The Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Bringing Your Rescue Home

November 23, 2018 0

So, you finally took the plunge. You’ve opted to adopt and now you almost have to bring your new best friend home. A lot of […]

7 Arguments for Opting to Adopt a Dog

October 27, 2018 0

While a lot of people would rather buy a puppy than adopt an older rescue dog, there is much to learn from this process. And, […]

Five Inspirational Ways You Can Help a Shelter and Become a Volunteer

July 25, 2018 0

Many of us want to get involved in helping others or helping animals, but we never have the time to do so. Either that, or […]

The Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Bringing Your Rescue Home

November 23, 2018 Open Paws Pet Rescue Adoption, Shelter 0

So, you finally took the plunge. You’ve opted to adopt and now you almost have to bring your new best friend home. A lot of people are under the impression that it is not necessary to apply specific training or commands to shelter dogs. This is however not the case. Just like you would let your new puppy know that biting the couch is not acceptable, you need to let your new rescue know that certain behavior is not allowed.

In this article, we uncover common mistakes people make when they take their adopted dog home for the very first time.

1. Allowing Certain Liberties

If you bring your new rescue home and he gets on the couch, you’ll allow it because he needs some comfort after being in a shelter. Instead of allowing liberties you would otherwise not, calmly point out that it is unacceptable behavior. Point your new pup in the direction of the space where he is allowed to get comfy and if he stays, praise and reward him.

2. Not Getting into a Routine

Your new buddy looks chilled, so you don’t have to worry about taking him out for walks too often. Don’t do this. It is important that you establish a routine where exercise and stimulation is included from the get-go. This will ensure that once your new friend has settled in, they’ll be able to adapt and continue as normal.

3. Not Enforcing Boundaries

While you may think that your new best friend needs to have some freedom after being kept in a cage, this is not the case. Enforcing boundaries will teach him what is acceptable behavior. Dogs need structure and boundaries to learn what is acceptable behavior. Letting a new rescue to his own devices may lead to chaos.

4. Spoiling Him Rotten

This goes for treats, toys and just about any other liberties they may want to take at their new home. Allowing your new rescue these things will only result in catastrophe with you not knowing how to control his behavior. For example, chew treats like bully sticks are your pet’s favorite but that doesn’t mean that you’ll give him multiple sticks in a day. Be sure to show enough attention and allowing them to have specific items at pre-determined times.

5. Allowing Free Reign

Allowing free reign on doing whatever he pleases means allowing him to be attached to you, giving you kisses, jumping up and other types of behavioral problems. Curb this problem from the get-go by providing your new pooch with his own space and allowing him to observe how things are done. Don’t get overly excited and praise him only when he does something that adheres to house rules.

It’s very easy to fall in the trap of allowing certain liberties when you’re bringing home a rescue dog. Avoid falling in this trap and recognize the reality that even though he too needs love and support, he also needs to understand the dynamics and what is acceptable behavior.

Here’s another informative article on how to set boundaries if you need some extra tips and advice.

Essential Dog Care Tips & How Bully Sticks for Dogs can Keep Pets Healthy

October 28, 2018 Open Paws Pet Rescue Care, Education 0

While some would consider it common knowledge, not everyone knows how to care for their best friends. The more information available, the bigger the chances that we curb animal abuse and negligence.

In this post we focus on the top eight need-to-know tips on how to care for your dog. If you know someone who needs to learn the basics, please spread the word!

1. Vet Visits and Vaccinations

A lot of people want to get pets but never think about the ongoing costs and responsibility. You’ll need to take your new best bud to the vet for annual vaccinations and other cases. You need to keep a close eye on him to notice when he is not feeling well so that he can get the necessary medical attention.

2. Nutrition is Important

Fresh food and water are as important to your dog as it is to you. Be sure you provide a nutritious meal at least twice to three times a day. He also needs access to fresh water. That means you need to keep his bowl clean and refill it whenever it is empty. Aside from his meals, make sure that his chew treats are not made of sinister-sounding ingredients. Consider giving him all-natural bully sticks for dogs. These chew treats are one-ingredient, super delicious, long-lasting and safe treats that support your dog’s mental and dental health.

