Tips for A Successful Adoption

Introductions & Socializing

Dog parks are a no-no. At least until you know your dog very well. It is stressful for many dogs to go into those little fenced-in city dog parks. They have nowhere to run or hide. As they are in a new home, their stress should be minimized before going to places like dog parks.

If you already have a dog, please introduce them to each other on neutral territory, and remember that the driveway is not neutral enough so take them to a park or a school playground for their first meeting.

Do not feed the two close to each other.  Use separate rooms, so they do not quarrel.  Some dogs do not like a newcomer taking their toys and possessions. Be aware that with more than one dog pecking order will need to be established sooner or later.

Bonding With Your New Dog

Some dogs may seem depressed for a few days after being separated from their long-time owners.  Give them time to mourn, and to adjust.  They have to learn a whole new set of rules with you.  They may feel more secure if you are around to speak quietly to them.  They may bond more quickly if you give them a piece of your clothing to sleep with--like an old T-shirt that has your scent.  A relaxed dog will lie, stretched out, on its side.  A dog still on guard, or apprehensive, is more apt to stay on its belly, head on paws.  Spend time learning your dog’s body language; it is doing the same with you!

Try to be with the dog for the first few days, if possible.  Even house-trained dogs sometimes have lapses in a new environment, especially when stressed. They may also exhibit some negative behaviors for the first week or two, e.g., barking, chewing, whining, restlessness, or the occasional growl if the dog feels its personal space is being invaded.

Completing a training class can help with bonding.  I recommend starting obedience training within the first three weeks of bringing your dog home. Give the dog those three weeks to bond with you, settle in to its new home and establish a feeling of belonging. Then take the dog to group classes. Private, in-home classes are not recommended unless there is a specific issue that needs to be worked on without other dogs present.

Watch for Health Issues

Ridgebacks may have ear problems.  Check the ears for redness, or other signs of irritation.  Be alert for head-shaking, ear-scratching, or a foul odor. Be aware that diet is indeed an issue with allergies in dogs. You will want to feed your dog a corn and wheat-free diet from the start.

Gastric Dilation - Volvulus (commonly called “bloat”) is seen in many deep chested dogs, but can be seen in any dog really. It occurs when the dog’s stomach fills with gas, and starts to expand like a balloon. In an attempt to relieve the discomfort, the dog will walk around or roll on the ground. This may cause the stomach to flip over (torsion), thereby closing off the entrance and exit of the stomach. With that closure, the dog cannot vomit or have a bowel movement and the gas in the gut gets worse as does the pain.

The dog will circle, roll whine, try to vomit but cannot. This is an EMERGENCY. At this stage your dog is in danger of dying without immediate treatment. If treated quickly, surgery is possible and the stomach can often be flipped back and tacked to the abdominal wall (Gastropexy). The dog can still bloat in the future, but the stomach cannot flip.

Bloat is often caused by exercise too close before or after feeding time. It is a good idea to keep your dog quiet for at least 15 minutes prior to a meal and at least 45 minutes after they eat. Stress could also be a factor in bloat as can drinking a lot of water.