Rescuing a dog from a shelter and providing it with a forever home is an admirable way to find a new furry friend. There are so many irresponsible people that, for whatever reason, abandon their dogs and they end up in cages. Unfortunately, some of these dogs will be euthanized if they aren't adopted within a certain amount of time.
Dog ownership is a big responsibility and should not be taken lightly. Fortunately, many people will choose to adopt a rescue-dog instead of buying a dog from a breeder. Adoption is a great way to find a friend while saving a life at the same time. As a responsible new pet owner, they will want to be fully prepared before bringing home their new dog and making them a part of their family. Listed below are a few things that should be in place before bringing home a new dog.
1 - Animal Tracking
It’s important to choose a vet first. The veterinarian that the shelter uses may be a viable option for some people as they already have a relationship with the dog. The new owner may have some history with another vet. If the rescue shelter doesn't already provide some sort of tracking identification, the first visit after the adoption process may be a visit to the vet to either get identification tags or an internal chip. Dogs may be especially jittery when first introduced to their new home which could cause them to panic and get away from the owner while outside. A means of finding and identifying them is vitally important. For this and many other reasons, a new dog will need to have a veterinary resource available immediately.
2 - Food and Nutrition
Before bringing the dog home, a new pet owner will need to find out about its nutritional needs. The shelter will be able to tell them what they have been feeding the dog and if there is any special diet. A veterinarian will be able to give the best diet information based on the specific needs for different dogs. Dogs will also need bowls for food and water. There is actually quite a variety of styles for food and water bowls. Each is specific to a certain size of dog and some may even be better for certain breeds. There are even bowls designed to dole out certain amounts of water as needed. Healthy treats are also essential for all dogs. They are a great way to promote the power of positive reinforcement when using them in conjunction with training techniques. Dogs get bored with their everyday food and look forward to earning their little treats every now and then.
3 - Personal Dog Items
They will need a collar and a leash as well as a crate and a bed. Both a collar and a leash are a must to help a dog owner maintain their dog and keep them under control at times. The leash is also a vital training tool, especially for teaching a puppy how to walk or run in stride with their owner. There are a wide variety of leashes and collars available specific to a dog's breed and size. Most dogs will also need a crate, at least, in the beginning to aid with house training. Some dogs will become attached to their crate and continue to use it throughout their lives as their own, personal, safe haven. Dog crates can easily be found in any size along with a variety of options specific to each dog's personal needs. Every dog needs their own bed, maybe even more than one. It's their own little piece of personal space where they can feel safe and comfortable when sleeping. Dog beds can be found in any size and are made from a variety of fabrics. A great feature to look for when buying a dog bed is a removable cover for easy cleaning.
4 - Grooming Supplies and Toys
Dogs love to interact with their human masters. Bath time and playtime can sometimes be incorporated into each other. All dogs will need to be bathed and groomed on a regular basis. Not only do they enjoy the attention, it is necessary to keep them clean and healthy. A veterinarian can recommend specific grooming needs for certain breeds. Toys can also be introduced during bath time as a playful distraction for dogs. There are many options for toys available for them to play with on their own or with their owners during playtime. Toys can also be used as a training tool for dogs to build their confidence enabling them to socialize with other dogs more effectively.
As long as a home is ready for a new dog, the transition period for both the owner and the dog can be a stress-free process. Getting ready for a new dog is relatively simple with all of today's consumer options. Hopefully, this list will help to make sure that every dog finds the happiness that they deserve.