Posted On: 05-20-2013
When bringing a new pet into your home, you should expect there to be an adjustment period. Your pet will be a bit anxious as he or she starts to explore the boundaries of his or her new environment and accepts new residents, a new schedule, and a new communication style. Part of this initial anxiety may include housetraining accidents, attempts at escaping by jumping over or digging under fences, bolting out doors, excessive barking, or attempting to avoid interaction with you. Also, some dogs have decreased appetites or upset stomachs. To aid in this adjustment, here are a few steps to follow when welcoming your new companion home.
Control
It is important to establish rules for your house and stick to them. This includes what space your pet is allowed in and what they need to stay away from. It’s best to be consistent so as not to create confusion. Observe your pet’s habits closely and allow selective freedom. Allow time for you to get to know your animal and learn what can calm them down when excited. One way to create a safe space for your pet is to set up a crate or kennel. To a human, this small space would feel constricting but to a dog, it’s comforting to have a sanctuary to retreat to. When you leave the house, place your new pet into the crate so that when left unattended, is not destructive to your property. This can also aid in potty-training and prevent accidents in the house since dogs rarely eliminate in their “den.”
Who Comes First, Who Comes Second
Decide early in your relationship what behaviors you want to live with and be consistent in your teachings. This will encourage your dog to follow your wishes. For example, if you don’t want the dog on the furniture, be sure to follow thru and not allow your dog on the bed or the couch.
Bonding Through Activity
Physical activity is a great way to strengthen bonds with your dog. As social creatures, dogs require stimulation and exercise on a daily basis. Several breeds are bred specifically as working dogs and need to be worked in order to use their intelligence productively.
Above all, be patient. Your new dog does not know that your home is their new forever home. It takes time to adjust to all of the recent changes and to build trust with a new owner.
Posted On: 04-29-2013
Thousands of Pet Lovers Made the America’s Family Pet Expo their weekend destination as the
24th Annual Expo was held at the OC Fair and Event Center
LOS ANGELES, CA – (April 25, 2013) Attendance numbers are in, and Expo organizers enthusiastically report that more than 38,000 guests visited the America’s Family Pet Expo, held April 19-21 at the OC Fair and Event Center. In addition, more than 550 animals were adopted into “forever homes” from AFPE’s Southern California animal partner organizations.
“America’s Family Pet Expo brought together thousands of unique and rare animals, even rare reptiles and insects,” said Doug Poindexter, President of the World Pet Association, producers of the America’s Family Pet Expo. “The event had something for pet lovers of all kinds with plenty of entertainment, information and pets of all varieties, plus hundreds of adoptable pets.”
More than 450 exhibitors at the Expo showcased the latest in pet products and pet trends, from designer outfits, must-have accessories such as doggie shoes, leashes to even the “purrfect” cat scratcher, the Expo defined itself as a one-stop show for consumers seeking something unique for their pet.
“Our exhibitors offer products that are often one-of-a-kind or hard to find,” said Poindexter. “Which is why pet lovers travel from throughout Southern California to visit the show. During the 3-day event, people took home oversized dog beds, pet inspired artwork, organic and natural pet food, four and two legged apparel, toys and much more!”
As always, the goal of the America’s Family Pet Expo is educating consumers about choosing and caring for a pet that’s right for their family. “We’re proud to serve as an educational and entertainment platform, and most importantly a venue where the bond between humans and animals is strengthened.”
Plans are already underway for the 25th America’s Family Pet Expo, April 25-27, 2014 at the OC Fair and Event Center. For more information, contact the World Pet Association at (626) 447-2222.
The America’s Family Pet Expo is created, produced and managed by World Pet Association, Inc., a 60-year-old nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting responsible pet care.
Posted On: 04-18-2013
Do you ever wonder what makes a Police Dog such an effective part of a six-legged team of rescuers or crime fighters? They love to play!
These Police Pups are terrific players and it is that trait in particular that makes them prime candidates for Police and Search Teams! The best reward a Canine officer can earn is a chance for playtime with their trainer or a favorite toy. When they’re at work with their “Uprights” they’re focused on the task at hand. At home, they are a family pet. Watch these Canine Officers at work and you’ll appreciate how fortunate we are to have Canine teams to protect our communities!
Police and Search Dog demonstrations will take place April 19-21 during the 24th Annual America’s Family Pet Expo at the OC Fair and Events Center in Costa Mesa, California.
Ticket prices for America’s Family Pet Expo: General Admission – $13.00. Seniors 60 & over – $11.00. Children 6-12 – $8.00. 5 yrs and under – Free. Tickets may be purchased online at www.PetExpoOC.org.
