When you bring home a new pet, you take the time to help them acclimatize to their new surroundings. They can meet your family members and any other pets you may own, but you may want to wait on introducing them to your friends and neighbors. While a puppy may be excited to meet everyone, an older dog may be hesitant around strangers. At Loveland Veterinary Clinic, our team is here to help your pets stay happy and healthy, and in this post, we’ll take a look at helping your pet meet new people.
CONTROLLING THE SITUATION
If you’re taking your dog for a walk in Loveland or Fort Collins, then there’s a good chance you’re going to encounter other people and other dogs. With a new pet, you might be hesitant to let them meet another animal, and with good reason. You may still be working on obedience training, and you can never be sure how the other dog will react to your pet. You can control the situation by moving to the other side of the street or by taking another route.
If someone approaches and wants to meet your dog, then you can politely tell them that your pet is new and you’re not sure if it’s a good idea. If your dog seems excited to meet the other person, then you can allow it, but only if you feel confident that the situation is safe. If someone comes up and tries to pet your dog without asking first, then you have the right to tell them how unsafe and impolite that is. Remember, you’re the owner and you want your dog to follow your lead, not the other way around.
PEOPLE COMING TO YOUR HOUSE
One potential way to introduce your new pet to people is to have friends and neighbors come to your house. You may want to wait a few days before inviting guests, simply so that your pet can become accustomed to their new environment. With a dog, you want to make sure that they don’t jump up on or knock over any guests, and you can control that behavior by having them on a leash when people arrive. You can also put the dog in another room while your guests get settled, and then let your pet out once everyone is seated. People are there to meet your pet, so they should be prepared for any enthusiasm and/or barking.
If you adopted a new cat, then chances are your pet is going to be somewhat anti-social at first. They may come out and interact with people, but unlike a dog, they’re not going to be as enthusiastic that visitors are there. Each animal has its own personality, of course, and you may have found a cat that absolutely loves people. However, regardless of their enthusiasm or lack thereof, it’s good to let your pet make the first move. Guests shouldn’t presume to pick up your pet or try to hug it unless the animal seems comfortable with them first.
KEEP THEM HAPPY AND HEALTHY
As we mentioned before, our goal is to help keep your pet happy and healthy for many years. If you’ve just adopted an animal and you want them to meet new people and other animals, then it’s important to make sure they’re in good health. If your older dog is suffering from arthritis, or your cat has some type of internal condition, then they may not be as excited to meet new people. By having them examined and by getting them on any necessary medication, you can help them feel better and make it easier for them to feel comfortable around new people.
If you’d like to schedule an appointment at our vet clinic, then please contact us today. We look forward to meeting you and your new pet!
