Resources to help with your new adopted dog
Potty outside before coming home
Show your dog his new home and where they should be doing their behavior—it will take a couple days for them to learn.
Mark good behavior
Healthy treats are the way to go, but keep in mind your dog is still learning to trust you so try not to scream, yell, or make sudden moves that could seem aggressive to the dog—those will only scare your dog, not teach.
Make the cage/crate a positive safe place
Do not use the cage/crate as punishment, that gives the dog a bad association and will cause the dog to refuse to go there. Instead, treat and praise the dog and let them get a sense of security from being there.
Understanding your dog
Since they can’t talk it is important to watch the dog to understand their behaviors.
Tail-wagging: Happy
Tail tucked between hind legs: Scared
Barking (during play or treats): Excited
Barking at doorbell or new visitors: Alarmed on alert
Looking ready to bite or angry: Aggressive, be careful!
Sleepy and very quiet: depressed or sad or maybe sick
Playful and curious: Happy
Don’t be afraid to get help!
Getting frustrated with a new dog is normal. Call the rescue, call the vet, ask a friend, talk with an experienced trainer. Advice is plentiful and different peoples’ experiences can help when you find yourself frustrated. The friendly advice of others may help you feel better and give you some ideas of new things to try.
Helping your new dog grow comfortable with your family and home takes time, check out our guidance for the first 3 days, 3 weeks and 3 months
Successful Housebreaking Tips
Successful Housebreaking Tips
Please note: This process involves the use of a dog crate. If you are not familiar with using a crate/consult with an instructor or trainer. Consistency is key, and if you follow these steps diligently, this method will not fail you. THIS WORKS!
Pick up and discard all papers if you were "paper-training" puppy. The object is to train puppy to eliminate outdoors, so NEVER allow him to go potty indoors again.
First thing in the morning, take puppy out of its crate and carry it outside. (This is when puppy wakes up, not necessarily when you would prefer to do this). You must be quick; the time span between when your puppy wakes and when he needs to potty is very short. GET UP and take puppy outside immediately.
Stand in one place with puppy on leash. DON'T walk around; stand where you want puppy to eliminate. Repeat "go potty" or whatever term you choose. Don't coo or say anything else to puppy. This is serious business not playtime, teach that outside is for potty only, playing outside comes later!
Once puppy has eliminated, have a celebration, praise puppy and offer a special training treat! Now, scoop him up and carry him back inside. Puppy must see this as a transition, he will learn to get his business done faster in order to get to the good stuff (like your attention and a special treat). Consistency is key, so learn your puppy's schedule and watch for signs. Most will both urinate and defecate in the morning, so no praise until both are accomplished. At other times of the day, puppy may need to urinate only. Once you learn puppy's habits, celebrate and praise each time when he has done what you want. Puppy is looking for your praise and approval. As soon as this is accomplished, it is fine to go outside for a walk or some play time.
After eliminating, puppy should be okay in the house for a little while. DO NOT leave him unattended. Puppy must always be watched to prevent an accident. When you see such signs as floor/ground sniffing or attempting to squat, immediately scoop him up, and take him outside to "his spot", and you will quickly recognize that he will potty immediately. If you cannot watch him, put puppy in its crate with a toy or bone. It is not puppy's fault if an accident occurs in the house while you are not watching. You need to take responsibility by supervising.
Every one to two hours (at first) take puppy out to the spot where you wish him to eliminate. Become serious, repeat the "potty command" until puppy complies, then PRAISE! Do not return inside until puppy has eliminated. This is important to understand. The younger the puppy, the more often it will need to eliminate, especially after meals, playing, and when waking up from a nap. As puppy ages and bladder and bowels develop, you will notice that his "hold time" becomes greater. You can begin to trust puppy for longer periods of time, and your job becomes easier. He will begin to "tell you" when he needs to go outside.
When you are not at home, puppy should be confined to its crate. On your return, IMMEDIATELY take puppy outside to potty. As usual, stay outside without playing until the job is done.
Young puppies do not have enough developmental control over their bowels or bladder to avoid eliminating for extended periods of time while you are gone. Someone must come and exercise the puppy while you are away, or you will need to come home on a periodic schedule. This may seem like a lot of effort, but your degree of success in housebreaking depends entirely on you and how consistent you are.
