Adjusting and Training a New Pet
The first days with a new pet are a serious time of adjustment. It's important to remember that this animal didn't choose to be with you - you chose to be with it. And, you also have to remember that it is an animal. When we first brought Griffey, our new cockapoo, home, he was really confused. Poor guy. He was nine weeks old and missed him mommy - and this was his first time away from her. We offered him a lot of cuddle time and we tried to bring him home before a vacation. This is a really important point. Don't buy a new animal and then take off for ten hours each day that week to work. It's not fair to the pet. They need a lot of attention in the beginning and a lot of reassurance that you aren't going to leave them. Usually, when I hear people complaining about animals that have torn up their house - they've done so because they've been left alone for too long.
Your pet is also going to take quite awhile getting house trained, if it's a dog. We used to laugh as Griffey was getting trained. He would look up at a window in the house and bark. We knew that meant that he had to go out...but...by the time I raced across the room to get to him, he had peed on the floor. Oh well. We had to laugh about it and help him to understand where to go!
Having an animal is an adventure and one you have to be ready to commit to. They take a lot of time and patience, but the rewards are also amazing! Enjoy!
