11 things you should know before you adopt a dog

Owning a dog can be a challenging task. You are responsible for providing your dog with a healthy and happy life. If this is the first time you adopt a dog, you should consider some factors.

Use these tips to make sure you’re ready to bring a dog home.

Do research

Before you adopt a dog, the first thing you should do is conduct research. There are many dog breeds.

Determine the type and size of dog you want to welcome to your home.

Do you want a family-friendly dog? Do you want to adopt a sedentary dog that doesn’t require much exercise?

Know what to expect before you decide what breed you want to adopt.

Consider your family

It is also essential to consider your family before getting g a dog. Do your family members want to welcome a dog into your home? Is everyone in your home happy about the size, age, and breed of the dog you want?

Make sure this is a family decision and that everyone agrees to help care for the dog.

Provide a good home

If it’s your first time being a dog parent, you should prepare a home for your pup. 

Create a safe and comfortable space for your dog. You’ll also need to buy some essentials, including dog food, a collar, a crate, a dog bed, food and water bowls, and toys.

Be prepared before you bring your new dog home.

Find a veterinarian

You should also find a veterinarian once you know when you’ll bring a dog home. If you haven’t worked with a vet before, ask friends and family for recommendations.

You can schedule an appointment for an initial health check. Work with your vet to keep your dog up to date on all needed vaccines. This will help ensure you provide the care required for your dog throughout its life.  

Your pet can be prone to accidents and diseases. So, it is essential to get pet health insurance. With this, you have assurance that you can afford to provide your dog with the best care if the worst scenario happens.

Provide contact details

Get a collar with your dog’s name and your phone number. Name tags can break off if your dog gets loose. Moving to a new home can be stressful for some dogs, and they may try to escape.

If you want an additional layer of protection, get your dog microchipped.

Some rescue shelters make sure that their dogs have microchips before leaving. If the shelter has done that, make sure they update the chip registration with your contact information. You will get a unique ID number that you can provide if your dog ever gets lost.

Be patient

Your pet needs time to adjust to its new home. You will need to be patient. Depending on the dog’s age, it can take a few months for your new dog to adjust. During this time, your dog may be stressed and exhibit unwanted behavior.

Be patient and focus on caring for your dog. Make sure you give it daily walks and start obedience training. Most dogs thrive when they know what you expect and relish routine.

Setting a regular schedule for meals and walks can help your dog adjust. If you need more help, work with a dog trainer.

Start crate training

For most dogs, crate training is essential.

A crate can provide your pet with a safe area to relax or sleep. You can introduce your pet to their new space that can offer them comfort and safety. You can also provide your dog with a blanket.

Offer your dog a positive experience by giving them praise and treats as they climb into their crate.

Don’t use the crate for punishment. You want your dog to know the crate is a safe space.

Create a routine

A rescue dog, like other dogs, needs stability. Create a routine for your pet from day one. For example, take walks at the same time each morning.

It’s also helpful to use a schedule for all meals and other activities.

This will help your dog and help you get used to being responsible for another living being.

Get your whole family on board

It is also a good idea to have your entire family participate in caring for your adopted dog. Help your canine understand it must respect everyone in your family regardless of their shape or size.

Get family members involved in grooming, feeding, exercise, or poop scooping. You will need the support of your whole family to look after your dog.

Provide consistent training

If your new dog has been trained before, ask the rescue shelter about the command words it knows and use them continuously. If your pet doesn’t have previous training, you can set the commands.

All dogs need to learn basic commands like sit, stay, and come. Choose to use a positive reinforcement training method. Most dogs are food motivated and learn quickly.

If you take obedience classes, it will help your dog understand what you expect. Attending classes also provides opportunities to bond with your dog and allow your dog to socialize with other dogs and people.

Be patient and consistent. Also, make sure your family members use the same commands and cues for your dog. You all need to follow the same rules. It will confuse your dog if some family members let them on furniture while others don’t.

Relax and enjoy the ride

Know that adopting a dog is a rewarding experience. Aside from saving a canine life, you are also getting an excellent companion who will enrich your life.

Dogs can help you feel more relaxed, especially when tired or stressed. Enjoy your journey with your pet. Save memories and take photos with your pup since they grow up quickly. 

Ready to adopt a dog?

There we go, so that is the list of the things you should know before adopting a dog.

Being a dog parent is a big responsibility. So, you must provide your pet with their basic needs to help them enjoy a joyful life.

Like humans, your canine also deserves pure love and care.

Are you ready to welcome a new member to your family? Adopt a dog now!