| Above and Beyond English Setter Rescue Settering In Your New English Setter |
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You’ve made up your mind to adopt an English Setter from Above & Beyond English Setter
Rescue. You’ve spent time talking to various foster parents or perhaps just the foster parents
for one dog, and you’ve made up your mind who your new family member will be. Transport has
been arranged, you are so excited and can’t wait for the big day to arrive.
Rescue. You’ve spent time talking to various foster parents or perhaps just the foster parents
for one dog, and you’ve made up your mind who your new family member will be. Transport has
been arranged, you are so excited and can’t wait for the big day to arrive.
Chances are you will get some time alone in the car with your new family member. Even if you
drove to meet your new family member at the foster family’s home, you will get a chance to
cuddle and snuggle with him/her on the way home. Take advantage of that time to do just
that, cuddle, snuggle and just let the dog get to know your scent. Of course if you have
children then they will be the lucky ones cuddling in the backseat with your new Setter.
drove to meet your new family member at the foster family’s home, you will get a chance to
cuddle and snuggle with him/her on the way home. Take advantage of that time to do just
that, cuddle, snuggle and just let the dog get to know your scent. Of course if you have
children then they will be the lucky ones cuddling in the backseat with your new Setter.
Now the fun begins. You have probably already been buying wonderful new toys, treats, food
and even beds for your new family member. If you have not purchased those yet, here are a
few suggestions. Some people use raised beds that look almost like a cot or small trampoline.
They are on a metal frame and help keep the dog off the cold hard floor. Where your Setter
sleeps will be up to you and is an individual preference. A crate for your new family member is
also recommended, as dogs see the crate as their own area and a safe place.
and even beds for your new family member. If you have not purchased those yet, here are a
few suggestions. Some people use raised beds that look almost like a cot or small trampoline.
They are on a metal frame and help keep the dog off the cold hard floor. Where your Setter
sleeps will be up to you and is an individual preference. A crate for your new family member is
also recommended, as dogs see the crate as their own area and a safe place.
There are so many wonderful toys to chose from. Your new Setters foster parents have
probably already given you an idea of what kind of toy your dog prefers. Chester and Ellie love
the stuffed squeaky toys. I took them to basic obedience class and our trainer had some
words of wisdom regarding stuffed toys. She said some dogs will follow their instincts and tear
the toy up, others will play with it and possibly chew on it, others will just play with them. If
you happen to have a dog that tears them up, don’t worry it’s natural! She did recommend
having a couple of toys on hand and if the dog does happen to do that, be prepared to take
the torn up toy away, replace it with a new one. Then take the old body and re-stuff it with
either new stuffing or the stuffing that was pulled out, sew the hole up and walla, you’ve got
another toy. There are many types of chew toys also. Your vet may be the best source for
recommendations. I can tell you we do not recommend rawhides. They can cause some
stomach troubles.
probably already given you an idea of what kind of toy your dog prefers. Chester and Ellie love
the stuffed squeaky toys. I took them to basic obedience class and our trainer had some
words of wisdom regarding stuffed toys. She said some dogs will follow their instincts and tear
the toy up, others will play with it and possibly chew on it, others will just play with them. If
you happen to have a dog that tears them up, don’t worry it’s natural! She did recommend
having a couple of toys on hand and if the dog does happen to do that, be prepared to take
the torn up toy away, replace it with a new one. Then take the old body and re-stuff it with
either new stuffing or the stuffing that was pulled out, sew the hole up and walla, you’ve got
another toy. There are many types of chew toys also. Your vet may be the best source for
recommendations. I can tell you we do not recommend rawhides. They can cause some
stomach troubles.
As far as food and treats are concerned, you should check the ingredients listed on the bag. If there is
corn or wheat listed, you should find a different brand within your budget. Corn and wheat are high in
sugar and you should try to avoid that. Setters are very high energy dogs and corn, wheat and sugar add
to that. Your vet may also be a good source for recommendations. Keep in mind that if you start feeding
something different than the foster home did, your dog’s stomach may need some time to adjust to the
change. Any time I make a food change, I do it gradually. That lessens the chance of having a reaction.
corn or wheat listed, you should find a different brand within your budget. Corn and wheat are high in
sugar and you should try to avoid that. Setters are very high energy dogs and corn, wheat and sugar add
to that. Your vet may also be a good source for recommendations. Keep in mind that if you start feeding
something different than the foster home did, your dog’s stomach may need some time to adjust to the
change. Any time I make a food change, I do it gradually. That lessens the chance of having a reaction.
