What you need to know if you want to adopt a dog

So you want to adopt a dog? Can’t wait to welcome a new member into your family and give him all the love he needs, spend time together and enjoy each other’s company?

It’s more than likely that your life will change once a new dog joins the family. There are a few things you should know when taking this step, especially if it’s your first time adopting a dog.

What you need to know before adopting a dog

It’s important to think carefully about what breed of dog you want before you take one home. It’s very easy to be won over by a puppy’s big brown eyes or an energetic ball of fur, but remember that a dog is about building a long-term relationship, so it’s good that you and your pet are compatible. So:

A dog should not only fit your lifestyle, but also your environment. For example, if you live in a smaller house, then a small dog would be more suitable.

Like breed, age is another thing to consider when you want to adopt a dog. Since puppies require a lot of work during those early training days, you might consider the option of adopting an adult dog from a rescue center.

A dog is a great joy, but it also comes with a number of responsibilities that you need to take on: from caring for it, to daily walks, to ensuring a healthy diet. In other words, having a dog, whether a puppy or an adult dog, also means dedicating time to his every day needs. It’s about training, too.

Adopting a dog

There are many puppies that have been abandoned or for some reason need a new, loving home. If you’ve already chosen your furry friend, here’s what you need to do before you bring them home:

Purchase the necessary accessories

Before you bring it home, buy everything you need to ensure his comfort and safety. Besides the basics, a collar and leash, food and water bowls, you’ll need a dog bed, toys, treats and grooming supplies.

Preparing the house

Similar to baby-proofing, it’s always a good and safe idea to prepare your space before a puppy arrives. Go around the house and gather items that might be harmful to puppies and take away those items you don’t want him to chew.

You also need to prepare the family: Decide which family members will be in charge of feeding, walking and training. If other animals already live in the house, make sure their areas are “updated” for everyone’s safety. If you also have cats, you should have a dedicated area to which they can retreat that your dog won’t have access to, giving them a way to get used to the new arrival in their home. It may seem like an unwarranted measure to some, but such preparation gives the puppy security and eases the transition process for everyone.

Plan how (and when) to bring the dog home

If possible, take a few days off work or plan your adoption so that you can take your dog on a weekend when you are more free. But don’t take him at the start of a long holiday; if he gets used to you always being home, he may develop separation anxiety when you return to work.

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