Building Trust With New Adult Pets

Because I raised my dog from puppyhood, I know him very well. I know his moods. I have no fear about rubbing noses with him, putting my face between his jaws to check his teeth, or touching foreheads and staring straight into his eyes (normally a sign of aggression).

However, I would never be so foolish as to try any of that with a dog I am unfamiliar with. And I know well not to startle even my pooch when he is in a jumpy mood. I could lose an eye - and knowing that it was an accident will be no consolation after the event!

When you adopt an adult pet, build trust slowly and patiently. A cat you reared from kittenhood may know you're being affectionate if you grab it and nuzzle its coat, but do the same to a new adult cat and it may think you're about to bite it. Facial lacerations (yours, not the cat's) should not be a surprising result of such an impulsive act.

You do not know what abuse the pet experienced before you rescued it; you do not know its trigger-points and fears. Always approach gently; when it is asleep, do not wake it suddenly; do not exhibit threatening behavior; speak calmly but authoritatively; spend time showing that you will never harm it.

Strictly supervise its interactions with children, visitors and other pets; you do not know if it has had bad experiences with kids, strangers or other animals before, and if it will react aggressively to them.

Tips On Bringing An Adult Pet Home

A new pet will need time to get used to your home. Your household must also get used to the animal's personality and needs.

Do not overwhelm the new pet with too much attention. It is likely to be already frightened and disoriented. While baby animals especially need a lot of time to sleep and rest, full-grown ones must also be given space to check things out. You should, of course, have pet-proofed your home so nothing within reach poses a danger to it.

If you have adopted a stray or abandoned animal, take these important first steps:

• Have a vet give your pet a thorough check-up. It may have picked up illnesses during its time on the streets, or through a previous owner's mistreatment. A vet will identify the health problems and advise you how to manage them.
• Get it vaccinated against serious disease common to its species. It is always heartbreaking for any caring owner to lose a pet to an illness that could have been prevented.
• Try to learn what its regular diet was before you adopted it so that you can gradually ease it into a new one. If you just take a stray off the streets and feed it nothing buy top-grade commercial pet food, it may suffer digestive upsets. First, give meals that are three quarters of its usual food with a bit of the new, then decrease and increase the relevant quantities over a week until it is comfortably eating eh new food only.
• Toilet-training, obedience-training and understanding household rules will take time. Be very patient. Never hit, frighten or scream at the pet if it makes a mess.