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Welcoming A New Dog To Your Home
Ensuring you are prepared to welcome your new dog!
Welcoming a new dog into your home is a joyful and exciting experience. Whether you're a first time or a seasoned dog owner, it's important to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new companion. Preparation is key, and in this article, we'll explore some of the essential things to think about and have ready before welcoming a new dog to your home.
Assessing your dog's character and needs: even before choosing your dog, think about time, space, and energy requirements that a dog might need, as well as how your new dog might impact your household's lifestyle, and determine whether you would be able to provide them with this. Different dogs have different characters, needs, and energy requirements, and making sure your lifestyle fits with the dog you choose is the first step to success!
Choosing supplies: a basic list includes their food, bowls, bed, toys, collars and leashes, treats, health supplements, bathing products, grooming tools, and any home set up that you may need to introduce them to your home, such as a playpen. Having these items in place before your dog arrives will make the transition smoother for both of you.
Discuss and establish your ideal daily routine: this should be appropriate for you, your pup, and family members' needs. Consistency and structure are crucial for dogs to feel secure and adapt to their new environment. Discuss who is able to contribute to different parts of the daily routine, and make sure that everyone is confident with the tasks that they have been assigned to do. Having a predictable routine will provide your dog with a sense of stability and help them settle in more quickly.
Introduction to the home, other pets and family members: Before your new companion arrives, make sure your home is a safe and secure environment for them. Remove any toxic plants or food, chemicals, medications, or small objects that could be hazardous if ingested. Secure loose cords, cover electrical outlets, and block off any areas that are off-limits for your dog. Setting up a suitable designated space where your dog can feel comfortable and secure can help them settle in.
Health status and vet visit: If your pup has previous records, request all medical records including vaccination records, and record of last deworming, anti-flea and tick, heartworm prevention medications. Schedule a visit to the veterinarian shortly after bringing your new dog home. A comprehensive health check-up will help identify any underlying health issues and ensure your dog is up to date on vaccinations and preventive treatments. Discuss spaying or neutering options with your vet if your dog hasn't been desexed already.
Training and Socialisation: This is essential for establishing communication and building trust. Invest time and effort into training and socialising your new dog. Its importance and the sheer amount of time that it takes cannot be overlooked. Socialise your dog by exposing them to various environments, people, and other animals (ensuring that these are healthy and well-socialised animals themselves) to help them become well-rounded and confident companions. Seek professional help from certified, force-free trainers where required. Remember, proactively seeking advice is much more effective than waiting until an issue has occurred.
Adjustment period: Remember that your new dog will need time to adjust to their new surroundings. Some dogs may settle in quickly, while others may take weeks or even months to fully acclimate. Be patient, understanding, and provide a supportive environment. Offer plenty of love, positive reinforcement, and reassurance. Gradually introduce new experiences and environments while keeping a watchful eye on your dog's comfort level.
