Dogs are great companions and even greater bodyguards. But sometimes, some people take them for granted. As a result, about three million dogs enter shelters annually. These dogs usually come from homes where they were neglected or abused. Thankfully, most of these dogs will be adopted by the end of the year.
Adopting a rescued dog is a gratifying experience. Not only are you providing a loving home for a dog in need, but you’re also gaining a loyal furry friend for life. However, before you bring your new dog home, there are a few things you need to do to prepare your home—and yourself—for your new furry family member. Here are four things you need to do before bringing home a rescued dog:
Puppy-Proof Your Home
You must puppy-proof your home before bringing your new dog home like a human baby. Here are three essential things you need to puppy-proof your home:
Store Items Properly
Puppies and sometimes adult dogs are curious creatures. One way they explore the world is by chewing on things. Therefore, store them out of reach to prevent your dog from chewing on dangerous or valuable items. This includes medication, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene products, and small objects that could easily be swallowed, such as coins or buttons.
Provide a Safe Space
Give your dog its space in the form of a crate or dog bed in a quiet area of your home. This space can serve as their haven where they can retreat if they feel overwhelmed or scared.
You can also design a room to be their home. This should have the essentials they need to survive. If you want to spruce it up, you can make them feel like they are outdoors by adding some greenery. A creative way to do this is by installing a green wall house for them. This green wall can contain all sorts of plants. It can also serve as a unique and beautiful decoration for your home.
Secure Electrical Cords
Dogs love biting into things, and electrical cords can harm them. So make sure any exposed electrical lines are out of reach or covered. You can do this by tucking them behind furniture or using cord covers.
Secure Your Home
Dogs, especially those not trained, may try to escape through open doors or windows. Make sure all areas of entry into and exit from your home are securely locked. Here are other ways you can secure your home:
Fences
If your fur baby loves running, then a fence is a must. Ensure the wall is high and secure enough to prevent them from escaping.
ID tags and microchips
If your dog does escape, ensure they have proper identification on them at all times in the form of tags and microchips with updated information. This will significantly increase the chances of reuniting with your dog if they escape.
Attend Training Sessions
Before bringing home a rescued dog, it’s important to attend training sessions with them—possibly even without them. This will equip you with the proper training tools and techniques to communicate effectively with your new furry family member. It will also prevent unwanted behaviors from developing and ensure a happy and healthy relationship with your dog.
Get the Right Supplies
Before bringing your dog home, you must ensure you have all the supplies they need, such as food and water bowls, a bed or crate, toys, leashes and collars, and grooming supplies. However, the most essential is the food they eat.
Choose the Right Food
It’s essential to research before choosing what food to feed your new rescued dog. Different breeds have different nutritional needs, so it’s important to find food tailored specifically for your pup. You should also avoid giving them table scraps, as this can lead to begging behavior down the road. Additionally, you should check if some of the food you feed them has dairy. Most dogs are lactose intolerant, which leads to stomach problems.
Set Some Ground Rules
Before bringing your rescued dog home, it’s essential to set some ground rules with everyone in the household—including any other pets you may have. This will help your new pup feel comfortable in their new environment and prevent misunderstandings or conflict. For example, you may want to establish rules about where they are allowed to go in the house, what they can chew on, and how much noise they are allowed to make.
Adopting a dog is an enriching experience—but it’s not without its challenges. Before bringing your new furry friend home, there are a few things you need to do to prepare both your home and yourself for their arrival. By following these four simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming the perfect pet parent!