Now for some tips on introducing your new Setter to the other fur members of your family. If you
happen to have another dog, the best place for an introduction is on neutral ground. Even if it’s in the
street near your home, or in a parking lot close by. Keep them both on leash and let them wander
around each other and check each other out. All the while keeping a close eye on them and making sure
there is not any growling or even an indication that a growl may be coming. If you happen to see any of
that behavior, step right in and with some gentle but firm words let them know that this is unacceptable
behavior. If it continues, then even more firmly let them know you will not tolerate the behavior. We’re
certainly hoping that the introduction goes wonderfully, but it may take some time for them to get used
to each other and figure out the “pack order”. If it really does not go well and they do not settle down
together, then you might want to consider keeping them separate for a few days. This may let them get
used to the fact that they are both, or all, in the same house and will need to learn to get along. If all
goes will with the neutral ground introduction, then I suggest taking them to your yard and letting them
go off leash and checking each other out that way. Then take your new Setter into the house and let
him/her explore a little without your other dog(s) in the house. That way he/she will feel a little
comfortable with the house. Then switch and put your new Setter out in the yard, under observation so
he/she does not escape, and your other dog(s) in the house. This should help them realize that yup, we’
re all going to live here. Last but not least bring them all inside together and hope all goes well.
happen to have another dog, the best place for an introduction is on neutral ground. Even if it’s in the
street near your home, or in a parking lot close by. Keep them both on leash and let them wander
around each other and check each other out. All the while keeping a close eye on them and making sure
there is not any growling or even an indication that a growl may be coming. If you happen to see any of
that behavior, step right in and with some gentle but firm words let them know that this is unacceptable
behavior. If it continues, then even more firmly let them know you will not tolerate the behavior. We’re
certainly hoping that the introduction goes wonderfully, but it may take some time for them to get used
to each other and figure out the “pack order”. If it really does not go well and they do not settle down
together, then you might want to consider keeping them separate for a few days. This may let them get
used to the fact that they are both, or all, in the same house and will need to learn to get along. If all
goes will with the neutral ground introduction, then I suggest taking them to your yard and letting them
go off leash and checking each other out that way. Then take your new Setter into the house and let
him/her explore a little without your other dog(s) in the house. That way he/she will feel a little
comfortable with the house. Then switch and put your new Setter out in the yard, under observation so
he/she does not escape, and your other dog(s) in the house. This should help them realize that yup, we’
re all going to live here. Last but not least bring them all inside together and hope all goes well.
If you have cats there are a few cautions I would offer. Try to make sure the Setter you have made up
your mind on has been cat tested. Also I’m hoping that your cat(s) are used to having a dog around. If
neither of those is the case, I would recommend that you keep your Setter on a leash for a couple of days
when in the house. This will enable you to keep close tabs on your new family member at all times. If the
dog happens to try and chase your cat, you can catch him/her right away and correct the behavior. Get
his/her attention away from the cat and give him/her a special treat. I had to do this with a couple of dogs
that I have had here and it really does help. It also lets your cat(s) know that you are going to keep them
safe. Both Chester and Ellie used to chase my cute little Cody. He’s so shy and skittish he runs when they
are even in the room. Remember, some Setters see quick movement and the chase is on. I started using
the command “leave the kitty” and the dog would get a treat when they stopped the chase. It has worked
very effectively here. Another suggestion is to get a baby gate and use that so the cats know they have a
safe place to go. In my experience, my Setters have not jumped the gate or climbed over it and the cats
felt safer with it in place. The gate is now put away and Chester and Ellie will rarely enter the “cat room.”
