There are so many things to consider when introducing a new dog into your home. One of the most important is where the dog will spend its day, especially in working families who are gone for most of the day.
Studies show that dogs have the mentality of a 2 year old toddler and although they are not children, there are still similar considerations to be made when leaving them unattended, especially if they will be outdoors for long periods of time.
Most Coloradans are aware of quick changing weather patterns that can bring extreme heat, cold, high winds, and hail. Dogs can become frightened in this type of weather and dig under a fence or break through slats to get out when they really want to. Pets who escape from their yard can become lost or risk getting hit by a car.
Some people believe that dogs need to stay outside so they can get plenty of exercise. The truth is that most canines don't exercise when they're in a yard by themselves; they spend most of their time lying by the back door, waiting for "their people" to either let them in or come out and play. This is often the case even in multiple dog households.
Dogs left alone in the yard for long periods often get bored, lonely and frustrated. As a result, they may dig, bark excessively or become destructive. A dog who constantly barks becomes a neighborhood nuisance. Some yard dogs may become territorial and feel the need to protect their property even from family and friends.
If a dog is hardly ever allowed to come indoors, it will be difficult for him to distinguish between family, friends and uninvited guests.
Suggestions for working pet parents. Install a dog door so your dog has access to both your house and yard during the day. Hire a retired neighbor, responsible teenager, or professional dog walker to check on your dog and either take him for a walk or stay and play for five or ten minutes. Make sure this person has a contact number for you and your veterinarian in case there is an emergency. Make sure your dog has adequate shelter to protect him from weather changes and that all gates are secured and possibly even locked. Do an occasional fence
check, making sure there are no escapes holes being dug and all slats are in good repair.
Your dog is part of the family. Make sure you offer her the same healthy, safe environment as any member of your pack.
from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://wheatridgetranscript.com/stories/How-to-introduce-a-new-dog,211144?branding=15
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