So I posted this originally on LCR back in December 2021 – it’’s very relevant to new pooches!
A personal ABC of being a new adopter….
Attitude – your attitude makes the difference between success and failures
Bond – with your dog and them with you.
Body language – read up on it and observe it.
Consistency – if you aren’t consistent in treatment, rewards etc then what will pooch think?
Change – their world changed more than you could ever appreciate when they landed in your arms. Manage that change and the subsequent changes.
Dog – your dog is a dog, they do doggy things – understand that and work with it.
De-sensitivity – make somethings not appear to be excitement causing or stress causing.
Expectations – manage yours closely.
Enjoyment – take in and enjoy all the stupid, daft, fun things they do.
Exercise – don’t go overboard – some need loads, some don’t – understand what your dog needs and when they need it.
Food – give them a good healthy and varied food – how would you feel eating the same thing every day?
Fur – gets everywhere – so what?
Games – pooches need physical and mental stimulation – google is your second best friend.
Generalisation – all pooches (and hoomans) are different in lots of their behaviours, their basic needs are not though. Read and understand what your dog is saying to you
Help – asking for help, reading up on issues, researching – it’s not a sign of weakness. It shows you care.
Intelligence – pooches are clever – Romanian pooches seem that bit more street wise and are thoughtful.
Insurance – get it – non negotiable – if they need fixing you get them fixed.
Joy – you bring each other.
Kit – get what you need – puppy pads, carpet cleaner, car harness, spare lead etc before you need it.
Love – them unconditionally
Management – of time, of change, of routine.
Nothings – sometimes just do nothing with them so they feel secure with you.
Obedience – small steps – don’t expect miracles overnight.
Protected – pooches need to feel safe and that you are their champion and protector! It’s non negotiable especially if you have a nervous dog.
Quality time – make it if they want it – if they want to go and sleep somewhere else let them – don’t force them to be with you.
Rain – you will take pooch out in the rain – if they are nervous and want you to go outside at 11pm with them when it’s raining stair rods cause they want a wee but there’s noises outside – you get wet – simples.
Responsibility – you have it for them for as long as they live.
Shark Teeth – puppies explore with their mouths – get used to it (to a certain amount – encourage other chew toys apart from arm!)
Sleep – a happy content pooch will sleep
Trust – takes time but is so very important. Never do anything to lose that trust.
Time – let pooch do things at their speed – you don’t know all they have experienced in life before you. Sometimes you may be achieving what your peers are, sometimes not – it’s not a race!
Understanding – of their needs and requirements
Vets – get registered straight away just in case.
Washing machine – puppies have toilet accidents – get used to it!
World – you are their whole world to them – you feed them, keep them warm and watered, you keep them safe and entertained. Make them a huge part of your world..They need you when they live with you.
X – still thinking
Y – still thinking
Zoomies – it happens – make sure it happens in as safe an environment as possible.
Marcus and dad 