OK, so you’ve decided to adopt a dog!
First, there are many things you need to consider. There are preparations to be made.
OK, so you’ve decided to adopt a dog!
First, there are many things you need to consider. There are preparations to be made.
Bringing a dog into your world is a wonderful thing but there are many facets of the adoption process you must consider in order to provide a good home for your dog.
Things To Know Before Adopting A Dog
From: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peUVLEUj-AM
#1 Know Your Budget
You are encouraged to get your dog from an animal shelter.
Not only will it cost less, but shelter dogs are actually healthier than purebreds and won’t cost as much in the way of vet bills.
What’s more, the comparatively small amount you pay in an adoption fee goes to take care of other needy animals.
Also take time to research how much it would cost to groom, feed or get toys for your dog.
#2 Select Your Dog’s Size
You need to think about what size dog is best for your lifestyle. What kind of dog can you handle?
What kind of dog do you have room for? A person of any size can handle a big dog if they know what they’re doing.
Do you know what you’re doing?
Very little dogs are good for apartment life, but not in homes with small children that may mistake them for toys.
On the other extreme, big dogs might think small children are toys for puppies and play too rough.
A big dog will also need a lot of space to move around in.
Can you give him that?
From: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLkWwo2zKJE&feature=
#3 Get A Nice Name For Your New Dog
It should be short and easy to say. Even show dogs with fancy, elaborate names have “call names” that they answer to.
It should be something you wouldn’t be embarrassed to yell while standing on your back porch or while running down the street.
Do you want to be labeled the town drunk because you were heard to shout out “Brandy!” at odd times?
Watch out for rhymes! (See what I did there?)
Don’t name a dog anything that rhymes with a command word or another pet’s name.
Artist William Wegman named one of his Weimaraners Fay Ray.
One wonders how he taught her to stay. Twin Yorkies named Muffy and Tuffy might
sound cute, but they’ll just be confused.
From : https://www.prouddogmom.com/new-puppy-checklist-everything-you-need/
#4 Make A List Of Required Dog Supplies
There is an old superstition against buying baby supplies before a baby is born that isn’t very practical in an age where infant mortality is fairly low.
The same is true about dogs. Here is a checklist you need to get before you get a dog.
- Bowls for food and water
- Canned and/or dry food
- Canine formulated shampoo and conditioner
- Nail clippers
- Collar
- A four to six foot long leash
- ID tag with your phone number
- Plastic poop bags (biodegradable ones are ideal) or a pooper scooper
- Absorbent house training pads
- Lots of toys (good starts are balls, ropes, chew bones, squeaky toys and treat puzzles.)
- Dog treats
- Baby gate(s)
- A foldable metal crate or hard plastic carrier
- Dog bed
- Brush or comb corresponding to your dog’s coat length and type
- Enzymatic odor neutralizer
From: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04Oi6DSwPKo&feature=
#5 Right Type And Amount Of Dog Food
It is important to make an informed decision on food related matters. Small dogs need small, easily chewed kibble.
Big dogs like something that crunches. Maybe your dog prefers wet food.
Keep in mind how much food your dog will need to maintain a healthy weight.
The dog’s age, size and breed are all factors that will affect how much food he’ll eat and what kind he needs.
#6 Avoid Harmful Foods & Plants
Chocolate, onions, garlic, citrus, anything made with grapes and raw dough with yeast are all toxic to your dog so keep them away from him.
If you are decorating for Christmas, keep holly and mistletoe where your dog can’t get to it.
If you celebrate Mardi Gras, keep the Lenten rose away from Fido. If you celebrate Beltane, keep primrose from your four-footed friend.
If you like to celebrate April 20, no one’s judging you but you need to keep your stash where Fido can’t get it.
According to the ASPCA daisies, foxglove, jonquils and tulips are among many plants that are bad for dogs. Educate yourself on what is toxic for your dog.
#7 Socialize Your Dog
For your dog to be friendly and confident, he must be socialized.
This is the best and easiest done with puppies but it’s never too late to start.
Teach your puppy the correct way to behave and break bad habits before they even start.
Keep it up all through Fido’s adolescence. Set up playdates for your dog.
From: https://www.flickr.com/photos/andikam/13508955773
#8 Be Careful While Travelling With Your Dog
If you are traveling with a dog, an identification tag or better yet microchipping are very important.
Your cell phone number should be on the tag so you can be contacted anywhere. Never let your dog hang his head out an open window.
Many airlines will want a certification of health before letting a dog fly.
Check what the airline’s policy is on animals and keep your friend’s safety and comfort in mind.
