Every year, thousands of families give or receive a pet as a Christmas present. The initial excitement is often soon tempered by the realities of caring for an animal, especially a puppy or kitten. Dealing with chewing, clawing, house-breaking, and other normal behaviors can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, this leads many families to surrender their new pets in the start of the new year. If you are feeling frustrated with your new furry friend consider some of the following options before you consider surrendering him or her to a shelter.

• Obedience Training – Colorado is full of dog owners which means there are many options for training. For some basic manners training, consider enrolling in a class at one of the chain pet supply stores, like Petco. For some more specific options, a quick online search will find about 25 options in the Colorado Springs area alone.
• Socialization – Most dogs tend to be very social and, if they are at home alone for much of the day, they can be restless. Restless dogs often engage in destructive chewing or bark excessively. Luckily, there are dog parks scattered throughout Colorado. And, there are dog-friendly restaurants and bars so you and Fido can socialize together.
• Exercise – One of the more difficult habits to get into with a dog is daily walks. In Colorado that can be made even more difficult by the weather. Snow, ice, and wind can make a walk very unpleasant. So, be prepared. Wear layers and consider your pup’s comfort if the sidewalks are icy. A pair of booties can help protect sensitive paws and carry a towel to wipe off snow and ice.
• Re-homing – If, after exhausting training options, you find your pet is not a good fit for your family, surrender may be the best option. Remember there are responsible ways to do so. Finding another home may be as simple as asking family and friends if they may be better suited to pet ownership. If not, the Humane Society will accept surrenders. Colorado is a “no-kill” state so you can be assured he or she will be cared for.

Having a new pet in the house is an adjustment that all family members need to make.  Remember it will take time for you and your new friend to get used to each other and learn the rules of the house. And, if you find yourself frustrated, there are many local options for help. A little bit of patience and a lot of love will go a long way. If you stick with it, by spring you may just find you have a new best friend.