FEATURE:  ADOPTION? CAN WE DO IT??

Things to consider before you bring your new dog home

Create a safe and cosy place to sleep
Dogs, and especially puppies, need a safe and cosy place where they can rest and sleep. Find an area in your home where your new family member can sleep and kit this out with a comfortable and suitable size bed and some blankets where they can snuggle and feel safe. 

Food
Try not to make drastic changes with food. If possible, continue on the food the dog is used to and gradually start mixing in new food, if it is different. Switching to a new food without a slow transition can cause upset tummies. Also check on the appropriate amount of food to feed your new dog. 
 

Food and water bowls
Have the right size bowls for your dog. Check with your veterinarian to see if your dog’s bowls should be elevated off the ground.
 

Collar & harness
Ensure your dog has a collar with your contact details on a tag, and that he is microchipped. If you walk him, do not use a choke, prong or any collar that causes pain, stress or injury.
 

Toys
Toys are an important part of helping your dog engage in normal dog behaviour. Get toys that are an appropriate type, size and safe for your dog. Never leave them unsupervised with chew toys. 
 

Dog-proof your home
If you are a first-time dog or puppy owner, put away any clutter, or anything the dog will be able to reach that could be dangerous or get destroyed. Check your garden fence and ensure there are no possible "escape routes". 

Day one: stay calm and carry on

Plan for the drive

When you pick up your new dog, remember to stay calm, as dogs are really adept at picking up on our emotions. To ensure a safer trip, try to plan to have two people bring them home: one person to drive and one person to sit with the dog and comfort them so they feel as relaxed as possible.
 

Help them explore their new environment

Where's the door to go outside to potty? Show them the door, then take them outside and praise them when they do their business (their house training starts immediately!) 

Where's their water and food? Give them a little bit of food when you take them there, and make sure to always have clean water available.

Where's their bed? Show them their bed. This should be a calm place where your pet can go to relax without being bothered.

Where are their toys? Show them the fun things they can play with when they're bored.

After you show them all of the coolest parts about their new home, take them to their bed. Don’t be surprised if they lay right down and ignore you, it’s just them settling in and making that space their own

Save the welcome party for later
 

As much as you want to introduce them to all of your family and friends, this can be overwhelming for a new dog. Give them a couple of days to settle and see how they’re doing before introducing them to anyone else. 
 

Introduction to other pets

As the saying goes, you only have one chance to make a first impression. Plan and oversee the introduction of your new dog to your other pets. Getting used to each other will take time, but you need to oversee it so that everyone is safe and happy. 
 

Find a neutral place for the dogs to meet

It’s best to introduce the new dog somewhere where your existing dog won’t have any territorial issues. It’s a good idea to introduce them outdoors or in the garden.
 

Making the first introductions

Put your puppy on a lead and bring out your adult dog, also safely restrained on a lead. They are bound to be curious, so let them move towards each other, keeping their leads loose. Reassure them by calmly telling them both that they are good dogs, and ignore any whining or barking. Continue to supervise their interactions until you are happy they are good. 
 

Keep everyone calm while introducing the new dog

Reward calm, restrained interactions with gentle strokes, calm words and perhaps some small treats. If either dog gets over-excited, it’s important that you stay calm yourself. Wait for them to calm down or separate them for a while before trying again.
 

Keep the first interactions short

Keep the introductions short, but frequent, and they should soon become the best of friends.