Empty The Shelters In Aiken This Year
The SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare in Aiken has $0 adoption fees through this Saturday December 16th thanks to the “Holiday Hope” Event that aims to Empty The Shelters this holiday season. Sponsored by Bissell Pet Foundation, this annual event offers homeless pets the chance to find potential adopters in time for the holidays by making adoption more affordable.
Empty The Shelters
This event takes place at various shelters all over the U.S. but here in the CSRA the Albrecht Center is the participating organization for our area. Finding a loving home for every pet is the ultimate goal, and if you’ve been thinking about adding a furry friend to your family now is a great time to make that move! Of course there is a lot to consider as adopting a pet should never be a spur of the moment kind of decision, but you could save the life of not only the pet you adopt but also the one that takes it’s place in the shelter!
Lots and Lots of Dogs
Personally, I have the most experience with dogs and many times, when dogs are in the shelter they simply shut down from the experience. It’s so loud and strange for them to be in that environment that you may not see their real personality come through until you bring them home. Then, once they come into your home they can be a little overwhelmed.
In fact experts say you should always go by the 3-3-3 rule. This rule is important because it emphasizes the need for you to have patience, maintain consistency and positive reinforcement when getting to know your new family member.
The First 3 Days
For the first 3 days that your dog is in your home you should give them plenty of space to and time to get used to their new environment. They might exhibit behaviors like fear, nervousness or confusion as they adjust to all the new sights, smells and sounds around your home. They may not even eat or drink at first but it’s important to give them a quiet comfortable space with their water, food, toys and a comfy spot to sleep as they decompress. During this time they need to explore and get comfortable in their new surroundings.
The First 3 Weeks
After the first 3 days you can gradually introduce your new dog to other family members and pets. Make sure you keep their routines consistent and give them lots of positive reinforcement when they behave well.
You can use treats, praise and toys to reward them when they follow commands and exhibit good behavior. This is when you can start introducing them to new environments like a nice walk around the neighborhood or a trip to your favorite park.
The First 3 Months
By the end of the first 3 weeks your new dog should be comfortable with their new home and with their new family members. During the next three months if you continue to reinforce positive behavior you can gradually increase more and more of their exposure to new experiences. You might want to enroll them in obedience classes or training sessions to help them develop good habits and to build up their confidence. This is also a good moment to establish their routine for playtime, exercise and training.
Patience is key
Remember, be patient with your new dog! These tips are merely guidelines and some dogs may take longer or shorter times to adjust. But by following the 3-3-3 rule you’re setting your new pupper up for success by laying out the foundations for a long an happy life together.
6 Gifts for Pet Owners You Maybe Haven't Thought Of
Please note that items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time we published this list. Have an idea for a fun theme for a gift idea list you’d like us to create? Drop us a line at [email protected].
