Dear Dog Lover,

FDC Gets a Call from NBC6

Yes - that's right!  For those of you who might have missed our 5 minutes of fame you can watch it now - click here.  Joanna & JJ were interviewed by Kelly Craig on the South Florida Today Show January 20th.  JJ (aka Mr. Social) was the BIGGER hit at the NBC station - saying hello to everyone he could! 

Introducing Your New Dog

You've already got a pack of your own, but you've decided to add another canine to your brood.  Here's how:

Whether it's a new puppy, or an older dog, a successful intro is key to the beginning of the relationship. Below are some pointers to make sure that the fur doesn't start flying and everyone will eventually be one happy family!

Before the Intro

• Tire the dogs out with vigorous exercise.  With contentedly worn-out dogs there is a better chance of a successful meeting, than two dogs bursting with energy.
• Make sure all toys are absent from the area to cut down on aggression and guarding incidents.
• Decide on a neutral place (preferably outside) where the dogs will have less of an opportunity to feel anxious, defensive or territorial.  The area should be large, open and preferably fenced.  Don't introduce in a spot where one dog might guard or feel trapped, such as a car, crate, home or backyard.
• Have a friend or family member present so that each dog has a person who is "in control" of each leashed dog.  It's best not to include the kids for this first meeting.

During the Intro

• Remain very calm, keep both dogs on a loose leash and let them greet each other - sniffing is normal.  Each person who has the dog on leash should circle around so the dogs don't realize they are "on leash".  As soon as you feel that the dogs are doing ok - drop the leash and let the dogs continue - if they want to play, allow them to, only interfering if the play gets too rough or you sense aggression from either dog.
• During the entire process, remember to reinforce both/all dogs for calm appropriate behavior.  If you have more than two dogs to introduce, introduce the two dogs and after that is successful, begin with the 3rd dog and add each dog after that.

After the Intro

• If you're trying to bring a puppy and older dog together, use extra caution to ensure that no physical injury or psychological trauma is brought to the puppy. 
• For the first couple of days (or even weeks), make sure the two dogs are physically separated when you are not home to supervise them and when feeding them - keep them separated too.
• Don't forget to spend one-on-one time with your resident dog, so he/she doesn't feel left out or misplaced by the newcomer.
• Have fun with both dogs!  Fun, group activities encourages bonding and communication between the dog and owners!

     If you've adopted your new dog from a rescue organization, or a shelter, keep in mind that he/she may be wary at first of other animals and even humans. Reassure the new dog with positive reinforcement and don't force the new dogs together. Let them get to know each other in steady, small encounters. Once everyone is comfortable with each other, and by following these simple "rules", you'll have a happy and healthy clan in no time!

Did you know? 
    February is National Pet Dental Month

     It's Valentine's Day too, so Love Your Dog this month by paying extra special attention to his teeth and gums!   Canines, like humans need routine brushing for their teeth and gums to prevent gum disease. If left untreated, plaque & tartar will build up and eventually lead to dental disease.  Bacteria from the teeth and gums can enter the bloodstream and lead to health problems affecting the lungs, heart, kidneys and liver. 
     You can be proactive and prevent periodontal disease and here's how:
Talk to Your Vet - Once they are able to examine your dog's teeth and gums they can make recommendations for your dog's specific needs (special food, raw bones, chew toys)
Brush Your Dog's Teeth - Try to make this part of your daily routine - once the dog understands that it only takes a minute - he will actually like it (trust me!).  Make sure to use a dog toothbrush and even more important - dog toothpaste!

Happy Dog Smiles

Success Stories
FDC is proud to announce two successful adoptions that were coordinated through Labrador Retreiver Rescue of Florida - LRRofF.
Congratulations dogs and your new families!

Callaway - adopted by a great family in Orlando
Bosco - adopted to a great couple in Venice