Eight Things to Remember Before Bringing Home a Dog

Congratulations! Your new furry pal is your best friend now, and you get to take him home with you. As soon as you bring him home, there are plenty of things to do. Your dogs aren’t going to know what to do as quickly as they get home, as all of this is new to them, so it’s up to you to make sure everything is underway.

The US agrees that having a pet is fantastic for your home and family, but you’ve got to take plenty of points into consideration before taking the plunge.

You’ll have to think about things like training (even checking out online dog training courses), their food, and making sure they get exercise. Below are some of the most important things you’ll have to do after bringing home your dog.

Dog-proof Your Home

While not as extreme as baby-proofing, you should already have space ready for your dogs before they get home. You’ll also want to make sure there aren’t small items lying on the floor or things you’d rather not have eaten by curious puppies.

While your house may not always stay that way, it’s important to start cleaning early.

Run Through the Supplies Checklist

As a dog owner, there are a few things you’ll need to have at home. It would help if you had a collar, food bowl, water bowl, bed, some toys, treats, and grooming supplies.

Having all of this ahead of time is going to save you a big headache and last-minute runs down to the pet store.

Have a Tour Planned

Don’t worry about holding an umbrella over your dogs’ heads to guide them around the house, but you must have a small tour planned for them.

Let them explore each nook and cranny, sniffing and walking where they want. Here, it’s best to make sure that you have them on a leash, so they don’t go running off and getting somewhere they’re not supposed to.

Head Outside

After you’ve gone through the inside of the house, it’s a great idea to head outside. Here is where your dogs, assuming they’re not tiny, will be spending a lot of time.

Again, you’ll want to make sure you’re taking them around on a leash and making sure they get accustomed to everything. They should have plenty of chances to sniff around and find out about their new home.

Go Easy on the Diet

If you picked up your dog from a shelter, chances are they were eating a specific kind of food provided by shelter workers or volunteers. You may not have that same kind of food at home, but you should get it so you can start making the switch slowly.

Don’t immediately introduce them to a new brand right off the bat, but start by making the transition over a few days. Switching over too quickly may mean your dog will get sick or not eat the new food.

Start a Training Regimen Immediately

You must set the ground rules early. Training can be a bit difficult, depending on the dog, and you may not know where to start.

There are some fantastic online dog training courses for those who aren’t sure of what to do. From there, you can learn more and bond with your dog over time before eventually teaching him or her some fun tricks.