Foods That Are Hazardous To Dogs
Foods that are hazardous to dogs
Avocado
Avocado leaves, fruit, seeds and bark may contain a toxic principle known as persin. The Guatemalan variety, a common one found in stores, appears to be the most problematic. Other varieties of avocado can have different degrees of toxic potential. In some dogs and cats, mild stomach upset may occur if the animal eats a significant amount of avocado flesh or peel. Ingestion of the pit can lead to obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract, which is a serious situation requiring urgent veterinary care.
Bread Dough
Raw bread dough made with live yeast can be hazardous if ingested by dogs. When raw dough is swallowed, the warm, moist environment of the stomach provides an ideal environment for the yeast to multiply, resulting in an expanding mass of dough in the stomach. Additionally, the expanding stomach may press on the diaphragm, resulting in breathing difficulty. Perhaps more importantly, as the yeast multiplies, it produces alcohols that can be absorbed, resulting in alcohol intoxication. Affected dogs may have distended abdomens and show signs such as a lack of coordination, disorientation, stupor and vomiting (or attempts to vomit). In extreme cases, coma or seizures may occur and could lead to death from alcohol intoxication.
Chocolate
Dogs should not have access to products that contain chocolate, such as chocolate candy, cookies, brownies, chocolate baking goods, cocoa powder and cocoa shell-based mulches. The compounds in chocolate that cause toxicosis are caffeine and theobromine, which belong to a group of chemicals called methylxanthines. The rule of thumb with chocolate is "the darker it is, the more dangerous it is." Depending on the type and amount of chocolate ingested, the signs seen can range from vomiting, increased thirst, abdominal discomfort and restlessness to severe agitation, muscle tremors, irregular heart rhythm, high body temperature, seizures and death. Dogs showing more than mild restlessness should be seen by a veterinarian.
Ethanol (Also Known as Ethyl Alcohol, Grain Alcohol or Drinking Alcohol)
Dogs ingesting a small amount of a product containing alcohol can cause significant intoxication. Dogs may be exposed to alcohol through drinking alcoholic drinks, such as beer, wine or mixed drinks (those with milk, like White Russians and "fortified" egg nog, are especially appealing to dogs). Alcohol intoxication causes vomiting, loss of coordination, disorientation and stupor. In severe cases, coma, seizures and death may occur. Dogs showing mild signs of alcohol intoxication should be closely monitored, and if so inebriated that they can't stand up should be monitored by a veterinarian until they recover.
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins have recently been associated with the development of kidney failure in dogs. At this time, the exact cause of the kidney failure isn't clear, nor is it clear why some dogs can eat these fruits without harm, while others develop life-threatening problems after eating even a few grapes or raisins. Dogs experiencing grape or raisin toxicosis usually develop vomiting, lethargy or diarrhea within 12 hours of ingestion. As signs progress, dogs become increasingly lethargic and dehydrated, refuse to eat and may show a transient increase in urination followed by decreased or absent urination in later stages. Death due to kidney failure may occur within three to four days, or long-term kidney disease may persist
Hops
Cultivated hops used for brewing beer have been associated with potentially life-threatening signs in dogs who have ingested them. Both fresh and spent (cooked) hops have been implicated in poisoning dogs. Affected dogs develop an uncontrollably high body temperature (often greater than 108 degrees Fahrenheit), which results in damage to and failure of multiple organ systems. Dogs poisoned by hops become restless, pant excessively, and may have muscle tremors and seizures. Prompt veterinary intervention is necessary to prevent death in these dogs.
Macadamia Nuts
Although macadamia nut toxicosis is unlikely to be fatal in dogs, it can cause very uncomfortable symptoms that may persist for up to 48 hours. Affected dogs develop weakness in their rear legs, appear to be in pain, may have tremors and may develop a low grade fever.
Moldy Foods
Some mold produce toxins called tremorgenic mycotoxins, which can cause serious or even life-threatening problems if ingested by dogs. Promptly remove any trash or moldy debris (road-kill, fallen walnuts or fruit, etc.) from your dog's environment to prevent him from eating it. The signs of tremorgenic mycotoxin poisoning generally begin as fine muscle tremors that progress to very coarse total-body tremors and, finally, convulsions that can lead to death in severe cases. Left untreated, these tremors can last for several weeks.