3. Regular Exercise for Stimulation

Taking your dog for a walk is not only good for him, but it is good for you too. He gets to be outdoors with his best buddy, and burn some energy while he is at it. Some breeds require even more exercise to keep them healthy and their brains sharp. Take him for a walk at least once a day, he’ll thank you for it!

4. Training and Discipline

Just like you won’t leave a child unsupervised, you won’t just get a dog keeping your fingers crossed and hoping for the best. Training is important for both of you to understand one another better. This will also ensure that he understands and listens to your commands.

5. Spaying and Neutering

Even though there is a myth about spaying and neutering being bad for pets, it is good for them. Firstly, there is no risk of any ‘unwanted’ litters ending up in shelters and secondly, he’ll be much healthier. You should book your dog’s spay or neuter appointment the moment you get him.

6. Make Time for Him

Dogs are social creatures and need some time and attention from you. A lot of people are excited about getting a dog and as soon as he’s fully grown, lose interest in spending time with them. Always ensure you have some time to bond with him and give him your full attention.

7. Keep Him on a Leash Outdoors

When you go for walks, you are likely to come across other dogs and dog owners. Your dog’s instinct would be to say hi and might even run towards people and other dogs. Keeping him on a leash is not only for people’s peace of mind but also for your furchild’s safety.

8. Shower Him with Love

Lastly, you need to show your dog that you love and cherish him. A lot of the time rescue animals did not suffer physical abuse, but neglect in the sense that they were left to their own devices. Don’t be that person. Show your dog you love him and that he’s a part of the family just as much as everyone else.

Having a furry companion is not just something to share on Instagram. It takes a lot of effort, patience and responsibility. It can however be a very rewarding experience. Not sure what to feed your dog? Read this insightful piece on basic nutrition by Cesar Milan.

7 Arguments for Opting to Adopt a Dog

October 27, 2018 Open Paws Pet Rescue Adoption, Shelter 0

While a lot of people would rather buy a puppy than adopt an older rescue dog, there is much to learn from this process. And, while you want to get a new addition to your family, why not get a rescue dog instead of supporting a breeder?

If you are thinking of getting a furry best friend, here are seven reasons why you should think about adopting one.

#1: Money Can’t Buy Love

You’ll probably have to cough up quite a lot of money if you buy a new puppy. And you’ll have to foot all the vet bills too. Adopting a dog will cost you much less than buying one would. In return for this great act of love and kindness, you’ll get a loyal companion for life.

#2: Vaccinations Already Covered

In the majority of cases, shelters take care of vaccinations and neuters or spaying and this would be included in your adoption bill. This is however not the case when you buy a puppy from a puppy mill. You would have to go to the vet and have everything done on top of paying a ridiculous amount for your pup.

#3: Housetraining is Covered

This is not necessarily true in all cases, but in most cases, it is. Usually, dogs given up for adoption at rescues and shelters come from homes where they have gone through training. If you are adopting an older fellow or lady, you won’t have to go through the process of potty training them either.

#4: You’ll be Sticking it to Puppy Mills

By not supporting the industry, you’ll be sticking it to them. Those who buy dogs online or from pet stores are more than likely to get dogs from puppy mills. If you opt for adoption, your money will not go to them and feed the horrible sick cycle of puppy mills.

#6: You’ll be Helping Others

It’s quite simple. Firstly, by adopting you are lifting the weight at the shelter and making space for any newcomers or strays. Secondly, the money you pay for your adopted buddy will go directly towards housing, feeding, medical costs, and other expenses to cover for other rescues in the shelter.

#7: You’ll Save a Life

Lastly, you will save the life of a helpless animal. Statistics show that there are 2.7 million rescue animals euthanized annually because they did not find a loving home. When you adopt a dog, you will actively save his life by providing him with a second chance at a forever home.

Are you inspired to adopt your very first rescue? Maybe you need some more inspiration. Read this tear-jerking story about a great initiative that provides food for dogs of the homeless.If you are ready to take the plunge and adopt, check out PETAs list of adoptable pets.

