Adopting a dog is a milestone moment. It marks a new chapter in a person’s life. For a family, welcoming a dog into your home could mean that their family is complete. After reading the lists of why you should adopt a dog, you might have booked a visit to a shelter to find the next addition to your family. Once you have found the next addition, the time comes to prepare your home for their arrival.
As you prepare to bring a dog into your new home in the new year, here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind to help with a smooth introduction.
Prepare Your Home
Depending on the age of the dog you are getting could influence the preparation needing to be done before their arrival. If you are getting an older dog, you might not need to prepare your home as much as you would with a puppy. With any dog, you will have to set up a feeding area and a place where they will sleep. However, with a puppy, you might want to limit the areas of your home they can get to. This is because puppies are notorious for destroying things, whether it be toys, shoes or even furniture. As such, limiting the areas will help to prevent any damage to your home.
On the other hand, with an older dog, you might be less strict with creating restricted areas for your dog to explore. Instead, you might allow them to explore areas of your home unsupervised. Understandably, you could be hesitant towards allowing your older dog full reign of your home.
Stock Up On Supplies
Another way to prepare for your dog’s arrival is to have all the necessary supplies. These could be food, treats, toys, lead, collars, hygiene products, and so much more. Before you pick up your dog, take a trip to your local pet store or supermarket to stock up on everything you need. Consider gathering everything you need in the days and weeks before their arrival. Doing this will mean you are more prepared for their arrival, instead of feeling stressed and unprepared rushing around on the day to get everything you need.
You can also order all the supplies online from companies like Time For Paws. This means you buy various things you need to care for a dog in bulk. Ordering in bulk means you can limit the trips you make to the shop to restock supplies and spend more time helping your new canine addition to settle into their new home.
Be Ready For Their Arrival
Before you go and collect your dog, ensure that you have put a plan in place on how you intend to bring them home. Will you be driving, or is someone else driving? Who will sit with the dog, or will you collect them on their own? Answering these questions before you depart will help to keep calm and help to prevent delays. Experiencing delays could create unnecessary stress. Bringing home a dog is an exciting time, so you should ensure that you reduce stress and risk any issues occurring.
Of course, stocking up on supplies is one way to prepare for their supplies. Deciding on feeding times, who will be walking the dog, where they will sleep and other rules for the dog, such as if they are allowed on the furniture. If some allow the dog on the furniture and others do not, it can be confusing for the dog. The mixed messages can make it challenging for them to feel settled. Putting plans in place first will help your dog settle into their new home.
Stay Patient And Be Calm
Welcoming your dog into your home is going to be an exciting time. Energies and excitement will be high, especially for homes with young children. Aim to keep everyone calm when bringing home a dog. Create a calming atmosphere where your dog will feel comfortable and relaxed.
If you are getting a puppy, you will likely spend the first few months training them. The training process can be stressful, tedious and time-consuming. Try to be patient and stay calm, and avoid letting your frustrations get the better of you. It will take time, but your dog will soon become settled and respond to your commands.
The Bottom Line
There is a lot of responsibility when getting a dog. It is a massive lifestyle shift that will make a noticeable difference in the daily operation of a household. Time and money will be invested in having a dog, so ensure that you can afford this.
Understandably, nobody wants to give their dog up. They want to do everything they can to keep them. Before you welcome a dog into your home in the new year, ensure that you are ready for the commitment. If you are, welcoming a dog into your home will begin an exciting new chapter.
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