Adopting a dog is exciting—especially if you’re a first-time pup parent. However, there’s also a learning curve. Here, you’ll find a convenient list of need-to-know information, from the importance of wellness visits to the benefits of training to expectations as your new pet settles in.
Finding the Right Dog
Dogs come in all different sizes, ages, breeds and personalities, and it’s very important to find one who will be a good fit for you, your family and your lifestyle. These considerations can also have a big effect on the time commitments and costs associated with your new dog. Consider the following:
- Do you want to take your dog to the groomer every six to eight weeks? If not (and if shedding isn’t a deal breaker), you might want to look at dogs with short hair.
- Can you afford to feed a 120-pound (or more!) Newfoundland?
- Do you dream of your young kids taking walks with their new pet? Perhaps an older, more sedate dog is a better option than a rambunctious puppy.
Once you know the type of dog you’re looking for, it’s time to look for the right individual. Local shelters and breed rescues are great resources for adopting a dog. If you have your heart set on adopting a puppy of a particular breed, you may have to go through a breeder, but make sure to choose a responsible breeder.
Preparing Your Home
Before you bring your new dog home, you’ll need to prepare your space. Purchase all your supplies including a crate, gates, beds, bowls, a collar and leash, identification tags, food, treats, toys, and grooming and cleaning supplies.
Next, dog-proof your home. Remove dangerous chemicals, foods, medications and other potentially hazardous objects from areas that your dog could access. Tuck electrical cords out of the way behind furniture or under rugs.
Healthy Eating
Find out what your new dog is eating where he currently lives, and ask if you can bring some food home or purchase the same type to have on hand when he arrives. With all the changes going on in his life, an abrupt change in diet is the last thing your new dog needs.
When you and your dog are ready, you can then gradually transition to your dog food of choice. The best options are age-appropriate, made from high quality ingredients, and provide complete and balanced nutrition for dogs. Feed two measured meals a day (three or more for young puppies) and adjust the amount you offer to maintain a lean body condition.
Selecting a Veterinarian
Any newly adopted dog should see a veterinarian within a few days of arriving home. The doctor will review any medical records that came with your dog to determine whether vaccinations or other preventive care is due. A physical exam may also reveal health problems that you need to address.
Find a veterinarian who is not only a skilled practitioner, but also a good match for both you and your dog. Wellness visits need to occur at least annually (more frequently for puppies and older dogs), and you want to be working with someone you trust, especially if your dog develops an illness or is injured.
First Impressions Matter
Before the big day arrives, figure out how you are going to introduce your new dog to other pets and family members in your home. Try not to overwhelm the newcomer. Keep initial interactions short and positive but relatively low-key. Make sure your dog has a special area, like their crate or a secluded room, to which they can escape for a break. Consider limiting your dog’s access to just one part of your home—use gates to close off doorways—and then gradually give him more freedom as he settles in.
Budgeting and Insurance
Caring for a dog can be costly. The ASPCA estimates that the annual cost of owning a dog typically ranges from $737 to $1040, with first year expenses falling between $1471 and $2008. Pet insurance can help with unanticipated veterinary expenses, but it’s still a good idea to set some money aside that is dedicated to pet care.
Socialization Is Key
Well-adjusted dogs are comfortable in a wide variety of environments and interacting with all different sorts of people and animals. They act as if they’ve seen it all before, and that’s because they have! Dogs need to be socialized, particularly during an important period that usually falls between 8-12 weeks of age. Positive experiences at home, in puppy classes, with friends and in parks are vital to avoiding fearful reactions in the future.
Training Basics
Dog training that includes how to walk on a leash and basic cues such as “sit,” “stay,” “come” and “drop” it will help keep your dog safe and prevent conflicts. All training, whether done by you in your home or with the help of a professional, should use only positive reinforcement, like praise and treats to encourage the behavior you want.
Potty training dogs presents some additional challenges, but using your dog’s crate and his natural inhibition against soiling his “den” can help. Whenever you can’t monitor your dog’s actions during the potty training process, keep him in his crate. After a couple of hours, he’ll probably have to “go,” so take him straight outside and then praise him wildly when he does. By limiting the chances for accidents and always being there to praise good behavior, you will help your dog quickly learn where to relieve himself.
Mental and Physical Exercise
Dogs need both mental and physical exercise to be happy and healthy. Play with your dog and go for walks at least daily. Provide opportunities for supervised chewing on appropriate items. When you have to be gone for a period of time, a food puzzle or visit from a dog walker can help ease boredom.
Travel
As much as you love your new dog, there will come a time when you need to be apart due to work or travel. Sometimes these occasions come up with little warning. Make plans with friends or family, develop a relationship with a pet sitter and keep your dog up to date on the preventive care required for a stay at a boarding or doggy day care facility. This way, you’ll be able to make appropriate arrangements quickly.