I thought of this post back in February, while attending the 2014 International Kennel Club of Chicago show (where we saw this beautiful poodle). My son was thrilled to attend too. Kids naturally gravitate to pets and whether you have them now or are thinking of adding one to the family, pets can bring a lot of joy to everyone. But just like any addition to the family, it helps to prepare and do what you can to make the transition easier. I spoke to a few veterinarians to get to the most important things you need to know before introducing a new pet to the family.
Assign and Divide Responsibilities
Before your new pet gets through the door, make sure your family and kids, especially if your pet is for the kids, understand the responsibilities and are ready for them. Heidi Ganahl, CEO and Founder of Camp Bow Wow, North America’s largest and fastest growing pet care franchise, says
“Prior to bringing your new dog home, determine who is responsible for walks, feeding, etc., so once your pup is in the home, you are ready to get started on the right paw.”
Danel Grimmett, a veterinarian from the Sunset Veterinary Clinic says
“A family needs to always look at their situation. Are both parents working? Full time or part time? Who will care for the puppy?”
Address these questions in advance!
Get Ready
Just like you get a crib before the baby’s arrival, you should get major supplies for your pet in advance. Heidi Ganahl lists these essentials: food, dishes, toys, cleaner for accidents, a leash and collar and more. You want to ensure that you have as much as you need. At the same time, make sure you know where your new pet will sleep, eat and take walks and potty breaks. Since most pets need vaccinations, find a veterinarian, if you don’t know one already, and make sure your pet gets a healthy start.
Teach Kids the Boundaries
There is a really good book by Wendy Wahman called “Don’t Lick the Dog (Making Friends with Dogs)”. It’s a simple way to teach kids boundaries when around dogs. It includes simple things like asking before you pet a stranger’s dog, not getting your face in front of the dog, how to pet a dog and how to offer treats and much more. This books really clarifies for kids the importance of boundaries.
Danel Grimmett told me about another book called “Blue Dog” developed by the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the book/website is a full of useful dog information. Daniel talks to pre-K classes about dog bite prevention and says this book is a great resource.
“I advocate never leaving a young child unattended with a dog – big or small. It leaves the chance open for someone to get hurt! It is a scary concept to consider the very fine line between a photo with a small child smiling and hugging the dog they love with all their heart, and the child smiling for the rest of their life with the facial scar a dog left.”
Of course, it’s our responsibility as parents, to teach kids these boundaries and make sure this doesn’t happen.
Where to get your pet?
While registered breeders and pet stores may be costly, consider adopting one from a pet shelter. Financial costs will be significantly lower from the shelter but take into account those early experiences they have as puppies or kittens and what effect they’ll have on the pet and your relationship with them. I’ll offer a personal example. We adopted our cat from a pet shelter and, though friendly with us, he’s terrified of everyone else, which makes it harder for kids to play with him and relate to him. The advantage of a breeder is picking a specific pet you’re looking for and knowing the history. That said, I think adopting one from a pet shelter will help you offer a home that is much needed and will teach your kids some empathy.
Let your Pet Settle In
Coming to a completely different place may be overwhelming for a pet – adjusting to new smells, new people, maybe even other pets in the house. For this reason Heidi Ganahl of Camp Bow Wow advises us to let your pet settle in.
“When you bring your dog home, give them time to settle in and relax, especially if you have child. It can take a new dog a few days to acclimate to their new surroundings, so give them time to de-stress.”
Get your Pet used to a Routine
This goes along with the previous point about letting your pet adjust to your home. Dogs, for example are very schedule oriented, says Heidi Ganahl:
“ensuring that you get them on a routine as quickly as possible will help them understand potty times, feeding, walks and more. This will help the transition of having new pets in your home easier for the dog and your family.”
Take a New or Refresher Training Class
Whether your new pet was trained before or not, it would certainly be helpful to take a refresher training class. It’s a nice opportunity for your child to learn the important commands for the dog, for example.
Spend Time with Your Pet
In the beginning, in the initial excitement of things, it may be fun for your child and family to spend time with the new pet, with time that excitement could wane. So Heidi Ganahl suggests spending at least 10 minutes a day doing something your pet will enjoy:
“Play fetch in the back yard, go for a ride in the car, or simply spend time petting them.”
