Post Adoption

Dogs can get stressed when they move to a new home. The surroundings are unfamiliar and so are the people. Please take into consideration that depending on the previous environment your new family member has come from, it can directly affect how they transition into the home- and how long it can take. This is especially the case for international dogs coming from another country.

PATIENCE is KEY!

Recognizing that their lives have done a complete 180 and it is your job to make sure you set them up for success is the key to a successful transition period.

Even house-trained dogs may forget their potty habits and have accidents. Some dogs may shy away from you until they trust you. Show your new furry friend that they're safe with you and be patient as it may take a few days to several months for them to settle in, depending on their personality. Remember that each dog is unique and will take their time to adjust.

Some dogs may experience tummy upsets and diarrhea due to stress and it is important to document any physical reactions they may be experiencing so your Adoption Advisor can properly support you during this time.

If you're facing any issues or have any questions during the post adoption transition period about your new dog from Urban Tails Rescue, feel free to contact us anytime. We'll do everything possible to help you both adjust.

An Urban Tails rescue is an Urban Tails rescue for life and we will always be a part of their support system.

When you adopt a puppy, you'll go through a transition period yourself! It's similar to having a baby.

Expect frequent potty breaks as puppies don't have a fully developed bladder. You may have to wake up at night to take your puppy outside to potty.

If you work, try to come home during lunchtime to let your pup out. If you can't, it is strongly hiring a pet sitter. Alternatively, you could use an X-pen and create a designated potty area. Remember, puppies have to go potty multiple times a day, so plan accordingly.

We suggest recording every time your pup goes potty (both outside and accidents) to monitor their pattern and frequency. Puppies are notorious for chewing on anything they can get their teeth on. Avoid leaving anything that they shouldn't chew on within their reach.

To ensure your dog's safety and the longevity of your belongings, it's important to supervise them until they have learned what is acceptable to chew on and what is off-limits.

Even after puppy proofing your home, it's still possible for your dog to develop bad habits if left unsupervised.

Additionally, it's important to note that dogs may chew on items to relieve stress, so providing appropriate chew toys can help redirect their behaviour.

Remember, dogs don't understand the value of your belongings and don't chew things to spite you, so it's up to you to keep valuable items out of their reach.

Ensuring that your dog gets enough exercise is essential for their overall well-being. Dogs that don't get enough exercise can become bored, destructive, and overweight.

If you have a busy schedule that limits your ability to give your dog the exercise they need, consider hiring a professional service to help out. Not only will your dog benefit from the extra activity, but you'll also have peace of mind knowing that they're in good hands.

It's also a good idea to have a backup plan in case of last-minute trips or unexpected circumstances. Consider using a professional boarding service that can provide a safe and comfortable environment for your dog when you're unable to be with them.

It's important to establish a relationship with a veterinarian clinic as soon as possible- this means before even adopting a dog. Waiting until your dog has a medical issue is not ideal.

When you receive your new dog's vet records from Urban Tails Rescue, you should contact a clinic to establish their file. It's recommended that you schedule an appointment within the first few weeks of adoption to start building a relationship with your vet.

This can make future vet visits smoother and less stressful for both you and your dog. In case of an emergency, having an established relationship with your trusted vet can help you feel more at ease seeking medical attention.

If you are a new pet owner and don't know where to start- LET US KNOW! We can recommend some local clinics we have a relationship with.

When you bring home a new dog, it may be tempting to relax the rules, but it's crucial to resist this urge.

Starting with clear expectations and boundaries will help prevent bad habits from forming and make your pet feel more secure.

Rules and structure are essential for dogs, just as they are for children. Knowing what is expected of them and the consequences of breaking the rules can help your dog feel secure and comfortable in your home. This can also help maintain order in the household, particularly if you already have other pets who follow the rules.

It's important to remember not to pity your dog. Instead, focus on the present moment and provide your pet with a happy and caring environment.

If you leave your new dog unsupervised, make sure to crate him until he has learned the rules, as this can help prevent bad habits from forming.

Additionally, if you don't want your dog on the furniture, do not let them on the furniture just because they are new in the home.

REMEMBER: PRIVILEGES ARE EARNED, THEREFORE, RESPECTED.

Expect your dog to break the rules in the beginning, as dogs have a hard time generalizing rules from one room to another. It's important to have a sense of humour and be patient with your dog, as it can take 30-50 or more repetitions for them to understand a command fully.

Always remember, depending on the environment your new dog came from, some behaviours were allowed, maybe for a very long time. So, if it takes them longer to understand something that was always allowed- is not allowed any longer, well it's going to take them some time to figure it out.

Introducing your new pet to your current pets can be a stressful experience for everyone involved. Here are some suggestions to ensure a smooth transition:

1) Before bringing the new pet home, arrange a meet-and-greet outside the house, preferably on a walk so that they can get to know each other and feel more comfortable together.

2) When you bring the new pet home, introduce them to your other pets gradually and safely. Start by having the new pet in a crate, which will allow everyone to see and smell each other without any physical contact. Wait until all the pets are calm and relaxed before you start introducing them on a leash.

3) It's important to be patient during the introduction process and to go at the pace that feels comfortable for everyone. Don't try to rush things or force the pets to be friends before they're ready.

4) Stick to your current pet's routine to make sure they don't feel left out or neglected. And don't forget to spend quality time with each pet individually.

5) Supervise all interactions! This is a time to set them ALL up for success- not failure because you rushed the process.

6) Enforce rules consistently, and don't allow any bad behaviour from EITHER pet- new or the OG.

We know this can be a hard pill to swallow but generally new dogs pick up unwanted behaviours from the resident dog- not the other way around.

Think of this as an opportunity to not only properly transition your new dog, but provide new stimulation to your resident pet (sometimes they have been with us for so long that we forget they too can use a refresh on things).

7) Do not feed animals together. Food resourcing is the number one cause for animals in the home to develop negative relationships and this is one area in their lives you should never take the risk. They are instinctual animals, not humans. Food is their most valuable resource and you need to honour and respect that this is inherently a part of who they are.

Finally, keep a close eye on all pets during the adjustment period and watch for signs of stress or discomfort. If necessary, separate them to give them a break and make sure all cats have an easy escape route.

Preparing your children for the arrival of a new dog is important to ensure a smooth introduction. Here are some tips to help your children understand boundaries and interact safely with the new furry family member:

1) Introduce your children to the new dog before bringing him home.

When the new dog arrives, keep him on a leash and have your children sit down to greet him. This will help keep everyone calm.

2) Always supervise children and dogs to ensure everyone's safety, regardless of the dog's size.

Teach your children to be gentle with the dog and not to pinch, pull, or squeeze him.

If your dog is nervous, ask your children to give him space until he is comfortable with them.

3) Don't allow children to feed the new dog or have any part of their meal time.

4) Ensure that both the children's and dog's toys are kept separate.

5) Young children should not walk the dog. I know this can be a great moment to capture however it is unsafe for not only the dog but for children.

6) Provide a designated "safe" place for the new dog, such as a crate, and instruct your children not to disturb him when he is in his safe space.

Crate
Food
Training Treats
Bowls
Disposable waste bags
Toys
Collars (martingale + flat)
Leashes
Bed
Stimulation activities such as sniff mats, puzzles etc.
Air Tag (tracking device, can be attached to collar)

For Cats
Additional items:
Litter Box
Litter
Litter Scoop
Feliway (anti anxiety spray, useful for new introductions to environments or other animals)
Scratch Posts
Travel Carrier