Preparation for your newly adopted dog
It is very difficult to predict exactly what to expect when adopting a dog. This solely depends on the dog’s previous life experiences, existing training (if any), and whether the dog has been mistreated or abused.
It’s very common when adopting a dog that the shelter doesn’t know the dog’s life history, so the old cliché rings true here; “He expects the worst, but he expects the best.”
The key is in the preparation. This article will highlight a few things you should do (and a couple things you shouldn’t do!) throughout the dog adoption process to hopefully make adopting your dog a little easier.
Stock up on supplies
Be sure to purchase the necessary supplies before you bring your adopted dog home. The basic supplies any adopted dog will need are:
- Bowls for water and food
- An identification tag that includes name, address, and phone number
- A bed
- A decent brush (like the FURminator)
- dog collar and leash
- A reputable dog food (not Kibbles and Bits!!!)
**Don’t buy any dog food whose first ingredient is by-products; in fact, we steer clear of any dog food with listed by-products. We decided on Natural Choice, which our foster dog, Loki, loves even dry. It is also a very healthy mix of protein and fat.
Assign responsibilities
If you’ve never owned a dog before, regular chores are needed to keep your adopted dog happy and healthy. Divide these responsibilities among the family so everyone knows who is responsible for:
- Feed and make sure the dog has water.
- regular exercise! This will prevent the little angel from getting into mischief as he will be too tired!
- Grooming: will reduce hair shedding in the house.
- Go shopping: keep up with food, toys, and medications, such as heartworm pills and flea medication.
- Vet visits: Schedule them on a calendar with reminders, usually once a year for shots and a general health check.
Set limits and borders
It’s going to be very tempting to allow your newly adopted dog to jump up on your furniture and sleep in your bed. Let’s face it, there’s nothing cuter than lying in bed with your dog’s head on you. However, I wouldn’t recommend this in the early stages of dog adoptions; these things should be off limits.
The reason is that when limits are not set, a dog will usually do what he wants. As of yet, there is no pain-for-hire establishment, and it is quite common for the dog to attempt to establish dominance, a practice adopted from dogs in the wild.
An example of this is marking your territory; I don’t think anyone wants to come home to a wet bed!
If the dog tries to jump or push the boundaries, calmly tell the dog “no” or “lie down.” Reward the dog with a treat when he complies. The dog will recognize very soon that the food and treats are coming from you – a solid and much more productive approach to establishing rental pain than scolding or nagging the dog; approaches I strongly discourage with any adopted dog.
dog training
The level and frequency of dog training depend on the adopted dog in question. It is quite common for an adopted dog to disagree with vocal commands, even if he recognizes them during the first few days of adoption. The dog is scared, nervous and anxious all in one. He allows his pup to settle into his new home and family.
I would leave this knowledge period to no more than 3 days. It’s important to start obedience training as soon as possible, but especially when it comes to adopted dogs, there’s a chance of pushing them too hard, too fast.
During those 3 days, be patient, loving, and attentive to your dog’s needs. This will greatly accelerate the dog’s trust and familiarity with you and his surroundings. Absolutely no yelling, scolding or punishment. Just a firm booster and treat for the dog once. he/she complies