Few experiences are as exciting (and demanding) as thearrival of a dog in family. Joy, happiness, apprehension are certainly the emotions that you feel, especially if the newcomer is a puppy. However, some precautions are necessary for this coexistence to begin and maintain itself satisfactorily for the dog and for the human family members.
First of all a clarification: the scientific name of the dog is Canis lupus familiaris; no other animal has deserved this appellation that defines the nature of the dog well, that is, living in a family and perhaps, in some cases, helping to train it. In fact, many single people have a life intensely enriched by the presence of a dog ...
However, being the dog of a different species from ours, it is necessary to know its needs so that we can make it live with us in perfect harmony.
Some practical advice
First, therefore, we will have to prepare one for our pet dog's bed, located in a quiet but not isolated place in the house, where the dog can feel safe and where you love to stay to sleep or rest. Many dogs sleep on beds and armchairs without problems but, sometimes, this privilege can create possessiveness problems in some subjects who become aggressive when trying to remove them. A kennel is therefore necessary and it must be an inviolable place where the dog is not disturbed and where no unpleasant manipulation is practiced (for example injections, cutting the nails, cleaning the ears).
Choosing the position where to place it, we will have to choose a dog bed of adequate size and comfortable, so that the dog can lie down comfortably. We will then have to make sure that the dog loves to stay there, giving him some skin bone to gnaw or some toy that makes him appreciate that place.
Another thing to watch out for is the time to dedicate to the animal. A dog is demanding, he needs at least 4 trips a day and two meals a day. The arrival of a new animal at home should therefore be carefully planned so that it is possible to carve out some free time to devote to the dog so that it can easily acquire the family's routine. This is not to say that for the first few days one should never separate from the dog ... indeed ... this is often the mistake that is made, in good faith, by many people. Already immediately the dog must be accustomed to times of solitude, at first short, taking advantage of the tiredness of the animal, to gradually get to those that will distinguish the usual days.
One last tip regarding the food: the dog is a very routine animal so it would be useful to always give the meal at the usual time (2 meals a day, especially if the dog is large), leaving the bowl available for about twenty minutes, removing it once this time of time has passed, even if the dog has not finished all the food. In this way you will control the appetite of the dog which, if the animal is in good health, must be excellent: the dog must eat all the food with desire in a short time. In addition, you will prevent the dog from becoming aggressive towards food or from defending the empty bowl.
With these little precautions the convivenza with the dog, puppy or adult, it can start in the right way and provide all the joy that is expected from having a dog as a member of your family.
Prof. Angelo Gazzano - University of Pisa
Photo credits: Drew Leavy, Maja dumat