Onions and Garlic
All close members of the onion family (shallots, onions, garlic, scallions, etc.) contain compounds that can damage dogs' red blood cells if ingested in sufficient quantities. Garlic tends to be more toxic than onions. The damage to the red blood cells doesn't become apparent until three to five days after ingesting. Affected dogs may seem weak or reluctant to move, or they may appear to tire easily after mild exercise. Their urine may be orange-tinged to dark red in color. These dogs should be examined by a veterinarian immediately. In severe cases, blood transfusions may be needed.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a non-caloric sweetener that is widely used in sugar-free gum, as well as in sugar-free baked products. In dogs, ingestion of xylitol can lead to a rapid and severe drop in blood sugar levels. Dogs may develop disorientation and seizures within 30 minutes of ingesting xylitol products.
For a more detailed explanation see:
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets
Top Pet Toxins
At the end of each year, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) creates a list of the top toxins most commonly reported that year. In 2021 alone, APCC helped over 401,000 animals, providing lifesaving information and easy-to-use safety guides to their pet parents. This week is National Poison Prevention Week which makes this the perfect time to share our top 10 pet toxins of 2021. Keep your pets safe, happy and healthy by watching out for these hazards!
1. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications ranks as the number one top toxin for the fourth year in a row. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, cold and flu medicine, & vitamins and supplements and joint rubs all fall within this category. These items are often found in homes and in all sorts of hiding places like backpacks and purses.
2. Human prescription medications including, and most commonly seen, antidepressant, anticonvulsant and cardiac medications. Always make sure your prescription medications–and OTC medications–are in closed cabinets that your pet cannot reach.
3. Human Food, especially grapes, raisins, xylitol, onions, garlic and protein and snack bars can be fatal to pets. Be vigilant about any human food that may be lying around for hungry pets to get to.
4. Chocolate, though delicious to humans can cause a lot of trouble for dogs. Be sure to keep your sweets out of paw’s reach.
5. Bouquets and plants jumped from number eight to number five between 2019 and 2020, with 9,000 more calls than in 2019. Both indoor and outdoor plants can cause a threat to our four-legged friends, so make sure to check out our list of toxic and non-toxic plants before bringing a new plant into your home or garden.
6. Household toxicants, like cleaning, beauty and home repair products are all hazardous to pets. Keep these items in cabinets and drawers your pet cannot reach.
7. Veterinary products moved up this year from number eight to number seven. Chewable medications, like calming chews, are super tasty to pets, which means once they try it, they may try to get into the entire container. Make sure these products stay out of paw’s reach!
8. Rodenticide is very common in the winter months when rodents, like mice and rats, come looking for warmth. The ingredients that make rodenticide so appealing to rodents, has the same effect on cats and dogs. If your pet ingests rodenticide, it can cause bleeding, kidney failure, seizures or even death.
9. Insecticide like ant baits, bug sprays and other yard products can be enticing to pets just as much as bugs. Try using pet-safe product alternatives!
10. Garden products remain at number 10 for the fourth year in a row. Fertilizers, especially those made from organic products, are delicious to dogs, however, are toxic. Make sure your pets steer clear of the garden or freshly fertilized lawn!
Accidents are called accidents for a reason but keeping the above products out of paw’s reach can decrease the amount of accidents we see in a year and keep your pets safe at home.
If you suspect your pet may have ingested something toxic, please contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.
The Top 10 Pet Toxins of 2021
March 22, 2022
Poisonous Plants Affecting Dogs
Note: Contrary to public thinking, Poinsettias are only mildly toxic and the quantity consumed would have to be extensive to cause even mild reactions in dogs.
Animal Poison Control Center's 24-hour Hotline is (888) 426-4435.
A full list of toxic and non-toxic plants is available on the ASPCA site at: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/dogs-plant-list
Poisonous Plants Affecting Dogs
House Plants
Castor Bean
Daffodil
Amaryllis
Holly/Mistletoe
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
Elephant Ear
Hyacinth
Narcissus
Oleander
Rosary Pea
Plants found in Flower Gardens
Autumn Crocus
Bleeding Heart
Foxglove
Iris
Larkspur
Lily-of-the-Valley
Monkshood
Star of Bethlehem
Ornamental Plants
Azaleas
Daphne
Golden Chain
Jasmine
Lantana Camara (Red Sage)
Laurels
Rhododendrons
Wisteria
Yew