Bringing a new rescue dog into your home can be an incredibly exciting and rewarding experience. It can also be a bit overwhelming, however, as it requires a lot of time and energy to ensure that your new pet is comfortable, safe, and happy in their new environment. If you are thinking about welcoming a rescue dog into your home, there are some important and helpful tips you should consider in order to make the transition as smooth as possible. From providing emotional comfort to creating a routine, these tips will help you ensure that your new pet is settling in comfortably and that your home is a safe and welcoming environment for them.
Research The Breed Of Dog You Are Considering
Before you even consider bringing a new dog into your home, you should research the breed of dog that you are most interested in bringing into your home, whether it be a chihuahua, labrador, or one of these German Shorthaired Pointers. Not all breeds are right for every home and family, and knowing the right breed for you will make the adoption process much smoother. Knowing the right breed for your particular situation will not only help you during the adoption process, but it will also help you create a home environment that is safe and comfortable for your dog.
Prepare For Their Arrival
Once you have met and selected the dog that you would like to bring home, it’s important to prepare for their arrival. Most shelters and rescues will provide you with the vaccination records and any medical conditions for the dog you’re hoping to adopt, but it’s still important to be ready for their arrival. You’ll want to make sure that your home is clean and tidy and that there are no toxic items for the dog to get into. You also want to make sure that your other pets are out of the way so they can get used to their surroundings at their own pace.
Create A Routine
One of the best ways to make your new rescue dog feel comfortable and at ease in their new home is to create a routine for them. Dogs thrive when they have a routine and understand their daily schedule, so you want to make sure you are doing your best to incorporate this into their transition into your home as quickly and smoothly as possible. You can start by feeding them at the same times each day, providing them with plenty of water throughout the day, and making sure they have plenty of toys to play with throughout the day.
Give Them Space And Time To Acclimatise
Although you want to create a routine for your new dog as quickly as possible, you also want to give them plenty of space and time to acclimatise to their new home. The transition from the shelter or rescue centre to a new home can be incredibly overwhelming and stressful for any new dog, so you want to make sure that you are giving them plenty of time to relax, explore, and adjust to their new surroundings.
Introduce Them To Other Pets Slowly
If you already have pets in your home, it’s important to introduce your new rescue dog to them slowly and carefully. You don’t want to throw the two pets together and expect everything to be fine; you want to carefully and slowly introduce them over time. Start by keeping the new dog in a separate room while the other pets are in a different area of the house. After a few days, begin to allow the new dog to roam the house while the other pets are confined to a certain room before letting them get to know each other before being separated again. And after a few weeks, once the two pets are comfortable with each other’s smell and have established a positive relationship, you can begin to allow them to roam the house together.
Invest In Pet Insurance
It can be incredibly important to invest in pet insurance if you are bringing a rescue dog into your home. After all, you don’t know what they may have been through in their past, and it may have left them with any number of health issues. By investing in Purely Pets pet insurance, you are protecting yourself financially in the event that your new dog has any health issues. This will allow you to receive financial reimbursement for any vet bills that may come up unexpectedly.
Develop A Walking Schedule
One of the best ways to create a routine for your new rescue dog is to incorporate daily walks into their daily schedule. Not only will this provide ample exercise and mental stimulation, but it will also help you become more familiar with your new dog and their personality. As you walk, you can begin to slowly introduce the dog to other people and pets, and you can also begin to slowly acclimatise them to the sounds and sights of the area.
Create A Feeding Area
One of the first things you should do when you bring a new dog into your home is to create a feeding area for them. This can be as simple as a designated spot in the corner of your kitchen where you place their food bowl each day. It is important to create a feeding area for your new dog as soon as they come home, as this will help them adjust to their new home. If you have other pets in your home, you’ll also want to make sure their feeding area is secure and safe from other animals.
Make A Space For Them To Sleep
It’s important to make sure that your new dog has a safe and comfortable place to sleep. You may want to provide your dog with a comfortable bed and a blanket. If you have children in your home, you may want to consider purchasing a dog gate to keep them out of the dog’s sleeping space. This will help protect the dog from being accidentally stepped on or disturbed while they rest.
Get Them Registered With A Vet
Even before you bring your new rescue dog home, it’s important to get them registered with a vet. You’ll want to make sure to find a vet who is familiar with treating dogs who have come from a shelter environment, and you’ll want to make sure that your dog gets all the necessary vaccinations. You also want to make sure you have a vet in your area that is available and open on weekends in case your new dog becomes injured or ill. Having your dog registered with a vet in their new home will help you feel more secure and confident that your dog will receive any necessary medical attention if they ever need it.
Invest In Training
Before you bring your new dog home, exploring training options in your area is a good idea. Regular training sessions will help you and your new pet becomes closer, friendlier, and more comfortable with each other. It can also be a great way to get outside and meet new people. With training, it’s important to be consistent and patient. Remember that your dog has just gone through a big change and is probably feeling a bit overwhelmed. It will take time for your dog to adjust to their new home and owners fully, but with consistent training, you will be able to see significant progress.
Spend Time Bonding
There are many ways to spend time bonding with your new dog. In addition to training, you can also walk with your dog and take them to meet new people and pets. You can also spend time playing with them in your home or go to a dog park with them. The more time you spend with your new dog, the more comfortable and familiar they will become with you.
Have Patience
When welcoming a new dog into your home, it is important to remember that they will likely take some time to adjust to their new environment and surroundings. This may take longer for some dogs than others, and it is important to have patience and not expect too much from your new pet too quickly. Having patience when welcoming a new dog into your home will help your new pet adjust to their new home.
Final Thoughts
When bringing a new rescue dog into your home, it’s important to remember that it’s not just about you. Your dog has been through a lot in their life, and they have likely been living in an unfamiliar, stressful environment for an extended period of time. It’s important to give them time and space to adjust to their new surroundings, and it’s important to go at their pace when introducing them to your home. Bringing a new rescue dog into your home can be incredibly rewarding, but it does take time and patience. With these helpful tips, you can ensure that your new dog is comfortable and happy in their new home, and you can make the transition as smooth and easy as possible.
