Tips for Adopting a Dog
While bringing home a dog is exciting and fun, adopting may be daunting for first-time pet parents. Like any other permanent change, you need to think through the new development. With the right preparation and knowledge, adopting a dog may be one of the best decisions.
To minimize the stressors that the new adjustment comes with, here are some tips to consider when planning to adopt a dog.
Assess Your Needs and Situation
Getting a dog is an enormous commitment, and like having a baby, comes with its set of challenges. Though many people want a furry friend and companion, they are not ready for it. Having a dog is hugely involving and requires resources and time.
Your life will also change significantly as you may need someone to watch over the dog if you are traveling and cannot go with your pet. If your work involves so much traveling, you may need to think more about your options.
Have an honest conversation with yourself and check if you have the time, money, and commitment to take in a dog. If the thought seems overwhelming, it may not work for you.
Find out all You Need About the Dog
The Humane Society of the United States encourages pet parents-to-be to find out all details possible about the dog. Getting the history and state of the pet will equip you better in taking care of the pet. Enquire how long the dog has lived in the shelter and the circumstances that led to its stay there.
While at it, you may want to consider the dog’s energy levels. This will hugely help the decision-making process. A high energy pet will require your active involvement and so much time. If your energy level does not match the dog’s, the adoption may not work.
Prepare your Home
You will need to look around your house to ensure your space is safe and fit for the new baby. Remove any items that may pose a danger to your curious puppy. Keep away anything you would not want chewed by the dog.
Involve the family and discuss the roles each will play in caring for the pet, like feeding, training, and walking. For the safety of everyone, vaccinate any other animals living in the house. If there rival pets like cats, designate a safe space where they can retreat as they process and get accustomed to the new arrival. This ensures a seamless integration making the transition process manageable.
Gather His Supplies
Before bringing your pet home, get everything you will need to make him comfortable and safe. Shop for all the appropriate grooming supplies, as well as toys, accessories, and treats. It is prudent to source enzymatic cleaner and training pads in advance as the dog is prone to accidents in the early training stages. A leash, collar, food, and water bowls are basics for every new dog.
Learning the animal’s response to food is crucial. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, food guarding in animals may range from mild growling to a full-blown attack. While food guarding is typical among animals competing for food, an aggressive response may compromise those around the animal. Talking to the dog shelter on how the dog responds to food is crucial. You may also request the caregiver to feed the dog in your presence and assess the situation first-hand.
Allocate a Safe Space for Him
Make a private space for your new pet, like a dog crate. Though some pet parents do not like the idea, pets deem it as a den-their place of rest. This space serves as a haven for them as they adjust to the new environment. If you do not feel comfortable having the pet in a crate, use a pet gate to block off space. Remember to keep kids and other pets away for some time.
Pay Attention to the Dog Social Behavior
A dog that has socialized adequately is friendly to other animals and people. The advantage is that they are more comfortable and calmer, even in unfamiliar situations. Those with poor social skills become anxious and aggressive in new environments.
Check the dog’s first reaction to you when at the shelter. The first reaction should give you an idea of how the new dog will react to a stranger in your home or on the streets. Dogs that play with each other even at the shelter are more tolerant of their peers.
Age of the Dog
Puppies require patience and a considerable amount of time since you will need to train them and bond. Their energy levels are also high hence need more engagement.
Older dogs, on the other hand, have low energy levels and are mostly trained. They are, however, more prone to health problems, increasing your financial obligations. It is also prudent to test the dog’s intelligence and how well the adoptee is trained before committing. A dog that can follow basic commands and instructions will give you an easier time.
Involve a Vet
Getting it right from the onset will save you unnecessary stress. Since adjusting comes with enough anxiety for the pet, it is wise to rule out any underlying medical issues. Involving a vet will save you possible expenses or devastation of dealing with the loss of a pet shortly after adoption due to preexisting diseases.
Conclusion
Take time to learn about the breeds of the dogs you intend to adopt since the needs vary with the kind. A husky, for example, will need every day brushing, and a Great Dane loves to lounge and lazy around. It also helps to identify a reliable supplier like Tail Bangers for accessories, and natural dog treats.
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/food-guarding
https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/shelters-and-rescues-faq
https://theshelterpetproject.org/