8 essential steps to bringing a new dog into the farm
In this article, Arslan Hassan provides eight essential steps to bringing a new dog into the farm.
Adding a new dog is an exciting experience for both the farm owner and the dog. It is essential to take the process smoothly so they do not feel stress or discomfort.
The process needs proper planning, and you must be on your toes when making the addition.
At first, we thought how hard it could be to bring a dog to the farm until I recently visited my friend’s farm.
He explained the whole process, and that is when I realised that adding one to your farm requires proper care and planning.
This article will tell you the main steps that will help you in the longer run.
1. Prolong the process
Being a fan of dogs, you will hear that more often people saying that we love doodle dogs. Also, you may have heard the phrase, ‘slow and steady wins the race.’
Yes, the same is the case when you bring a new dog to the farm. No one likes change, whether he is a human being or a dog.
Adding a dog to a farm means that it has to survive with the other animals, which is a difficult task for any.
Before introducing to the other animals, make sure that they have visited the whole farm to get comfortable in the new surroundings.
After that, introduce the new dog to the other animals. It would take some time for them to get along, so we recommend you take the process slowly forward.
2. Praise during basic training
The main question that comes to mind while bringing a new dog to the farm is; What dog should I get for my farm? There are many breeds, but we suggest you add Border Collie or German Shepherd as they train efficiently.
The dog you are bringing to your farm must know the basic commands. The commands include sit, come, stay, stand, etc. Make sure they know these commands before starting the farm training.
To make the training process exciting and fun, including the treats and praises as part of the process. The dogs tend to learn quicker when praised or offered some rewards.
Here, we want to advise you not to rely on the rewards so much; otherwise, your dog will not obey you when you do not offer them any reward.
3. Control The excitement
The fundamental question that would come to anyone’s mind is what one wants when bringing a new dog to the farm and how to introduce a new dog to your farm? Do not worry; we will answer this question for you.
Firstly, ensure the dog knows the basic commands before starting the training. Secondly, take a round of the farm and the dog; make sure the farm is empty when the dog comes for the first time.
A new place excites everyone. A farm is a new place for the dog, which excites the dog. Make sure that you control the dog’s excitement. If the excitement goes out of hand, the dog will probably stop responding to your commands.
We advise you to take the dog to a familiar place to calm the dog in this situation. Once the dog gets back to normal, take the dog to the farm to meet other animals.
4. Behaviour with other residents
The introduction of a dog into a farm is a sensitive matter. Your dog’s behaviour with other animals means a lot, so it is essential to demarcate the boundaries.
We recommend you introduce the dog to other animals individually. Restrict them from chasing other animals because it can easily scare the other animals.
5. Introduce to smaller animals
The smaller animals need extra care, so as the farm owner, your job gets doubled. You have to look after them as well as the smaller animals. Give proper training, so he listens to you whenever they are around the smaller animals.
An excellent way to achieve the task is to use the reward method as rewards and treats attract the dog.
Moreover, if your dog is too aggressive, you should take them out for some time until he is ready to be around the smaller animals.
6. Assign a limited area
Your farm will have areas that need special care, and not every animal should be allowed to enter that area. Bringing a new dog to the farm means training them not to enter the area.
We advise you to have fenced in your farm and train them to get used to them. Proper training will help the dog realise that the areas beyond the fences are prohibited areas.
Moreover, fencing the areas leading to roads and poisonous plants can save them from serious accidents.
7. Keep the chemicals away
Many medicines are necessary for the animals on your farm. The medicines can easily attract the new dog and are very dangerous for their health.
Make sure that you train your dog correctly, so they do not try and go to the area where such treatments are given to other animals. The consumption of chemicals can cause serious health problems for your dog.
Moreover, make sure to keep your dog away from heavy machinery. It can lead to severe accidents, so it is better to restrict them to certain farm areas.
8. Fencing certain areas
Some dogs are aggressive, and as an owner, you need to be with your dog during the early days after arrival. We understand that it is hard to be with your dog all the time, so it is better to fence the farm.
Fencing is vital as it can prevent contact with any big animal like a cow or sheep. Some dogs are aggressive, and it can lead to loss of life.
Conclusion:
If we have to sum up the whole process of bringing a new dog into the farm, it will be planning.
Take the steps of fencing, assign separate rooms where the medication is provided, and dispose of the waste before bringing a dog into the farm.
The steps mentioned above will help you train and introduce a new dog into the farm safely.
Contact That’s Farming by emailing – [email protected]
