Adoption Advice
What to plan for and understand about your new furry family member.
“Puppy proofing” your home, socialisation, potty training and all basic training takes time, effort and patience. Your new family member has undergone a lot of stress. They came to the shelter as a stray or their family relinquished them. When coming into your home they have left their mother, their siblings and the safe haven of the rescue or foster family. They do not know what is coming next and in some instances if it’s their last meal.
Adjustment Period
Try to spend as much time as possible with your new puppy/dog for the first week and show them consistency, patience and calmness.
Dogs are den animals so having an appropriate crate creates a safe place for your dog to rest. Place a blanket in the crate for their comfort. You can find more information about crate training at : https://www.pet.co.nz/feature/puppy-crate-training
Limit your dog to one room or area to allow them to get used to the sounds and smells of the new home
NEVER leave your rescue dog alone in the house with existing pets until you have carefully monitored and controlled interaction for a period of time
Closely monitor the dog outside. Do not leave them alone in the yard without adult supervision until you feel they can be trusted with children and won’t dig under or climb over the fence.
Just like people, dogs need structure and leadership. Dogs respond well to routine – try to keep meals, walks and bedtime as consistent as possible.
Practice obedience training calmly and consistently and enrol in puppy school for socialisation and training. Make sure you do this after their 2nd vaccinations or discuss with your vet when they are safe to socialise.
Praise good behaviour – you will be amazed how quickly dogs learn what is acceptable with positive reinforcement.
Feeding
Your puppy will be on 3 meals a day when they leave the Last Lamppost. This includes Premium Puppy Biscuits that you can purchase from either your vet or Pet Shop. Here at Last Lamppost we also make up a stew of all sorts and broth to accompany the biscuits. They on average get fed at 7.30am, 1.30pm and then 6.30pm. You can wean that down to 2 meals a day when you think they are ready but not before 6 months.
Scattering biscuits on the floor or grass gives them mental stimulation and also decreases the food aggressive behaviour as they have to forage.
Be careful when feeding around other pets or children as some of these puppies have had to fight for their food so monitor them while they eat.
Feed puppies three to six months old three meals a day.
Feed puppies six months to one year two meals a day.
When your dog reaches their first birthday, one meal a day is usually enough.
For some dogs, including larger canines or those prone to bloat, it’s better to feed two smaller meals.
Premium-quality dry food provides a well-balanced diet for adult dogs and may be mixed with water, broth or canned food. Your dog may enjoy cottage cheese, cooked egg or fruits and vegetables, but these additions should not total more than ten percent of his daily food intake.
Puppies should be fed a high-quality, brand-name puppy food (large breed puppy foods for large breeds). Please limit “people food,” because it can result in vitamin and mineral imbalances, bone and teeth problems and may cause very picky eating habits and obesity. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times, and be sure to wash food and water dishes frequently.
House Training
Your dog is in a new territory and is establishing a new routine, so ACCIDENTS WILL HAPPEN. Learn their cues. Do not get angry and upset. Puppies are like babies and need to learn.
Prior to bringing your new dog into the home, take them to their potty area on leash. Praise them when they go. This routine should continue until they understand.
If crate training take them out regularly and give them a command for toilet and praise them when they go.
Socialisation
Give the dog time to acclimate to their new environment before meeting strangers
Although you may want to keep your dog quiet for the first couple days, it is very important for them to meet new people as well as new dogs. Introduce initially slowly and quietly – remember EVERYTHING is new to him.
Excercise
Dogs need exercise to burn calories, stimulate their minds, and stay healthy. Individual exercise needs vary. They are based on breed or breed mix, sex, age and level of health. Exercise also tends to help dogs avoid boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors. Supervised fun and games will satisfy many of your pet’s instinctual urges to dig, herd, chew, retrieve and chase.
Keep your dog on a leash when you are outside, unless you are in a secure, fenced-in area. If your dog defecates on a neighbour’s lawn, the sidewalk or any other public place, please clean it up.
Grooming
Help keep your dog clean and reduce shedding with frequent brushing. Check for fleas and ticks daily during warm weather. Most dogs don’t need to be bathed more than a few times a year. Before bathing, comb or cut out all mats from the coat. Carefully rinse all soap out of the coat, or the dirt will stick to soap residue
Handling
To carry a puppy or small dog, place one hand under the dog’s chest, with either your forearm or other hand supporting the hind legs and rump. Never attempt to lift or grab your puppy or small dog by the forelegs, tail or back of the neck. If you do have to lift a large dog, lift from the underside, supporting his chest with one arm and his rear end with the other.
Housing
Your pet needs a warm, quiet place to rest, away from all drafts and off the floor. A training crate or dog bed is ideal, with a clean blanket or pillow placed inside. Wash the dog’s bedding often. If your dog will be spending a lot of time outdoors, be sure she has access to shade and plenty of cool water in hot weather, and a warm, dry, covered shelter when it’s cold.
Registration and Identification
Follow your community’s registration regulations. Be sure to attach the license to your dog’s collar. This, along with an ID tag and implanted microchip, can help secure your dog’s return should she become lost. Puppies are due to be registered by 3 months old and 01 July each year. Please contact your local council to register your puppy. Your pup will be microchipped prior to leaving and you will be required to go online and enter your details as new owner of the puppy/dog. Information will be included with your pet passport.
Health Care
Fleas and Ticks - Daily inspections of your dog for fleas and ticks during the warm seasons are important. Use a flea comb to find and remove fleas. There are several new methods of flea and tick control. Speak to your veterinarian about these and other options.
Medicines and Poisons - Never give your dog medication that has not been prescribed by a veterinarian. If you suspect that your animal has ingested a poisonous substance, call your veterinarian or the SPCA urgently.
Spaying and Neutering - Your dogs/puppies will be desexed prior to departing from Last Lamppost. If required you may have to take your new dog/puppy to your local vet to get the stitches taken out. That information will be with their vet passports.
Vaccinations/Worming/Fleas - Your dog/puppy will be vaccinated prior to departing from Last Lamppost. We then recommend that you diarise the next Vaccination date that is in your Pet Passport and work out the ongoing schedule with your vet. That also includes a worming and defleaing . If you notice worms in your dog/puppys stools do not be alarmed that means that they were wormed and still eradicating dead worms from their bodies. Please discuss other vaccinations with your vet eg: Kennel Cough if you plan to send your animal to kennels.
Dog Supply Checklist
Premium-quality dog food and treats
Food dish
Water bowl
Toys, toys and more toys, including safe chew toys
Brush & comb for grooming, including flea comb
Collar with license and ID tag
Leash
Carrier (for smaller dogs)
Training crate
Dog bed or box with warm blanket or towel
Dog toothbrush
https://www.adoptapet.com/blog/puppy-manual/