Most trains and buses will not allow any animals other than service dogs. Bring plenty of food, water and a new toy to keep him entertained. Puzzle toys are best.
#9 Beware Of Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks don’t just make your friend uncomfortable; they can also be a health hazard.
Fleas and ticks can carry other diseases. Treat your dog and bedding to prevent parasitic infestations.
From: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pv7Yt4xSNAQ&feature=
#10 Find The Right Vet
Yelp reviews help, but there are many other things to consider. The American Animal Hospital Association can help you find an accredited vet in your area.
Before you commit to anything, you can schedule a time to talk with the vet and see if this person is the right fit for you and your dog.
Feel free to ask lots of questions and learn if this is the right one.
From: https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/en/view-image.php?image=221077&picture=dog-sitter
#11 Find A Dog Sitter
If you need to be out of town and away from your dog for awhile, a dog sitter is a better choice than a kennel.
A sitter will come to your home and make sure your dog is cared for while you’re gone.
The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (800-296-PETS) or Pet Sitters International (800-268-SITS) are both organizations that can give you good references for pet sitters in your area.
From: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/458183
#12 Your Dog Can Break Lots Of Things
Sometimes that big, waggy tail has a mind of its own. You may have to dog proof your home just as you would baby proof it.
That means keeping breakables up where Fido can’t reach. Sometimes a dog doesn’t mean to break things.
After all, he doesn’t know the difference between porcelain china and plastic. However, some dogs may get destructive because they’re not getting enough attention.
It could be separation anxiety or restlessness from not enough exercise.
Keep easily destroyed things away from your dog but if he seems determined to be destructive you need to look for a reason why Fido is doing this.
#13 A New Puppy Can Chew Up Your Shoes
Like many bad habits, the best way to stop it is not to start it to begin with.
Never give a puppy an old shoe to chew on because they can’t tell the difference between old shoes and new shoes.
Puppies chew both to explore the world and relieve the pain of teething. Teach your puppy what is good to chew and what isn’t.
From: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YEpIhaRIUU
#14 Get The Proper Dental Care For Your Dog
This is something often overlooked. Periodontal disease can be an unbearable problem for dogs.
It’s easier to get puppies used to the idea of brushing but it’s never too late. A daily brush is ideal but three or four times a week is acceptable.
Use canine toothpaste. Your dog won’t like the taste of human toothpaste and he won’t be able to spit it out.
There are also chew toys that can keep teeth clean.
#15 Take Care Of Their Hair On A Regular Basis
This is an important part of pet care.
Not only are you removing loose hair and detangling it but you are distributing healthy natural skin oils over the hair shaft which promotes a shiny coat.
How often you groom your dog depends on what kind of coat he has. It also keeps the skin healthy. Every once in a while, Fido will need a bath.
From: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQiaZfJsGN0&feature=
#16 There Is No Alternative To Exercising Your Dog
Now, there are many different methods you can use to exercise your dog but Fido must be exercised.
You can go for a walk, play fetch, blow some bubbles, run an obstacle course or many other things but your dog needs exercise.
Different dogs need different amounts of exercise but they all need some. Study shows that dogs that do not exercise are unhealthy.
The pent up energy makes them destructive and excess weight and weak muscle mass are very bad for a dog’s health.
#17 Neutering or Spaying Your Dog Is Always Helpful
There are many health benefits to spaying or neutering your dog. Spaying a female will prevent uterine infections and neutering your male dog will prevent testicular cancer.
Spayed females never have to deal with going on heat. Neutered males are better behaved and don’t stray as much.
Of course, the major reason to spay or neuter your dog is to control the pet population. Puppies are cute, but there’s just too many of them to take care of.
The old rule was waiting six to nine months for desexing operations. Now, it can be done as young as eight weeks, as long as the dog in question is healthy.
From : https://pixabay.com/photos/sunset-dog-owner-man-nature-743429/
#18 Arrange Your Time For Your Dogs
What does your dog need most? You. You need to connect and bond with your dog as a responsible owner.
After all, isn’t having a friend to play with and spend time with the very reason you got a dog?
Make time to spend with your dog.
Conclusion
Which of the above subjects resonated best with you? I’m particular interested in writing more about names because there’s just so many to choose from.
Spaying and neutering is an important topic. I seriously encourage people to adopt rather than do anything to support puppy mills.
There are responsible breeders, of course, but animal shelters are in desperate need of support. Is there a topic you’d like to know about?
Please post any questions or comments in the section below. If you liked this article, please do share it.
Bringing a dog into your world is a wonderful thing but there are many facets of the adoption process you must consider in order to provide a good home for your dog.
Guest Article Written by Sandra S. Ashley