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FODS Shelter Initiative 
Education information in conjunction with our Canine Behaviour Shelter Courses
All the articles on this page are directly related to adopting a shelter dog. We hope they will help inform you before you decide to get a shelter dog and also help your new addition to settle into your home.
THANK YOU for giving a shelter dog a home!

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SEE SOME PICTURES OF THE DOGS BEING WORKED ON AND THE WORK WE ARE DOING

FIND OUT ABOUT THE FOTD SHELTER 
INITIATIVE AND HOW IT CAME ABOUT & HOW YOU CAN HELP US TO GROW THIS DREAM

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The first 2-3 weeks when a dog goes to a new home are crucial (known as the Honeymoon period).  It is during this period that if the dog has any behaviour problems they are likely to be surpressed, or occur at low frequency and intensity due to the dogs insecurity. This is also the ideal time for new owners to set in place House Rules, so that the dog knows exactly where it stands and what is, and is not allowed. ​

We have supplied you with articles on Before Getting a new Addition as well as After Getting the new addition

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2 Great Free e-books to help you with Pups, complements of Dr. Ian Dunbar
www.dogstardaily.com

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Meet your Match - Questionnaire for helping to match dogs and new owners - this can be used by potential new owners and also by shelters/rescue centres, to help to match dog and new owner. 

A Questionnaire for you to complete BEFORE you decide to get a pup or dog. The questions are based on the common reasons people surrender their dogs. Please put the thought deserved into the decision to take a living being into your home, one who could be with you for well over 15 years of age. 

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​    Articles on AFTER getting the new addition

• Honeymoon Period 
• ​Trigger stacking: how we set our dogs up to fail
• ​Our Recommended 'Must Have' List for a new dog or Puppy
• The first two weeks with your new dog (Open Paw)
• How we can set up a dog to fail
• De-stressing, Physical & Mental Stimulation
• Introducing a shelter dog to existing dogs in the home
• Introducing a puppy to existing dogs
• Introducing Dogs and Cats 
• Training a shelter dog
• New shelter dog is not settling down
• ​10 Tips for problem behaviours
• Should my dog wear a collar at home?
• Punishment has no place in the teaching phase
• You & your pup - 1st few days
• Body Language - understanding your dog better  
• Children and dogs

Have a look at both our

Dog Breed Section
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​and also our

Compatibility Match Section
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which may help in your final decision 

• Articles on BEFORE getting the new addition

• Before Getting a Pup & Choosing a Pup
• Breeders - a 'must read' to further your knowledge
• Choosing a shelter dog
• Knowing your breed BEFORE you get your pup/dog
• Double Trouble - why you should not have 2 pups together
• Getting a 2nd dog - Pro's & Con's​
• Why are pet adoption fees so expensive?
• Adopting and Caring for Rescue Animals
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Happy Tails is the only website in SA bringing you incredible and heart-warming animal stories with happy endings. It is dedicated to proving that animal welfare is an important part of our country, and that animals from these organisations are beautiful, healthy, and adoptable.