Adopting a dog can be life-changing, but it doesn’t come without challenges. Yup, it can be ruff, especially if the dog has a traumatic past. At the end of the day, nothing can stop you from giving your furry friend a loving home, especially if you know the 10 most crucial things to consider for a successful dog adoption.
10. Know the Pet You Want and Need
Dog breeds vary in size, energy levels, potential health issues, and temperament. The key here is to find a breed that aligns with your living situation and lifestyle. Can your home handle a huge dog breed like GSD? Do you have the energy to keep up with a dog that needs lots of exercise? If you happen to live with kids, consider a pup that’s gentle and loves to play.
9. Be Prepared Financially
As many pet owners would say, having a dog is also a financial commitment. Before you adopt one, know that you’ll have to settle around $50 to $700 for adoption fees. Additionally, you have to prepare for monthly expenses, including dog food, grooming, vet care, and other supplies. Pet insurance is also worth considering so you can get covered for unexpected veterinary expenses.
8. Find a Supportive Shelter
Post-adoption support is crucial, especially if you’re new to adopting a rescue dog. A supportive shelter offers assistance even after bringing home your furry friend, so expect follow-up check-ins and behavioral advice or training tips. Of course, prior to adoption, the shelter staff should also be able to handle all your concerns about the dog’s history.
7. Make Your Home Comfortable for the New Pet
In addition to dog proofing your home, you’ll need a safe, quiet space where your new pup could rest. A rescue dog may need lots of sleep, especially if there’s too much noise from the shelter they came from due to barking. Avoid crating for the first few days because dogs regulate their body temperature by moving around.
6. Be There for Your Dog During the First Few Days
While your rescue dog will appreciate some alone time, it would be ideal if you could be with them for a couple of days, at least 3 days (more on this in a little while). Also, your new pup may need reassurance or guidance when they go potty. This is a chance for you to build that foundation of trust and communicate to your dog that they’re now in a safe, loving home.
5. Be Patient During Adjustment Phase
There’s a 3-3-3 rule known in the dog rescue world. It suggests that it would take 3 days for your dog to get comfortable in a new home, 3 weeks to learn your routine, and 3 months to fully settle in. So stock up on a lot of patience and understanding. When in doubt about the progress, call your local shelter for some advice. And remember, progress isn’t always linear.
4. Find a Reliable Vet
Early in the adjustment phase, it’s a good idea to research vets and find one that you like. But don’t try to take your dog to the vet until they’re settled in, as vet visits are usually stressful for pets. Of course, emergency situations are exemptions. During the first appointment, the vet should establish a baseline of care based on the vet records you received from the shelter.
3. Plan Your Pet’s Routine
Dogs are creatures of habit. So if you are too, you’ll be doing yourself and your new pup a favor by planning out a basic daily structure. This will establish a sense of consistency in your dog, as they would know what’s expected of them. Also, your rescue dog will settle in faster if the same things happen at the same times (walkies, feeding, play time, and grooming).
2. Prepare for House Training
Establishing a routine is actually part of the house training, but you also need to think about rewards-based training methods. Use toys, treats, or praises as rewards. If you like your dog to learn the commands “go potty” or “outside,” use the same verbal commands consistently when taking your dog to the correct spot.
1. Learn Your Dog’s Love Language
Similar to us humans, dogs experience love in different ways. Depending on their breed and personality, the obvious answers would be attention, affection, and exercise. If your dog gets excited over a new toy and sleeps with it, it’s also likely that gift-giving is a love language for them. In the long run, knowing their love language will help you convey affection in the way they understand.