14/12/2022
If you’re adding a new pet to your whanau over Christmas (for the life of the pet of course) - here’s some very helpful advice from the guru, Mark Vette - Animal Behaviourist
If you’re getting a pup this Christmas season, keep in mind what a huge transition it is for your pup to come from their mother’s den and their littermates to your home.
This big period of adjustment coincides with a fear imprint period, meaning your pup will be more sensitive to new things and experiences and more prone to frights.
Your home is a whole new environment full of unknown smells, noises, objects and experiences and your pup is experiencing so many firsts. Pups can easily develop site aversion so you want to ensure your pup’s new home feels like a place of safety and comfort.
The best thing you can do is make sure you create a calm, relaxed atmosphere, particularly for those first few days. Watch out for loud noises and ensure children are calm and not too noisy around the new pup. Include smells from the pup’s previous den/breeder if possible.
Be wary about:
- Having big crowds of people over for Christmas
- Taking your pup with you to Christmas events that may be crowded or noisy
- Going away from home during the holidays when your pup is still settling in (another big transition may be tough if your pup is very young)
Christmas can be a great time of year to get a pup when you’re off on holiday, just be conscious that you want things to be as calm and settled as possible for your new little one!
