Bringing a new dog into your home is an exciting time for the whole family.
Reasons for Adopting a Dog
The motives for adopting a dog are many.
Perhaps your children have been begging you for a dog for years. Or maybe your old dog recently passed away and you are feeling lost without a dog in the house. Regardless of the reasons, Bringing
Dog Home is a joyous occasion.
Choosing the Right Dog
When browsing the aisles of your local pet store, perusing the line of kennels at the humane society, or pouring over the classifieds every weekend, it becomes clear that every dog is different and unique. Great care should be taken in making your selection. Be sure to choose a dog who will adapt well to your personality and lifestyle. This will make for a fairly smooth transition when introducing your dog to his new home.
Checklist
Purchase the following items before bringing your new dog home:
Introductions
Upon Bringing Dog Home for the first time, allow him to explore and snoop around a bit. Give him time to adjust to the new environment. A mature and well
trained dog will usually settle in within several days. Establish a routine so he knows when he can expect to be fed and taken on walks. Try to avoid leaving him alone for the first few days. Devote a significant amount of time to bonding with the dog and making him feel safe. Take him on frequent walks and allow him to become socialized in the new environment. Introduce him to family, friends, neighbors, and any other animals he will likely encounter. You should also make an appointment with a veterinarian to get the dog a general examination within the first few weeks of adopting him. This is especially important if the dog came from an unknown source. If he was dropped off at a shelter with no medical history, it is vital to get him examined and immunized.
Be Patient
While most dogs will become accustomed to their new home within a few days, others may take longer. Be patient with your dog and empathize with the major life transition he is making. Reward him with treats when he is obedient and mindful of your commands. With a little training and positive attention, he will become a wonderful part of your family.
