Few things can compare to the happiness a dog brings into your life. They love you unconditionally, their companionship can reduce anxiety and social isolation, give you a reason to get out every day, and help you feel relaxed and safe. So, having a dog brings many good things, but buying a dog can be expensive.
A dog can cost between $500 and $3,000, depending on the breed you want. When you add to that the lifetime cost of owning a dog is between $10,000 and $15,000, it’s a good idea to save your money on the purchase. There are many dogs who need happy homes. Adopting a rescue dog is a fantastic way to add to your family and do a wonderful thing for the dog as well.
Following are the top tips for making your dog adoption go smoothly for you and your new pup.
Related: 3-3-3 Rule: The Complete Guide for Dog Rescue
What Should You Know and Do Before Adopting a Dog?
Adopting a dog is a worthwhile though colossal undertaking, so where to begin? Here are some things you should keep in mind before adopting a dog and a few things you should do.
- Ask yourself, “Am I ready to adopt a dog?” This is a serious question, and you may be disappointed with your answer. Becoming a dog parent does mean puppy cuddles, but it also means a massive commitment of time, money, energy, and other resources.
- You will know nothing of your dog’s personality. Who your dog first presents as isn’t necessarily who they’ll be once they’re comfortable in their new home.
- Learn the truth about shelter dogs. Not all shelter dogs come from abused or problematic pasts. This is true of some shelter dogs, but not all. Your dog may simply result from an ‘unplanned’ litter or suffered from inadequate care. The dogs may or may not have suffered trauma.
- Your new dog is scared. Whether you adopt a puppy or an older dog, being in a new home with new people is scary for them. Be sensitive to this, and don’t introduce them to your entire friend group at once. Give your new dog time to feel safe and comfortable with you, your family, and their new home.
- Your dog will need to be trained. Even if your dog had a previous owner, they might have picked up bad habits. Also, neglect or abuse may foster habits like improper urination, stress behaviors, chewing, pulling, or excessive barking. You will have to be patient and consistent in training.
Before Bringing Your New Dog Home
Now that you’ve decided to go ahead with the adoption, here are more tips for making the adjustment go well.
- Decide where your dog will sleep and spend most of their time. The early days (and maybe, weeks) can be tough on your dog, so they may forget their housebreaking. So, provide a place that’s easy to clean up.
- If you’re crate training, have the crate ready when you bring them home.
- Remember that your dog’s training begins immediately. Create a list of command words and ensure your whole family uses them.
- When you come to collect your dog, bring their ID tag with your contact information. Ensure your dog has been microchipped and register your contact info.
- Ask about your dog’s current food and schedule so that you can duplicate both for the first few days. You can slowly add your chosen dog food to their meals - first 1 part new food to 3 parts old food. Gradually increase portions over days until they’re happily eating their new dog food.
- Take your new dog to their toileting area right away and wait with them until they relieve themselves. There may still be accidents, but be patient and consistent.
Related: The Top 10 Gifts For Dog Lover Dads
Prepping Your Home For Your New Furry Family Member
Your home will have to be puppy-proofed. Much like when your toddler becomes mobile, you’ll have to ensure your puppy can’t harm themselves inside the house. Small items or toys with loose pieces can become choking hazards, loose wires, medications, cleaning solutions, and some house plants can also present a danger to your new dog.
Don’t allow your dog onto your balcony, deck, or elevated porch. Keep toilet lids closed, and keep ribbons and plastic bags away from your dog.
Collect all the items your dog will need to be happy and content:
- Food and water bowls
- Collar, leash, and sturdy harness
- Crate and bedding
- Car-to-harness seatbelt
- Pet first aid kit
- Grooming supplies
- Doggie water bottle
You should also get your dog a high-quality set of dog sneakers for walks. Your dog’s paws are vulnerable to burns from hot pavement in the summer, frostbite in the winter, and punctures and other injuries from rough terrain. RIFRUF’s dog sneakers will protect their paws in style.
Does your dog take walks in extreme weather? Our dog sneakers will protect their paws and make them look stylish at the same time. Visit RIFRUF to learn more.
How to Introduce Your New Dog to The Family (Including Other Dogs and Cats)
Your family will be eager to get to know your new dog. Here are some tips to ensure your dog and family are safe.
- NEVER leave a child alone with your new dog. Your dog’s behavior is unpredictable, especially in the early days.
- Your dog should eat in a protected area, away from children. This is to prevent guarding behaviors. They should also be fed a portion that they can finish in one sitting, so nothing is left over for them to guard. Take away the feeding bowls as well, so they won’t attempt to protect their feeding area.
- Roughhousing or wrestling with your new dog is not a good idea. This is especially true if the adult in the family is doing it. If a child then excites the dog, the dog may respond in a manner that could injure the child.
Related: How To Keep Your Dog Entertained At Home
How Long Does it Take for an Adopted Dog to Adjust?
The 3-3-3 Rule explains the process of adjustment for your rescue dog. The rule states that it should take about 3 days for your dog to get over the shock of moving. It will take about 3 weeks for your dog to adjust to your home. And it takes roughly 3 months for your new dog to settle down in their new life completely. Remember, these are estimations - it may take your dog a little longer or shorter to get through these phases.
Support Our Efforts to Care For Dogs Across the Globe!
RIFRUF has a new collaboration sneaker with Korean K9 Rescue (KK9R). When you purchase this dog sneaker, 50% of the profits go directly to help the efforts of KK9R.
The KK9R is a non-profit, no-kill 501(c)(3) based in Queens, New York but rescues dogs from South Korea. These at-risk dogs are brought to the United States and placed in happy homes.
Are you looking for quality products for your dog from a company that is passionate about dogs? That’s us! Visit RIFRUF for the best dog sneakers on the market today.