low-key for the first few days. Allow your dog to assess their new surroundings before introducing them to new experiences or situations. This means no inviting all your friends over to play, or taking your new dog out to the latest coffee shop<\/a>!<\/p>\n

For both puppies as well as older dogs, moving to a new home is a huge life change that can cause stress, anxiety, or fear. This may lead to reactive or abnormal behaviour\u2014such as barking, hiding, peeing\u2014which is all normal! What they need more than anything, is your love, support and PATIENCE. New dog owners often rush to \u2018correct behaviour\u2019 through the use of punishment or force, which leads to fear and distrust. If you want a loving relationship and a happy dog use kindness and compassion. If you are struggling, reach out to a trainer to get advice on how to help your dog feel more safe and secure. Dog training is unregulated so be sure to look for a certified positive-reinforcement trainer.<\/p>\n

Another first month struggle we commonly see is people viewing the dog from a human perspective. Despite what you may see, it has been proven that your dog is not \u201cguilty\u201d for doing something you think is wrong; instead they are sensing your anger and portraying appeasement behaviours. Similarly, we have had people say their dog was not \u201cgrateful\u201d enough, or was peeing because of malice or other emotions and intentions projected by the owner onto the dog. While you are learning to understand your dog\u2019s behaviour, keep in mind that it is a different species, and try to understand them for who they are!<\/p>\n

Learn more about LAP<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Deb Debes, trainer at DogManGoWoof<\/h3>\n

\"new<\/p>\n

Over 13 years of dog training experience, I have worked extensively with newly adopted dogs, both puppies and adults. While there are certain differences, some things remain the same. First things first, consistency is key! Dogs love routine as it helps them feel more relaxed to know when they will go for walks, play, eat, and sleep. Moving to a new home can be stressful for humans and fur babies alike, so letting the dog get used to a routine greatly reduces their stress levels.<\/p>\n

It’s also important to start working with your new dog from day one! When new dog owners think of training, they tend to think about obedience training\u2014such as learning the basic commands like \u2018sit\u2019 and \u2018come\u2019. Whilst obedience training is important, behaviour training involves much more than commands. You are training your dog to respond to your cues and so it is important to reinforce desired behaviour by acting in a way that makes your dog feel secure and engaged in following your lead. This means, for example, training the dog not to be anxious around comings and goings through the door and not reacting negatively to outside noises. Early training is as much about preventing potential undesirable behaviours as it is about learning commands.<\/p>\n

Also, when bringing home a new dog, new owners need to prepare the household members on what to expect and how to behave. Children should be taught to allow the dog to sniff and pet them gently if comfortable. With puppies, it is normal for them to nip and jump when they are young, and children should know not to scream and run away as it will be viewed as excitement and an invitation to play. An older rescue may need time to get used to being petted and handled, so it is best to take time to build up trust. A dog is not a toy but rather a living, breathing being. Young children should be supervised in the early days of their interaction with the new addition to the family.<\/p>\n

The most common concern for puppies is about potty training and setting up their pen. Some new puppy pawrents need help setting up a schedule for potty training and teaching their new furbaby to use a pee pad. Many worry they are doing it wrong but, just like with toddlers, potty training doesn\u2019t happen overnight. Supervision, positive affirmation, and consistency are the key tools new pawrents need. On the other hand, for older adopted dogs, most new owners are concerned about specific behavioural issues that the dog might have, such as separation anxiety. Older dogs make wonderful pets but, just like puppies, they need training to help them live their best lives anxiety-free. Ultimately, you just have to be consistent and patient. Give them and yourselves time to adjust. In general, it takes about three months for an adopted dog to feel that they are really in their permanent home and a member of the family for good.<\/p>\n

Learn more about DogManGoWoof<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Dr Tiffany Harries and Dr Maiyanne Ben-David, founders and vets from Pets on tapp<\/h3>\n

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