Welcome your new family member

So, you got a dog or puppy for Christmas! Or you know someone who did. That's terrific (well, assuming you or that someone were wanting and expecting a dog this time of year). Taking care of a dog's basic needs isn't hard to do or figure out. Food, water, shelter and companionship cover the basics. Choose a good, quality food (more on that in the future), provide clean water, give your pet a warm dry place to sleep (cool in summer and, of course, indoors is best!) and spend time with your pet. And as a responsible pet owner, you know that a dog, especially a puppy, needs regular veterinary care. Getting the proper vaccines keeps a puppy healthy while heartworm and flea preventative is crucial at all ages. Keeping our teeth clean is also important. But there are other issues that often slip by the wayside, especially with a puppy. One is behavior -- never tolerate from a puppy something you do not want the adult dog doing, such as jumping up, which is OK in a 12-week old lab puppy, but a terrible habit for a 60-lb. adult. The other equally important issue is socialization, my main point today. A dog that is not socialized from a young age will become fearful and may react with aggression when confronted with strange people or dogs. While you may want a dog who isn't overly friendly, you don't want a dog that is paralyzed by fear and unable to be healthy and happy anywhere but at home with you. A long term visitor "P" is great with people but was not socialized with other dogs when he was young because his "parents" were afraid of parvo. That's a worthy fear for a young puppy, but they soon realized that their large German shepherd needed help because of aggression towards other dogs when walking. He barked wildly, not because he wanted to hurt them, but because he was afraid of them coming into his space. He came to daycare for a week and finally learned not to run in fear or react with aggression, but he will always be hampered in his ability to play with other dogs. One of the easiest ways to deal with socializing your dog is, once puppy immunizations are complete, take them lots of places. Go to pet stores, farm supplies, home improvement stores -- anywhere a dog is welcome and let them become accustomed to other people and an expanded environment. Take them to visit friends with well rounded dogs. If you have a dog park available, take advantage of it. Always supervise your pet closely, especially around new "friends" or dogs who are a lot larger or smaller. Another important option to consider is travel. You may be home for the winter, but what about vacations? Will you be retiring soon and want to travel? Are you dreaming of a cruise some time in the future? Is there a chance you may need to leave your pet to care for an ailing loved one, or maybe even for a medical procedure of your own? None of those things are a barrier to having a dog, but while your dog is young is also the best time to get her used to staying with someone else. Four to six months of age is the best time to board your dog for the first time as they will be past the true, baby stage, but still young enough to adapt. In chosing a kennel, consider not only rates, but the routine your pet would have while boarding and take time to visit. Kennels range a great deal in price and care options, so find the one that best suits you and your pet. Will she be housed in a run all the time, or have the opportunity to interact with staff and other dogs regularly? Try leaving your pet for a day, or a weekend, even if you don't need to go out of town, just so they can have the experience. That way when you leave for a week they are less puzzled; they may even remember it is temporary and you'll be back. Even if you don't travel on a regular basis, but know that you will or expect you may, then repeat the visits periodically so your pet doesn't forget. Older pets who have never boarded (whether staying at a kennel or your vet's office) may react well, or more often, do not eat properly or develop stress-induced gastroenteritis (diarrhea and/or vomiting) which may or may not have cleared up before you come home, but will certainly not be a positive experience for your pet. I was reminded of that this weekend with three dogs -- two puppies and a four year old, none of whom have boarded before. I was warned that the puppies are afraid of everyone, and they responded upon arrival with barking and snapping, but the next day were sitting in my lap and playing with the other small dogs. The older dog, who had stayed with family, came in friendly and sociable, however he only nibbled at his meals and did not join in any games, altho he wasn't afraid of the other big dogs. By Sunday, 10 days into his stay, he had developed gastroenteritis (fun for me to clean up and for him to endure). Luckily I've treated it so many times and even consulted with my vet on how to treat it, so he should be recovered before he goes home this week. Whatever your short-term plans for your new pet, try to think long term for their health, behavior, and care needs. It will make whatever comes along easier for both of you to weather.