just for kids

First--GO SLOWLY !! New sights & sounds can be frightening to Fido!! Realize that he doesn’t know any of you and needs to learn that he can trust you.  The best way to introduce your newest family member to your home is slowly and calmly. Let your new pup explore on his own and praise him whenever he behaves well. NEVER shout or yell. Remember, if you act calm, cool and collected, so will your dog!

PLAYTIME DO'S & DON'TS....

• Always play gently and calmly.
• If your dog gets too excited or wild, freeze and walk away. Take a "time out" so you both can relax.
• Whenever dogs get really excited, they may scratch or bite.  They don’t mean to hurt you but they can .  Sometimes dogs forget they can't play the same way you do because they don't have hands, so they use their mouths to grab things like YOU !! 
• A dog may accidentally hurt you simply because he is really having fun. So never tease your dog or play too roughly.
• Remember YOU are the human so YOU need to take responsibility and calm the situation down.
• Treat your dog like YOU would want to be treated......NEVER pull their ears or tail, hit or slap. Dogs have feelings just like YOU !!!!

A WORD ABOUT TOYS, TREATS,  AND TURF!!
You don’t like to have your special toys taken away and neither does your dog !!

• Let FIDO enjoy HIS time with HIS own toys.
• Don't bother your dog when he is eating or sleeping. You wouldn't like someone taking food out of your mouth.  And being startled out of a deep sleep can scare anyone—including your dog.  He may nip to protect himself because he’s startled and doesn’t know what’s happening. 
• If your dog has a special place, like a crate, bed or kennel—treat it like his room.  That’s his place for privacy—just like your room is yours.
• Be sure to tell all your two legged friends how to act when they come over to visit your new four legged buddy.

It's easy to remember how to treat a dog....just think how YOU like to be treated and then treat your dog that same KIND way !!!

Cat Lovers
Cats are different from dogs, but the same basic rules should apply--Go Slowly!

First put yourself in your kitties place.  Just imagine you can’t understand what’s happening and someone puts you in a dark box and you travel to a place you’ve never been.  You’d probably be pretty scared—and that’s just what Fluffy is feeling when you get her home.

• When you let her out of the box she will likely look for the closest place to hide.  That doesn’t mean she doesn’t like you—it just means she’s scared. Give her time to sniff and explore her new surroundings.
• Make sure she knows where her litter box, food bowls and bed are located.
• Never interrupt her if she is using the litter box or eating.  You don’t like someone barging in on you in the bathroom or taking your candy.
• Once she’s feeling a little more at home try to entice her to play with a dangling toy or maybe some catnip on a soft pillow. 
• If your cat’s play becomes a little too rough or crazy—take a time out and walk away—just like dogs, cats don’t have hands.  So sometimes they can get too rough with their mouths and claws.
• Always act calm cool and collected.  Loud noises or wild behavior can frighten an already agitated cat.
• Handling your cat should be done around adults only.  Cats are very athletic—but you can still injure them if you drop them or step on them.
• Inside your home the best way to hold your cat is to let HER be in control.  Let her sit on your lap, or curl up next to you on the couch.  Remember your cat has claws that she uses to grab a hold of surfaces.  If you are holding your cat too tightly and she wants to get away—she might accidentally scratch you.
• If you cat comes to you and bumps you with her head—that means she knows you’re her friend and she probably wants some attention.
• Finally, don’t give your adult cat milk! Babies can handle milk but it gives adult cats a stomach ache.

Enjoy your new companion animal.  And if you have any questions contact our behavior helpline at 444-1000 ext 221.