8 Important steps You Need to take before you adopt a Dog

Once you’ve decided to welcome a new pet  into your home, make sure you choose the right pup and create a dog-friendly home. follow this 8 steps carefully and create heaven for your pet at your home 

1. Determine the Best Dog for Your Family
It’s important to match up the right family with the right type of dog. For instance, if you spend your weekends playing video games and watching TV, a high-strung Weimaraner that needs lots of exercise might not be the best choice. Along the same lines, if you’re living in an apartment or small home without a backyard, a smaller or low-key breed, such as a bulldog, is probably going to be a better fit than a high-energy cattle dog that needs room to run.

2. Prepare Your Home
Dogs are notorious for getting into food, trash cans, and toilets, so do a walk-through of your home to determine if there are any attractive nuisances you should address. The scent of these items is attractive to dogs, and the results are lethal. Just as if you were baby-proofing a house, take the time to dog-proof your home to prevent foreseeable damage or injury.

3. Choose a Vet
It’s a good idea to find a veterinarian before you adopt a dog. Many adoption organizations actually require you to list your vet’s name on their application, so if you have one picked out, it’ll make the adoption process go more smoothly.
Once you’ve chosen your vet, go ahead and ask his or her advice about food brands, trainers, and must-have supplies. While you don’t have to follow every bit of your vet’s advice, it’s a good idea to have professional input before you bring your new pup home.

4. Purchase Supplies
It’s a good idea to have several things on hand before you pick up your dog.Don’t just grab the first items you see, though. It’s a good idea to keep in mind the type and size of dog you plan to adopt – a Chihuahua’s supplies are considerably smaller than those of a Great Bernard, so be sure to look for size specifications and cross-reference those with size information on the dog breeds that have made your short list.
Items to buy include:
High-Quality Food.
Food and Water Bowls. 
Collar.
Leash.
Dog Bed.
Dog Crate.
Toys.

5. Adopt Your Dog
After constricting the types of breeds you’d be interested in adopting, call around to the local shelters and rescue organizations to see whether any waiting dogs match your list. In all likelihood, you’re bound to have a fair number of animals to choose from. Ask each rescue organization what their policies are for adoption, and gather any necessary materials before you start your search. For instance, some organizations require proof from the landlord that you’re allowed to have a dog at your apartment, while other organizations require referrals or recommendation letters. In some cases, rescue organizations require home visits before adoption, so it’s important to know the rules before you head out.

6. Settle Your Dog at Home
Once your adoption is complete and you’re able to bring your new pup home let your dog gets a feel for the home, expect a subsequent dip in energy. After spending weeks or months in a high-stress shelter environment, then taking a car ride to a whole new home, the pup is bound to be worn out. Don’t be surprised if he or she spends the first couple days doing a lot of sleeping. Encourage this rest and spend waking time cuddling, playing with, and otherwise loving your new dog. It takes a little while to bond, but as your dog becomes more comfortable, its personality will start to shine, and you’ll be hooked in no time.

7. Invest in Training
Even if your dog came to you fully trained, it’s a good idea to go ahead and sign up for a basic obedience class within the first week of ownership. These classes are helpful to the dog owner and they establish a chain of command within the house. Standard classes through major pet stores typically cost about $100. This may seem like a lot, but the peace of mind provided is definitely worth the expense, and the classes help ease your dog’s mind, too. 

8. Head to the Vet
Last, but not least, you need to schedule a vet visit shortly after adopting your pet.The vet visit determines whether there are any health issues you should be conscious of, and it puts your dog on a regular schedule for immunizations. It’s also a good idea to pay for an antigen heartworm test if your shelter just tested for heartworms using the less-accurate antibody test. Use your time with the vet to ask questions and talk about any owner concerns, whether medical or behavioral.

By taking the time to choose the right breed, prepare your home, and seek out professional assistance, you and your family will be equipped with the necessary tools to start dog ownership on the right foot.

Have you adopted a dog? then share your experience with us

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