Dogs are natural roamers. As dog owners, we know how much they love their walks and chances to explore. Now that spring-like weather is in the forecast, here are a few ideas on how to jumpstart your senior pet’s lifestyle.

March is the month to move! When the weather permits, take your dog for walks. If your schedule allows, try several short walks to break up the day for your dog and gives you more time together. People and animals tend to go into hibernation mode during the winter. Getting out and stretching muscles is healthy…for you and your dog!

It’s a great time to learn! Now is a great time to brush up on basic obedience and even more advanced skills. This opportunity is the perfect way to stretch your dog’s mental muscles. Find a local obedience class – ask us for recommendations! They will reinforce fundamental commands such at sit, watch me, leave it, down, down-settle, wait/stay, and recall skills. Making training a fun game is key to getting your dog to respond and to want to “work” for you.   
                                                                                  
Try a flirt pole! A great toy that has a couple of benefits for exercise, play and training is called a Flirt Pole (Google it!). This toy is extremely interactive. You can use it to allow your dog to run, have a goal to catch something, and it is an excellent tool to use for training. With more advanced training, it even has the potential to help dogs with higher prey drives and self-control. It is basically a sturdier, larger version of a Fling-Ama-String cat toy (i.e. cat toys on a string). You will need some space to use this toy. It can help expend energy quickly. You can even use it outside in your yard. You can buy them online, but they are also easy to make yourself. All the supplies needed are available at places like Lowes or Home Depot and it is significantly cheaper to DIY. The most challenging part is picking out a special toy that is used only when using the Flirt Pole. Your dog may even enjoy picking the perfect toy!

Window watching works! If your dog doesn’t get carsick, take your pup for a ride. Most dogs love them. Watching the world through a window can peak curiosity and fulfill their want to be out and about, which can appease boredom.

Fido field trips are fun! If your senior dog is people-friendly, many Lowes and Home Depot stores allow dogs into their buildings. Often the rule is: if they fit into the cart, they may come in. (I have taken my 80lb dog into Home Depot and plopped her into a cart!). Some Barnes and Noble bookstores welcome dogs, and all Tractor Supply stores allow dogs. Each store has different rules regarding animals. Please call ahead and learn each individual stores policies and guidelines. Of course, there are always the more traditional places like PetSmart, Petco, Petagogy, and other pet supply stores that welcome dog-friendly dogs.

Get creative inside! If the weather is just too extreme to venture outside (cold OR hot), you and your pup can have some fun indoors. Playing chase with each other, tug (with appropriate rules and boundaries), hide & seek, and other games you have created can decrease boredom and provide some much-needed mental and physical stimulation. These types of games allow you and your dog to be interactive and even have some special bonding time with each other without the distractions that the world outside creates. Your dog will love it (and you) for putting in the extra time to play.
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Dogs love puzzles! Your dog can also be happy stretching brain muscles. You can find professionally-made dog puzzles at pet supply stores or online. If you’re feeling creative, though, you can make puzzles out of pizza boxes, regular boxes, or even hiding treats around the house. For more specific ideas, use Google. Be sure to use low-calorie treats for these types of games and training. 

Dogs and Unfamiliar People. Never assume your dog will welcome every person into your home. It is critical that you pay attention to your dog's body language. If you notice that your beloved pet is stressed – by heavily panting, hiding, or nervously yawning – guide your dog to a safe, quiet space. Never force your dog to interact with anyone. It is also up to you to make sure your guests respect your dog. You are your pet’s voice and protector.

If your dog is a “jumper” or gets excited easily, try leashing your dog before someone walks through the door. This technique allows you to have some control while your dog greets your guests. Also, you may treat your dog after well-mannered greetings to enforce polite behavior. Once your dog is settled, have your guests randomly treat your dog while visiting, so they can build a positive relationship with each other. Leashing your dog and having a greeting outside of your home can also be a great idea to meet an unfamiliar guest, as long as your dog has had positive leash experiences in the past.

​In many instances, separating your dog is the best way to give your pet time to observe and adjust. If you are able to gate your dog in an area to see and smell your visitors, it can create a positive interaction from afar.

While your dog is separated, allow appropriate space for relaxing. If your dog is settled enough, and you trust your guests, have them toss your dog a few treats in the area or crate. You may then let your dog out, making sure to break up vising time, allowing your dog intermittent breaks and rest. Breaks will help your dog absorb the environment in manageable increments.

Please remind your guests, including parents of younger children, to allow your dog to sniff them before they stick their hands out to the dog or bend down to pet your pup. Ask them to “ignore” your dog for a few minutes. Give your dog the opportunity to get used to new visitors.

If your dog does not adjust well with unfamiliar people, give your dog a secluded, comfortable, calm place to rest. Keeping a radio or TV on will help drown out the stressful noise of people coming in and out of the house. Check in on your pup periodically.

