When you bring home a shelter dog that you adopt, it is possible that the dog was rescued from the streets or that the dog was voluntarily given to the shelter for adoption. The streetwise stray can be a real challenge to integrate into your home and family, whether she was born in an abandoned house or was an adolescent who was abandoned on the streets by his former owner. This special canine is a loving dog who requires room, time, patience, and understanding.
pet dog adoption tips: The First Days Your Pet is Home
The first few days a dog spends in your home are very important and memorable for him or her. Your new puppy will be perplexed as to where he is and what he should expect from you at first. The importance of establishing clear boundaries with your family for your dog will be critical in ensuring as seamless a transition as feasible.
When you bring a puppy home, they will require more than a bed and a feeding dish in order to thrive. It is also necessary to provide continual care and attention to them. While a puppy’s first night at home may necessitate a significant amount of effort at first, the effort will be well worth it in the long run. The establishment of positive habits within those initial few weeks will create the groundwork for a lifetime of happiness for both you and your dog.
Keep in mind that you have a responsibility to assist your puppy in developing into a happy and healthy dog. Here are some puppy-care suggestions to get you started if you are a first-time dog owner.
Before You Bring Your Dog Home
Determine the location where your dog will spend the majority of his time. Given the amount of stress he will go through as a result of the transition (from a shelter or foster home to your home), he may forget whatever housebreaking skills he has acquired. Often, a kitchen will be the most convenient location because of its ease of cleanup.
It’s important to have a crate set up and ready to go when you get your new puppy so that you can begin crate training right away. Find out more about house training your dog in this article.
Prepare the area where your puppy will spend the majority of his time during the first few months of his life by dog-proofing it. These tasks may include taping loose electrical wires to baseboards, placing household chemicals on high shelves, removing plants and rugs from the room, setting up the crate, and putting in baby gates.
The process of training your dog will begin as soon as you bring him home. Take the time to construct a vocabulary list that will be used by everyone while giving directions to your dog. This will aid in preventing confusion and will assist your dog in learning his commands more rapidly.
Bring an ID tag with your phone number on it with you when you pick up your dog so that he has an extra layer of protection for the ride home and the first few jittery days after you bring him home. It is important to register your contact information with the chip’s manufacturer if he has been microchipped, if the rescue or shelter has not already done so.
Picking your puppy up
We understand that moving can be stressful – and your new puppy is feeling the same way! Allow him some time to become used to your house and family before introducing him to strangers or new situations. Make sure your children understand how to approach the dog without overwhelming him with their enthusiasm.
When you pick up your dog, make sure to ask questions as to what and when he was fed. Continue on this regimen for at least the first several days in order to avoid diarrhea. To make the changeover to a different brand, do so over a period of about a week by mixing one part new food with three parts old food for several days; then switch to half new food and half old food for many days; and finally one part old food to three parts new food.
On the journey back home, make sure your dog is properly restrained, preferably in a crate. Some dogs are anxious during car rides, so putting her in a secure location will make the drive home more bearable for both of you.
WHEN YOU GET HOME
When you return home, take her to the potty training place right away and spend a significant amount of time with her so she becomes accustomed to the environment and can relieve herself in that specific area. In the event that your dog doesn’t relieve herself during this time, be prepared for accidents to occur. It is possible for even the most housebroken dog to become confused when entering a new home with new people, new smells, and new sounds.
Begin by establishing a feeding, toileting, and play/exercise plan for your pup. Your dog will require family time and small intervals of alone time. If he whines when you leave him alone, don’t give in and comfort him. Instead, reward him for excellent behavior, such as chewing on a toy or lying quietly in his bed.
For the first few days, maintain a calm and tranquil environment for your dog, avoiding excessive excitement (such as the dog park or neighborhood children). Not only will this make it easier for your dog to adjust, but it will also provide you more one-on-one time to get to know him and learn about his likes and dislikes as well.
Keep him off balconies, elevated porches, and decks. Keep all cleaning supplies, detergents, bleach, and other chemicals and medicines out of the puppy’s reach, preferably on high shelves.
Remove poisonous houseplants, including amaryllis, mistletoe, holly, or poinsettia, or keep them in hanging baskets up high, where your puppy cannot reach them.
Keep toilet lids closed, unplug electrical cords and remove them from the floor, and keep plastic bags and ribbons out of your puppy’s reach.
The Following Weeks After Puppy Adoption
A common statement is that people don’t notice their dog’s genuine nature until many weeks after adopting him. It’s possible that your dog will be a little uneasy at first as he learns to know you. Be patient and understanding, while also adhering to the feeding, walking, and other routines that you plan to maintain for your pet.
This timetable allows your dog to understand what is expected of him as well as what he will anticipate from you and your household.
After consulting with your veterinarian to ensure that your dog is up to date on any necessary vaccinations, you may decide to enroll your dog in group training classes or take her to the dog park. Be aware of your dog’s body language to ensure she is enjoying herself and not being fearful or aggressive toward other dogs at the dog park, for example.
To enjoy a long and happy life with your dog, adhere to the original schedule you established, ensuring that your dog receives the food, bathroom time, and attention he requires at all times. You’ll have a strong bond in no time!
If you discover behavior problems that you are not familiar with, ask your veterinarian for a referral to a behaviorist or professional dog trainer. Consider hiring a dog trainer that specializes in using positive reinforcement strategies to assist you and your dog in overcoming these behavioral challenges.
Remember
Keep in mind that, with proper puppy care, your new companion will grow into a happy, healthy dog that will shower you with unconditional love and companionship for many years to come.
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