The vacation is over and the "dog days" of summer carry on. (See what we did there?) On Dog Blessed this week, Jodi is joined by her partner Paula Smith and their furry friends to talk about conditioning a pet to new items. The show is brought to you by Clock Timeless Pets and Must Love Dogs Pet Boutique in Grand Haven.
Could a new item in a pets life be something of a challenge? Yes, it really can. From something used directly with the pet to an addition to your home, a routine can easily be interrupted by the addition of something foreign to the environment of a pet. Think in a few simple terms. What if you add a new pet? What if you add a new family member like a baby? How about a new big piece of furniture or even something in care of your pet like a protective collar after a surgical procedure? The pet is probably standing there thinking "HUH?" Well, it's not quite as difficult as it seems to help the adjustment to something new take place.
Spending time with your pet and positive reinforcement is key when it comes to a change. The suggestion is to make the change feel like play and reward with attention and treats. Think back to the first time you may have had to have stitches or a cast? It was scary right? Same holds true for animals. To help them assimilate to newness be there for them in a way you would a kid. Assuring that things are ok and that while different, it's not bad and in time, things will be business as usual. Of course, there are situations where emergencies pop up and adaptation isn't as gradual, but it's the calm and steady hand that helps the situation and it's of course an ongoing process between you and your pet that continues to build that bond, with the great advice and wisdom passed alone by Jodi and the Dog Blessed crew.