Dogs and Dinner Time. Your dog may be used to the “house rules” on a regular day when you are eating, but with guests in the home and lots of delicious food being served or sitting around, your dog's senses may go into overload. Remind your guests not to feed your dog from the table and only give treats or regular dog food with permission. If your dog does not have good self-control when humans are eating, it may be best to separate your dog from the table during dinner. It also may help to either feed your pet before or when the meal is served, so your dog will already be full or occupied with doggie dinnertime.

​Cats and New People. Often, cats will initially hide when they are stressed. Let them come around on their own time. If they choose not to visit, check in on them periodically. You may even be able to secure them in a quiet room, away from the commotion. Never force them to greet visitors.

​Also, avoid having cats jump on counters or tables where food is being served. Not only is it unsanitary, but your guests may not appreciate your sweet cat's kitty-litter paws walking on the same surface as their dinner. 

Ask the Trainer is a new SPAAR resource where pet owners can ask our trainers questions about their furry family members. They cover a variety of topics, including aging pet ailments to senior enrichment programs. The first segment of Ask the Trainer will highlight the special moment of adopting a senior animal. 

Introducing a new pet, at any age, takes time, patience, and love. When bringing a newly adopted pet into your home, a few simple steps will make the transition easier, for both owners and animals. Animal trainer Lacey Grundler answers some frequently asked questions on the subject.

How would you suggest a family prepare for their new senior adoption?
Discuss with family members and others you know will be involved with the animal's care and decide who will be responsible for what aspects of that care. All animals thrive on consistency in their daily schedule. Consistency will not only benefit the transition of all animals involved, but also your friends and family. This consistency needs to begin even before the animal becomes a permanent part of your home.

What kind of items should be discussed?
Prepare a plan. Ask questions. Will your dog be crated when you are away? When and where will mealtime happen? Who will walk the dog? Will your dog sleep in bed with you or have its own bed? Is kitty allowed on the kitchen counter tops? Where will you place a litterbox? These are some general questions and situations that need to be addressed before your newly adopted pet comes home.

How do I bring a new animal into my home with the least amount of stress?
For a dog, walk it through your home and outside on a leash. Allow the dog to sniff and discover the new surroundings. Show the dog where to go to the bathroom. Show the dog its sleeping area and where the toys are kept.

When bringing a new cat home, it's best to place the cat in a room alone, instead of letting it immediately roam free. Cats usually take some extra time adjusting to new environments in comparison to dogs and can also become overwhelmed much more easily. Show the cat where all litter boxes are located and where the food and water is placed.

How do I introduce a newly adopted pet to my resident pet?
When introducing a newly adopted pet to a pet that is already living in your home, there are a few steps to help the greeting to go smoothly. First make sure all other animals are placed in a location where they cannot run up to the new pet immediately. 

To introduce a new cat to a resident cat, allow them to initially greet each other by sniffing and communicating through a closed door. Cats can sometimes be territorial when a new cat or dog enters the home. This approach allows the kitties to get to know one another before being physically introduced and can often reduce stress and negative territorial behaviors, often triggered by the stress of the situation. When all cats appear calm - sometimes it may take a few days - open the door and supervise their physical greeting. If either animal appears overly stressed, remove them from each other, give them more time, and try again once they have calmed down. 

For dogs, it is best to introduce them to each other in a neutral area. Please note that there should always be an introduction before any adoption occurs, which should be supervised by an experienced rescue or shelter staff or appropriately trained volunteer. Some examples of neutral areas include the sidewalk in front of your home, at a friend’s house, or going for a short walk. Constantly supervise their interactions for several weeks. It is typically a good idea to separate them when you are unable to supervise them.

What are the signs of stress to be aware of?
Being aware of what your pet is trying to tell you is critical, especially when introducing a new pet into the home. Many signs are obvious, such as loose stools. However many more are not, and unless you have a trained eye to see signs of stress and anxiety, oftentimes they go missed.

Dogs communicate with humans and other animals mostly through body language. Common examples of stress in a dog are: panting heavily, drooling, hiding, "hunkering down" to make itself appear smaller, avoiding eye contact, and making direct eye contact if they are pushed past its threshold and feel threatened.

If a cat is stressed, the common signs they will display often include: hiding, panting, hissing, avoiding interaction with people and other animals, growling, not eating or drinking normally, going to the bathroom outside of the litter box, dilated pupils, avoiding eye contact, swatting at whomever tries to interact with it, puffing up its hair to appear intimidating to whatever is causing the stress or anxiety, and sometimes even scratching and biting.

Showing these signs (with exceptions to biting or injuring a person or another animal, in most situations) is healthy.  Be open to learn what triggers stress in your pet, and act accordingly to help reduce the anxiety. There are many techniques that can help reduce stress and anxiety. Contact a qualified trainer or behaviorist to understand any situation that concerns you.

Any suggestions for strengthening the bond of a newly adopted dog with me?
Starting a basic obedience training class, no matter how old, not only helps to develop a polite dog, but also has many benefits of creating a bond between the two of you. These classes allow you and the dog to communicate and understand each other’s wants, needs and emotions. As with any new situation, take it slow and be patient, as it can be pretty stressful adjusting to a new life!