your mind on has been cat tested. Also I’m hoping that your cat(s) are used to having a dog around. If
neither of those is the case, I would recommend that you keep your Setter on a leash for a couple of days
when in the house. This will enable you to keep close tabs on your new family member at all times. If the
dog happens to try and chase your cat, you can catch him/her right away and correct the behavior. Get
his/her attention away from the cat and give him/her a special treat. I had to do this with a couple of dogs
that I have had here and it really does help. It also lets your cat(s) know that you are going to keep them
safe. Both Chester and Ellie used to chase my cute little Cody. He’s so shy and skittish he runs when they
are even in the room. Remember, some Setters see quick movement and the chase is on. I started using
the command “leave the kitty” and the dog would get a treat when they stopped the chase. It has worked
very effectively here. Another suggestion is to get a baby gate and use that so the cats know they have a
safe place to go. In my experience, my Setters have not jumped the gate or climbed over it and the cats
felt safer with it in place. The gate is now put away and Chester and Ellie will rarely enter the “cat room.”
If you have young children, remind them that quick movements and loud noises may
scare your new family member. At least until you have an idea as to how your Setter
will react when your children play and tussle, keep your eyes on them and warn the
children not to rough house with the pooch. Many dogs will settle right in and play
with the children others may be a little standoffish.
scare your new family member. At least until you have an idea as to how your Setter
will react when your children play and tussle, keep your eyes on them and warn the
children not to rough house with the pooch. Many dogs will settle right in and play
with the children others may be a little standoffish.
The leash works well if you are having trouble with your new dog going to the bathroom
in the house. It allows you to keep the dog close to you and when you see him/her
showing signs of needing to go to the bathroom, you can then put him/her outside
right away. A crate helps if you have this issue as well. Most dogs will not go to the
bathroom where they sleep. So, if you put your dog in a crate when you are not home,
and or during the night, chances are they will not soil the crate. Then put him/her
outside immediately upon your return and praise them for going outside. Routine is a
good thing with dogs too. Both Chester and Ellie know when it’s a day I am going to
work. They know they will take one last trip outside and then settle in their crates for
the day. Chester has gotten so used to the crate that when I unlock the back door to
let him in, he runs to the door right away, from even the furthest corner of the yard,
bounds into the house and waits by his crate door. Such a good boy! I make sure they
go outside at routine intervals during the evening and on days when I am home. That
helps alleviate any chance for accidents in the house.
in the house. It allows you to keep the dog close to you and when you see him/her
showing signs of needing to go to the bathroom, you can then put him/her outside
right away. A crate helps if you have this issue as well. Most dogs will not go to the
bathroom where they sleep. So, if you put your dog in a crate when you are not home,
and or during the night, chances are they will not soil the crate. Then put him/her
outside immediately upon your return and praise them for going outside. Routine is a
good thing with dogs too. Both Chester and Ellie know when it’s a day I am going to
work. They know they will take one last trip outside and then settle in their crates for
the day. Chester has gotten so used to the crate that when I unlock the back door to
let him in, he runs to the door right away, from even the furthest corner of the yard,
bounds into the house and waits by his crate door. Such a good boy! I make sure they
go outside at routine intervals during the evening and on days when I am home. That
helps alleviate any chance for accidents in the house.
Remember the subjects I’ve covered above may never be issues for you and I
certainly hope they are not. This is just a reference guide and to offer help if you need
it.
The most important thing is to relax and enjoy your new family member. Your Setter
is going to be so happy to have a wonderful new home and another chance at a new
life they will be eternally grateful to you.
As always the Above and Beyond English Setter Board and family are here if you have
any questions, concerns or need anything. If you feel there is something you need to
discuss about your new Setter, please feel free to contact anyone on our contacts
page. You can also join our group's discussion list. A wealth of information can be
found there. (See link below.)
Congratulations on adopting an English Setter and best wishes for a long and
prosperous life together.
certainly hope they are not. This is just a reference guide and to offer help if you need
it.
The most important thing is to relax and enjoy your new family member. Your Setter
is going to be so happy to have a wonderful new home and another chance at a new
life they will be eternally grateful to you.
As always the Above and Beyond English Setter Board and family are here if you have
any questions, concerns or need anything. If you feel there is something you need to
discuss about your new Setter, please feel free to contact anyone on our contacts
page. You can also join our group's discussion list. A wealth of information can be
found there. (See link below.)
Congratulations on adopting an English Setter and best wishes for a long and
prosperous life together.
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