EMOTIONAL ROLLER COASTER OF THE FIRST DAYS

As you and the pooch adjust to this new living arrangement and get to know each other, things should smooth out. If you have prepared yourself and your family for what to expect in the early days with a new dog, you’ll be ready for whatever happens. For example, if you don’t want a dog on the furniture or begging from the table, then everyone should be clear about that and respect the rules right from the start. It’s harder to undo a bad habit then to never let it begin in the first place.

Begin the relationship right by making clear what you expect of the dog. You also want it to be clear how she can expect the people in the household to be with her. Remember, you’re building a solid foundation for the best possible life with the four-legged addition to your family. 

YOU MAY SUDDENLY FEEL YOU’VE MADE A MISTAKE IN GETTING A DOG.

Feeling unsure about having gotten a dog—or this dog—is not unusual. But just because you have doubts doesn’t mean that you have to do anything about the feelings. Why wouldn’t you feel apprehensive about having made the decision to take full responsibility for another being’s welfare? Those negative feelings should diminish in the early days as the attachment process begins and the positive feelings crowd out the doubtful ones.

Embarking on what is going to be a lifetime with an unknown companion can seem overwhelming: if you view the new pooch as being like an arranged spouse, you can understand that it’s not that unusual to get cold feet at the altar. Getting a dog is a big decision—and having last-minute doubts doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you or that you should bail out of ownership. It probably means that you’re realizing the importance of the commitment. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed by the changes and responsibilities that come with getting a dog. But it can make it easier to deal with if you realize that’s what you’re feeling.

Copyright © Tracie Hotchner – Originally appeared in The Dog Bible: Everything Your Dog Wants You to Know by Tracie Hotchner