By the La Plata County Humane Society
Like most everyone, you have a daily routine in your life. Does your new pet? Not yet.
It takes time for a new owner and new adoptee to learn about each other, especially a new animal that is probably stressed, anxious and not sure what to expect. Be patient. It may take a few weeks or even a couple of months for your new pet to “learn the ropes” and to relax in their new household.
In the meantime, dogs love a daily routine and knowing what is expected of them. The sooner everyone learns the household schedule, the happier and easier it will be. (Picking a pet that fits your lifestyle and living situation is important; the staff at the LPC Humane Society can help you with this.)
Empathy, respect and tolerance is something all creatures deserve, especially your new pal who was just rescued from a very uncertain environment. Allowing your new pet to learn and to make a few mistakes along the way is normal and is to be expected. No animal is perfect, just as we are not (unless we’re talking about cats). Many insecure dogs blossom after being in a caring household for a few weeks but continue to evolve with their unique personality, especially after learning to love, trust and respect their new owner.
Training is a key to a happy, life-long relationship. Teaching your new pet to learn the basic commands will make everyone happy, safe and maybe even save a life. The basic commands every pet should know are sit, stay, down (not to confused with off), come, leave it (drop it), heel and, of course, no. Teaching your new pet the basic commands enriches their lives and will really help you and them form a quicker, stronger bond.
If you have never attempted to teach the basic commands to a dog, there are many skilled trainers in the Durango area. Consistency is important along with fun and ending on a successful note. It should be fun for everyone. Of course, dogs from the Four Corners are smarter than most and learn quickly.
Adopting a pet is an enriching experience while providing great companionship, but with it goes the great responsibility of caring every day for another living creature. Remember: PET!
Al Winzerling is director of the La Plata County Humane Society.
