Whether you are adopting a dog from a rescue center or bringing home a fluffy little puppy, there are certain things that you need to think about.
It can be an exciting time, but one that can be nerve-wracking for the both of you but by making sure that you are as prepared as possible, you can make the process easy and stress-free, and before you know it, your new four-legged furry friend will be feeling right at home.
Image credit: Pixabay CC0 License
Stock up on supplies
Just like children, dogs need supplies. These include a water bowl, a food bowl, a lead or harness for walks, a collar and identification tag, a dog bed from this range, and toys. If you take them out in the car, you might want to think about things like dog seatbelts or barriers to keep them in the boot of your vehicle. You may also want a crate for them and puppy training pads, depending on their age and whether they are toilet trained.
Think about feeding
There are so many different types of dog food on the market these days that you are literally spoilt for choice. Some dog owners now choose to feed their dogs a raw food diet. Have a look at the different types available and do your research before selecting the best one for your dog. If you are unsure of which one to choose, speak to your vet who will be able to give you advice on the best one for your breed. Make sure that they always have access to fresh, clean drinking water, and do not forget the treats!
Discuss responsibilities
Before you bring your pooch home, make sure that you have discussed and divided up the responsibilities of owning a pet. It can be a lot of hard work, particularly in the early days. That is why it is important to discuss who is doing what – who is going to be taking the dog for walks, who is responsible for feeding or getting up in the night to let them out to use the toilet? Knowing who is going to do what beforehand will make it easier and less likely to cause arguments.
Establish some house rules
Some families like to give their pooch the run of the house, allowing them to get on beds and sofas and come and go as they please. Other families would rather them stay off the furniture or stay downstairs. Either is fine, but make sure you have these rules in place before you bring the dog home. Consistency is essential when it comes to training a dog, especially a younger one.
Be consistent in training.
Following on from the previous point, establish some consistency when it comes to routines and commands. If you want them to sit before giving them a treat, make sure you all know which word you want to use and all stick to it. If necessary, sit down as a family and write them all out so that you are all singing from the same hymn sheet.
Dog proof the environment
Just like you would with a baby or a toddler, you need to dog-proof your home. Take a walk around the house and garden and think about what would look attractive to an inquisitive and mischevious pup. Loose cables and wires should be tucked away, safety latches on cupboard doors, and any treats in the kitchen that might be irresistible but dangerous to a dog, such as chocolate, are well out of their reach. You might want to think about dog gates (or standard safety gates) to block off areas in the house that you do not want them to go in. Do not forget the garden either – check that there are no holes or gaps in fences that they can get through and that fences are high enough for them not to be able to jump over.
Organize a vet
The last thing you want is for your beloved pooch to become unwell, and you have to phone around to find a vet that can see you. As soon as you bring them home, or even beforehand, organize a vet. Make sure that they are local enough for you to get to in an emergency. You will need to see them for regular check-ups, vaccinations, and, of course if they are unwell. You can also speak to them about flea and working treatments and weight management, if necessary.
By having all of these things in place before you bring your furry friend home, you will minimize the stress on both you and them, and you can focus on getting to know the newest member of your family.
