You might be surprised to learn how much work is involved in preparing your family and home to take in a new dog.
The truth is that dogs need a lot of care, especially if they’re going to live inside with you. But there are many benefits, not the least of which is companionship for both adults and children who are often lonely or bored.
Although caring for dogs like a Doberman, pug, corgi, or even pinscher puppies can seem overwhelming at first, all you have to do is break it down into its parts: preparation for the dog itself; dealing with people’s perceptions about dogs; understanding what kind of dog will best fit your needs; getting ready for the new pet by making some changes around the house; then finally welcoming them into your family.
Here are some things you can do at home to make the transition easier:
Make sure your dog is always welcome in any room of the house
A new dog doesn’t know yet where he can and cannot go in your home, so it’s up to you to show him.
If there are places that he should not be allowed to come in, make sure to set up a small fence or gate to keep him from entering the room.
The last thing you want is for your dog to feel unwelcome in any part of your home, so always make sure he knows that he is welcome everywhere.
Of course, you should never leave a dog alone with a small child unsupervised, but it doesn’t mean that the little ones can’t “help out” too either. This way, they’ll get used to having the dog around just like everyone else in the family.
Choosing a safe place for their bed
Buy a new dog bed and have it be his spot – this will help teach him where his bed is and encourage him to look for it when he needs a rest. Providing a bed for your dog, rather than letting him use yours, also ensures that your mattress remains free of fur, dirt, or stains.
Giving him his bed to sleep in will make the dog feel more secure and safe when he is at home alone. It will make them less likely to soil your furniture or rugs since they have their place where it’s okay to go.
And while you’re at it, make sure his bed is one of the first things he sees when he comes inside. His spot should be a warm and inviting place where nothing wrong ever happens and nothing unpleasant goes on.
This way, your dog will begin associating your house with safety, comfort, and stability rather than just being a place where he eats and eliminates.
Prepare the toys and food
Dogs chew a lot – especially when they’re teething or feeling anxious about having just joined a new family – so it’s important to make sure there are plenty of chewy things available for them to use as pacifiers.
In addition, they also need toys to play with and safe and healthy food to eat.
Get ready with appropriate safety supplies like muzzles, harnesses, and leashes
Not all dogs are good with people and, as such, it’s essential always to be prepared for the unexpected.
Having the appropriate safety supplies on hand can help prevent a negative encounter from happening and might save your dog’s life.
Make sure you have a sturdy collar and leash that fit him well, as well as a muzzle (if necessary) and a good harness.
If your dog is not yet house-trained, you might also want to invest in some indoor potty training supplies like an absorbent pad or a crate lined with newspaper.
It is much easier to train a new puppy than retraining an older dog who has already developed bad habits, so make sure you get started on the right foot.
Decide where to put the dog’s food and water bowls
You should know that feeding schedules can vary greatly, so it’s essential to determine what works best for your dog based on age and breed.
Some dogs eat once a day, while others can do with four smaller meals, so if you are not sure what kind of schedule your new dog is used to, ask your vet for guidance.
It is also important to choose the appropriate space to put their bowls. Make sure they are at a comfortable level where he can reach them without effort and that he can’t knock them over with his tail.
You want to spend as little time as possible keeping their dishes clean and filled with fresh water, so it’s best if the bowls are readily accessible.
Prepare your family for the new responsibility of caring for a pet.
Dogs are a lot of work, but they are also a lot of fun and can provide hours of companionship for the entire family. By getting prepared ahead of time, you can make sure that everyone is ready to welcome your new furry friend with open arms.