4 Helpful Tips on Welcoming a Rescue into Your home

August 11, 2018 Open Paws Pet Rescue Dog, Rescue 0

Are you thinking about adopting a rescue dog? Do you suspect that its previous owners abused the dog? Even though adopting him is a step in the right direction, it can be a slow and difficult path to rehabilitation. It will take some time and patience, and loads of cuddles and love too.

In this article, we’ll share some helpful tips on how you can make the process easier on both you and the new doggy.

#1: Book an Appointment with Your Vet

Your rescue animal would more than likely have undergone a medical check before you took him home. But, it’s best to book an appointment with your veterinarian anyway. This should be done within the first two weeks of him joining your household. Be sure to inquire about a specific diet and other health issues you may want to address.

#2: Investigate Their Behavior Closely

You will have no idea what it is your new addition had gone through when you get home. Be sure to note on specific habits and ticks to get to know him a bit better. This will help you understand his behavior and his history too. And, you will know what kind of food or treats he likes, whether he’s afraid of loud noises or if he suffers from separation anxiety.

#3: Apply Housetraining if Necessary

Do it anyway. When taking in a rescued dog, you’ll have absolutely no idea (in most cases) where he came from or what exactly his history is. You won’t know his previous circumstances or know whether or not he’s been housetrained. Go through the motions as you would with a new puppy, rewarding him for good behavior with treats, praises, and cuddles.

#4: Be Patient

Not every adoption case is going to be the same. As long as you are patient with him, you should do fine. But take care and be extra patient because it may take a bit longer for your rescue to adapt and accept his new living conditions. Reward him for good behavior, shower him with love and praises and do what you can to make him feel loved and accepted.

There are so many doggos who are up for adoption at rescues and shelters around the world. Whatever the reason they find themselves here is irrelevant. The fact that they deserve a second chance in finding a forever home filled with love is. If you have space and love to share, consider adopting a rescue. Here’s a list with some of the best shelters and rescues in California you can contact today.

Five Inspirational Ways You Can Help a Shelter and Become a Volunteer

July 25, 2018 Open Paws Pet Rescue Shelter, Volunteer 0

Many of us want to get involved in helping others or helping animals, but we never have the time to do so. Either that, or we don’t have the foggiest of where to start. Shelters are often short-staffed, with little to no budget to work with. A lot of the time the animals in their care have to get medical attention, which is funded by those kind-hearted souls willing to sponsor money.

If you have always wanted to help a shelter, but are not in the position to provide financial support, there are many other ways you can help out. In this post we’ll take a look at some of these.

1. Spread Some Flyers

Shelters very seldom have the workforce to take care of every aspect of a business, even more so when it comes to marketing. Why not volunteer your time and hand out some of your local shelter’s flyers around town?

2. Use Your Talents

Everyone has a talent that they can make available to shelters. If you are a whizz at social media, why not volunteer to run your local shelter’s profiles? If you are a designer you can help them with marketing or building their website.

3. Volunteer to Walk Dogs

As mentioned, shelters rarely have enough staff to take care of mundane things like taking the dogs for walks. They might be so full that they can’t get around to taking all of the dogs. You can help them out and volunteer to walk some of the dogs if you have the time.

4. Visit Shelters to Pet Animals

Shelter animals are always in need of some extra care and attention. The circumstances at shelters are also not always allowing every animal to get the love and affection they need and crave. Dedicate some of your time and spend some time petting or playing with some of the animals.

5. Share Adoption Profiles

There are thousands of animals up for adoption, if not millions, around the globe. If every person would share one adoption profile on their social media account, chances are someone they know will be interested in adopting.

If you are a fellow animal lover, you would understand how much time shelter staff spend in something they care about. Thank them for their hard work. If you can, always opt to adopt. Unfortunately, there is a stigma that surrounds shelter dogs. Read what Cesar Milan says about the myths of shelter dogs.

Let’s help bust these myths and support shelters all over the US!