If you are interested in adding a four-legged friend to your family, there are some important tips to keep in mind. Dr. Wayne Hunthausen, a veterinarian and pet behavior consultant, has worked with pet owners and veterinarians since 1982. He has written numerous articles on pet behavior as well as co-authored two books on canine and feline behavior. In addition, he has made dozens of national and local television and radio appearances to speak on the topic of pet behavior. 435 South spoke to Hunthausen to get some advice on integrating a new pet into the home. Here are his suggestions:
Adjust your environment
Make sure that your home is safe for your new dog or cat. Move dangerous objects out of reach and put away belongings your pet could potentially destroy.
Confine your pet
Keep your new pet in sight at all times. When you are not at home, keep your pet in a safe place such as a kennel. But keep in mind that kennels should only be used for short periods of time (i.e. four to five hours). If you’re going to be gone for a longer period of time, use an exercise run or a safe room.
Build a bond
Exercising and playing with your new pet is a great way to bond with them. For dogs, long walks are not only great exercise, but they are also a great way to expend excess energy (which decreases the chances of them getting into trouble). Instead of exercise for cats, give them toys to play with.
Stimulate their minds
When your pet is home alone, you will want to keep them active. Toys are a great way to do just that. For dogs, use toys that include food, such as Kongs. Cats, on the other hand, need toys that will keep them busy. For example, you can set up a kitty scavenger hunt with treats.
Make them comfortable
It is important to let your new pet warm up to its new environment. Do not overwhelm or push the pet with too much attention if your pet seems shy or scared.
Teach potty training
techniques
Take dogs outside for bathroom breaks every hour and gradually reduce that time. Take the dog to the same place in the yard and give treats when he or she is finished. For cats, watch to make sure the litter box is used correctly. Clean it frequently and use a good, brand-name kitty litter.
Be patient
If your pet makes a mistake and chews up your favorite pair of shoes or has an accident on your rug, do not yell. Instead, show the pet the correct place to go to the bathroom, and keep your favorite things out of reach.
If you would like to set up an appointment with Dr. Hunthausen, contact Westwood Animal Hospital, located at 4820 Rainbow Boulevard in Westwood, Kan. Call (913) 362-2512, or visit westwoodanimalhospital.com.
Dr. Wayne Hunthausen is a veterinarian and pet behavior consultant who has been working with pet owners and veterinarians throughout North America since 1982.
He is an internationally renowned lecturer on the topic of pet behavior and frequently writes for a variety of veterinary and pet publications. He is co-author of the books, The Practitioner’s Guide to Pet Behavior Problems and Handbook of Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat; co-editor of the books, Dog Behavior and Training: Veterinary Advice for Owners and Cat Behavior and Training: Veterinary Advice for Owners. He helped develop and appeared in the award winning child safety video, “Dogs, Cats & Kids: Learning to be Safe With Animals.”
words: Lindsay Crupper
photos: Paul Versluis