Are you planning to adopt a rescue dog? Do you think you are all set by preparing a comfy bed and a bowl of good food? Adopting a rescue dog is not as simple as you think. Every dog has a different personality that reflects his past, and you do not know the backstory of the one you are going to adopt.
He might have spent his life in wild bushes and have no experience living with humans. He might have been abandoned by his previous owner. He might have faced horrible conditions in past. So you must be mentally and emotionally prepared to welcome new addition to your family.
When more than 6 million animals are surrendered to shelters each year in the United States, buying a dog from a local pet shop would be of no use. Kindly visit a nearby shelter before going to the pet market. Here we listed a few important tips that will help you in the rescue dog adoption process:
Pre-Adoption Tips
The most important step before looking for a rescue dog is to ask yourself some important questions such as; am I ready to bring a new dog home? Does my budget allow this new addition? Do I have enough time to devote to the new pet?
If the answer to all the aforementioned questions is “yes,” then you can start searching for the dog. To ease your search, you must read the tips mentioned below:
- Choose a Dog that Matches Your Lifestyle
Some dogs prefer to be the only pet in the home while some enjoy being with other canines. Some feel comfortable staying at home while others like adventure and fun.
If you have an energetic and fun-loving atmosphere, then Australian Labradoodle would be an ideal choice. If you are a quiet person and don’t like being social, then Great Dane is the best introvert companion.
Tell the volunteers or shelter team about your living space and lifestyle, they will do match-making and find out the best fit for you.
- Must Know the Medical History
Be mindful of the health issues of the dog you are going to adopt. Ask the shelter team about its medical history. Most importantly, if the dog has a certain allergy, and you do not know the foods that trigger it, it will put you in a lot of trouble. So, must consider the health status of dogs before adopting them.
Post-Adoption Tips
In an ideal world, you bought a dog home; he liked your place and immediately got settled. But is this possible in the real world? Well! It is very unlikely. Dogs take plenty of time to adjust to a new environment, but your care and mindfulness can speed up this transition period.
Once you have adopted a perfect furry friend after thorough research and frequent visits to dog rescues, the next step is to know the pre-adoption tips given below:
- Microchipping is a Must
According to a report by American Humane Association, around 10 million pets are lost yearly. You never know when your dog gets a chance to run away and end up once again in the shelter.
To prevent your dog from getting lost, make sure he is microchipped with your accurate current contact information. If you have any plans to move, update the microchip company with new information.
- Pet-Proof Your Home
Make sure your home is free from any item that is capable of causing harm to the new dog. Some important items to look out for are sharps, small toys that can be swallowed, wires, detergents, and medicines.
Most of all, plants toxic to animals such as tulip, lilies, sago palm, and foods such as onion, coffee, tea, fat trimmings, etc. must be removed from the house. Also, put away any valuable possessions that he can spoil by chewing.
- Give them Enough Time to Adjust
Although your home is much better than the shelter, it is still an unfamiliar environment for them. Dogs sometimes get frightened or unhappy in new places. There is a specific timeline that a pet follows after adoption. This is called the 3-3-3 Adjustment Period.
It indicates that a dog roughly takes 3 days to come out from the shock of shifting places, 3 weeks in getting addicted to the new home, people, and the lifestyle, and 3 months to completely settle into the new home.
So, take care of your dog in the best possible manner during this transition period. Your affection and support will help them in becoming an integral part of your family.
- Find Out a Perfect Location
Dogs are quite social animals and they like being close to their owner. Choose a place that gives your pooch a positive vibe instead of a negative or traumatic one. Make sure to place your dog crate in a busy place where he can observe the activities in the house.
For example; instead of putting him in your laundry room where no one frequently comes, keep him in the kitchen or living room. This will help him in getting familiar with the family and adjusting to the new changes.
- Set Boundaries and Restrictions
It is extremely important to fence the area or put him in a dog crater, but it must be spacious enough for him to move freely within it. Their defined place should be the only place for him to settle.
Do not allow him to sleep with you on the bed or couch during the transition period. These restrictions are necessary until he becomes a real member of your family.
- Practice Frequent Absences
Do not think of making this common mistake. If you are always available to the dog, he will get addicted to you. Try leaving them from time to time to get them used to your absences.
Even at the time of adoption, do not bring him home at the start of the weekend or holidays. The reason is that when you’ll get back to work, he might develop separation anxiety which will stop him from adjusting to the confusing change.
Conclusion for Dog Adoption Tips
No doubt, bringing a new rescue dog home means you are going to get unconditional love and happiness. But this can only happen when you find the right match. If the dog isn’t right for the owner or vice versa, both will be unhappy and the dog will eventually end up in the shelter.
References
- 9 Things You Should Know Before Adopting a Rescue Dog
- Dog Adoption Tips
- The Best Place in Your Home for a Dog Crate
Article written by Muhammad Shoaib
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