G U E S T C O L U M N I S T | A B I G A I L W I T T H A U E R
Home FOR THE Howlidays Photo courtesy of Abigail Witthauer
I start to get a little giddy around the
beginning of December. One of the great
joys of my career is that I know, come
of puppies at my dog training facility,
Roverchase, in Pelham. Here are a few tips
for how to make your new canine friend
the most successful in your home after the
holidays. If each and every one of my clients
followed these tips, we would all have a
much more peaceful New Year!
(Disclaimer: This article is not meant to
discuss the pros and cons of bringing a new
family member into your home as a holiday
is a responsible choice for your family. This
article is to help you make good choices once
you have already decided to bring a new dog
home for the holidays.)
MAKE A FOREVER HOME
The American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
recommends that every dog, regardless of
age, be enrolled immediately in positive
reinforcement classes. This increases the
likelihood of dogs staying in their new home
by 80 percent.
Ideally, enroll your dog in classes before
you bring your new dog home. Classes with
a reputable positive reinforcement trainer
should be as important to your supply list
as food bowls, toys, and a veterinarian visit.
PUPPY KINDERGARTEN
The American Veterinary Society for
Animal Behavior, the Pet Professional
Guild, The ASPCA, and the Association
of Professional Dog Trainers—among
puppies begin a Puppy Kindergarten group
of their age or vaccine status (as long as
they have had at least 1 DHPP vaccine).
FIND A GOOD TRAINER
Remember that the use of intimidation,
force, or fear is against the most basic
ethical standards of dog training and
behavior as set forth by the American
Animal Hospital Association. For a great
article about how to choose a dog trainer,
visit this link: https://bit.ly/2M9xx9M.
FIND A GOOD VET
Ask your breeder, rescue, or shelter for
veterinarian recommendations. Also, ask
friends and family for referrals. Take your
pet in for a New Pet Check appointment
within 72 hours of bringing him or her
home.
Bringing home a new four-legged family
member is a big decision not to be taken
lightly. When planned for and chosen
responsibly, a holiday hound can be a
wonderful gift that brings your family joy for
many years. I wish each and every one of you
a lovely holiday and a peaceful new year!
Abigail Witthauer owns Roverchase in Pelham, Alabama, a luxury dog training, daycare, and
and has been training animals professionally for 17 years. Abigail lives in Pelham with her
spouse, Service Dog Macallan, pet dogs, hairless cat, ferret, and pet pig. Follow her on social
media at @Mac.and.Abi.
6 Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com
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