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You are here: Home / Blog / The Adjustment Period

The Adjustment Period

February 1, 2018 by CVRR

Adding to your home with any new addition there is a need of an adjustment period. Many people think its love at first sight and it all falls into place. Whether this is a new relationship, baby, or a new dog (or cat). But it’s not gonna be easy. Maybe at first it all feels perfect or maybe from the beginning there’s a learning curve. You are learning the language of the other person/animal.

I’m gonna go with the new baby analogy since we’ll my daughter just 9 days old 😜 I’ve loved this girl for 10 months. But now I get to meet her! I’m learning what her hunger cues are, sleepy cues, Mom change my diaper cues and so much more. Every noise has a meaning. I may not know what it is right away so we work together to discover it.

Much like many adopters they fall in love with the picture now they get to know the dog. We are upfront about personalities to the extent of what we know. But This dog doesn’t know your house rules or your language. My one dog thought down meant “get off” took us forever to discover to teach him lay “down” we had to say “flat”. It’s changing my language but working WITH the dog on good skills.

Just as I’m learning my babies cues you get to learn to learn the cues of the new dog. There can be frustrating times in any new addition, but it’s about working through them. Believe me 3am this morning I wanted to throw in the towel…ok I just cried a little with her when I wasn’t sure what her need was. But instead we worked together to figure it out.

As for adopting an animal with CVRR we believe that animal is ALWAYS a CVRR animal. That means when you feel like giving up reach out. Reach out for help before that point. Those moments that your frustrated ask for help or better yet read the adoption packet (14 pages) of wonderful knowledge written by Laura. It covers potty training, acclimating to a house, leash training, crate training, counter surfing etc!

We want both people and animal to be happy we want this to be a lasting relationship. Learn from each other and know even if the first few days and weeks are perfect both human and dog can mess up and there may be times of frustration. Heck my dog a week or two before I had my daughter decided to counter surf and eat 13 cupcakes!! She’s 8 and hasn’t done that in years, but she decided she needed some funfetti cupcakes to 🤷🏻‍♀️

So learn the language of your new addition. When frustrated seek help. Don’t give up.

If you are adopting from CVRR reach out. We’re here to help!!

-Kalea (if you want an adorable baby pic see below 😍)

Oh this is Bear. He is great with kids and other dogs and gets along with the resident kitty. To see him and more adoptable animals, click here.

Filed Under: Blog

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Central Virginia Regional Rescue

1 day ago

Central Virginia Regional Rescue
**Bella - SPICY Diva**Bella is a 2-year-old chorkie (Yorkie + Chihuahua), which basically means she comes pre-loaded with confidence, loyalty, and just a touch of “I run this house.” 😄 Please DO NOT APPLY FOR HER WITHOUT READING HER FULL PROFILE. Yorkies were bred to be bold little hunters, and Chihuahuas are famously devoted to their person—so when you combine the two, you get a dog who is loving, alert, and… >>>very selective.Bella doesn’t do “strangers.” She does “approved guests only,” and even that list can change without notice. One person walks in? She’s in love. The next? She’s launching a full investigation… starting with your shoes. And yes—we mean that literally--a full on attack of the shoes! If Bella doesn’t like you, your shoes are not safe. 😅There is no clear pattern to who she chooses. Bella simply loves who she loves—and if she doesn’t, she will let you know quickly. ***She may also go after another small dog if she’s not pleased, so she will need careful management, slow introductions, or to be the only pet in the home.***Now the flip side—when Bella chooses you? She is all in. 💛You’ll have a fiercely loyal, ride-or-die cuddle buddy who will happily claim her spot next to you on the sofa and take her job as your personal security system very seriously.The fine print (because Bella insists):! Must be willing to actively socialize and manage her OR! Be comfortable crating her when guests visit! Must understand she may be protective, reactive, and unpredictable with new people! Must be prepared to manage interactions with other small dogs! Must accept that Bella is the one conducting the interviewsThe perks:✔️ Crates like a pro✔️ Loves snuggling (on her terms, of course)✔️ Enjoys chasing tennis balls and chewing on Kong toys✔️ Big personality in a tiny, scruffy packageBella isn’t just looking for a home—she’s looking for her person.And trust us… she will let you know if that person is you.Apply if you’re ready to be chosen.Because Bella? She ain’t playin’. 😎🐶 ... See MoreSee Less

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Central Virginia Regional Rescue

1 week ago

Central Virginia Regional Rescue
Apply for him at cvrrescue.org 💕 ... See MoreSee Less

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Central Virginia Regional Rescue

2 weeks ago

Central Virginia Regional Rescue
We're celebrating two adoptions this week! 🥳 Happy tails to Truffle and Twix, and congratulations to their new family. 💕 ... See MoreSee Less

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