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"Practical Tips For Helping Your Velcro Dog Acclimate To A New Dog"
Traits of the Velcro Dog
If you live with others he may want to be with all of you, but isn't too accepting of vistors and friends. This would be considered a true human pack animal, devoted to his humans, loyal to them. If you have a dog like this he views the small group of people in his life as his dog pack. He'd rather socialize with human family than other animals.
This type of dog may have a hard time accepting another animal into his home. In fact, he may have an easier time accepting a new human into the house than another animal. A new pet may be viewed as a threat to the bonding he has with his humans. If you decide you want to bring another dog into the house, let's look as some of the issues that can arise and steps you can take to help "velcro" acclimate to the newest pack member.
Just Like Bringing A New Child Into The House
Velcro's version of a temper tantrum may be evidenced by:~ withdrawing from activities with you~ depression or anxiety~ obsessive pacing or licking~ aggressive behavior ~ attacking or biting the new dog or you~ loss of appetite
In Susan's readings, some of these animals actually use phrases the owners were using to address the new dog: "I used to be the cutey." "Why are they calling her precious? They used to tell me I was precious." Some animals even asked, "Am I not enough for them?" So, understand that they, just like human children, are watching how you behave with the new addition.
Let's go over some steps to help this dog understand that they are still special to you.
Helping Your Dog Acclimate To The New Dog
1. In the mind of the canine, the senior dog is above the new dog, this would include those that were members of the pack first. This respect is shown by always attending to the senior dog first.
2. Feed this dog first, before you feed the new dog. Dog packs follow this practice.
3. Greet and pet this dog first, before you do the same with the new dog. Again, you are honoring the elder member here. If the new dog tries to cut in, push them aside and tell them they must wait.
4. Make sure you do not share your dog's toys with the new dog. Susan has actually had clients where the senior dog attacked the new dog when it started playing with its toys. This is a territory violation. Give the new dog its own toys. Make sure they each have their own toys in separate piles. It's similar to when you were a kid, did you really want to share your Barbie with your sister? You didn't want her to touch any of your stuff right? 5. Tell your dog that "you are very important to us, we love you." Yes, talk to your dog. Tell them you thought he would want "some company" so you brought in another dog. It's important to let this dog know that they are stil special to you. So, try not to spend extra time on the new dog. No one likes it when their brother or sister gets all of the attention. No favortism, treat and love both of them the same. Copyright © 2019 Susan Deren & Carol Thompson - All Rights Reserved