Adopting a rescue dog is not a decision that should be taken lightly. Any dog is a big commitment, and a rescue dog can come with some ‘baggage’. But if you would like a dog to join the family, adopting a dog is so rewarding for both you and the dog. Before you bring your dog home from the shelter, here are some things to consider and prepare for.
What Do You Want from a Dog?
Before you even visit the shelter, it is important to consider what kind of dog you want, and what kind of relationship you want with the dog. This can affect what breed you should consider. Research into the different breeds of dog. Whilst you will not have as much choice going to a rescue shelter compared to going to specific dog breeders, it is a good idea to have an idea of the background of different breeds before adopting.Â
Do you want a big, bouncy dog that will require walking three times a day? Are you able to give up that much time every day? Do you want a smaller dog that might be yappy? Are you looking for a young puppy, or an older, quieter dog that is looking to live out its last few years in a loving home? These are all important things to consider.
Get Supplies
When adopting a dog, it is not just the dog that is going to be joining you in your home. You will also need all the supplies that come with dog ownership. These include a dog bed, blankets, perhaps a crate if you are going to be crate training. You will need a collar and lead, food and water bowls, plenty of toys and treats for the dog. Not to mention poo bags! It is also a good idea to research local dog training classes, as dog training is a must.
Prepare Your Home
Make sure your garden is secure before bringing your dog home. You want to make sure any holes in fences are made safe, and that there’s no potential digging under fences. Also make sure that there are no choke hazards around for the dog, or dangerous wires to chew on. A dog is going to want to explore its new surroundings, so be prepared for this. Get some baby gates to put up in certain areas if there are rooms you don’t want the dog to go in, or to block off the upstairs. Having plenty of chew toys will help distract from chewing your furniture instead.
Register with a Local Vet
It is a good idea to find a local vet and enquire with them before you even bring your new dog home. You can then get an idea of prices of consultations, and any vaccination updates they will need. You should also arrange to have your rescue dog microchipped if they aren’t already.
Get Pet Insurance
It is super important to have your dog insured from the moment you pick them up. Vet bills can be costly if they get ill and need treatment or get in an accident. Take a look at Petsure for some great pet insurance options for your dog and register them as soon as you adopt your dog.Â
Introduce the Family
Once you have chosen your new rescue dog, it is time to bring them home and introduce them to the family, including any current pets! Be sure to do this slowly and don’t overwhelm them. It may be a good idea to introduce one family member at a time, especially if you have kids. Don’t have too many visitors in the first few days and just enjoy getting to know the latest member of your family.
Whatever rescue dog you end up coming home with, be sure to take these important factors into consideration.
