September 20, 2022
Adopting a New Dog? Here’s what to know!
We love dogs. They are our friends, protectors, morning alarms (without a snooze button), and often favorite family members. They don’t judge us, they are loyal, silly, loving and of course adorable. It’s only natural to want to add to our families by bringing in a new canine companion.
Dogs are all the wonderful things stated above, but they are also individuals with unique personalities, strengths, and challenges. This post is intended to help you prepare if you are considering adopting a dog.
First and foremost, ask yourself – “why do I want a dog?” What is your goal? Is it to help a dog in need and give an undervalued pup a great life? Is it to find your new best friend? Is it to appease a family member? Not all reasons for adopting a dog are equally sound. Understanding your motivation for adopting a dog is the first step in the decision-making process. For example, if you are prepared to put time, money and energy into helping your new pal succeed in the human world: great! Please pass go and move on to the next step. If you are considering bringing home a puppy as a surprise for a holiday gift: consider your real motivation (a fun surprise vs. a decade or longer commitment), goals, expectations, and resources before moving forward. Dogs – even the most well balanced – require work and cost money. Be sure you have the right lifestyle for the pet you want.
Now, you’ve chosen a dog that you feel fits your family’s needs. What’s next?
1. Prepare your home. Decide where your dog will sleep, eat, and eliminate. Is your dog allowed on the furniture? Do you have a fenced yard, or will you need to leash your dog to take him outside every time? Does this setup work for the age and energy level of your dog? Does it work for your lifestyle? Who in the family is responsible for which pieces of your dog’s care?
2. It is wise to have all the basics ready for your dog before he comes home. This means food, bedding, a crate or exercise pen that your dog can relax in, a variety of treats and toys, and a designated quiet and safe place in which your dog can decompress as he is settling in. This can be a crate or a specific room in the home.
3. Be prepared to slow down. Avoid the temptation to introduce your dog to everyone you know during the first week he is home. Your dog does not yet understand that you are “his person” and that he is in his permanent home. Allow him plenty of time to figure out his routine. Give him tasty treats for calm and relaxed behavior in the home, and if he seems overwhelmed, take a step back and give him some space. Use caution and structure when introducing your new dog to any pets you may already have. Be sure your dog has a quiet place to settle, and do not introduce him to children or other pets immediately. For a sample guide to shut down periods from the Humane Society of Charlotte, CLICK HERE.
4. Be sure you have a veterinarian for your dog. This sounds like a no-brainer, but recently many veterinary hospitals have become overwhelmed and unable to accept new clients. Make sure you find an office who can accommodate new clients and take your pet in as soon as you are able to become established. Even though your pet may be in perfect health, you will want to have a relationship with a veterinarian so that if an injury or illness does occur, you have a reliable place to go for treatment.
5. Find a positive reinforcement trainer! Even the most well-behaved dogs benefit from positive reinforcement training. Basic training will give both you and your dog the language to communicate effectively and will strengthen your bond in the process. It will teach your dog to expect good things from you and look to you for rewarding, safe, fun interections. And who doesn’t want that?
6. Last but not least, relax and enjoy your new companion. Take it one day at a time and give yourself and your dog time to figure out your new life together. Your trainer and veterinarian are there to help, so don’t keep yourself in the dark if you have questions or concerns!
