4 Important Things to Take Note of When Adopting a Dog

If you’re reading this article, chances are, you’re thinking about adopting a dog. However, the process of adopting a rescue from a shelter is not as simple as just bringing a dog home.

To build the foundation of a fur-ever home properly, these are 4 important points to keep in mind when you first bring your new furry friend home!

1. Your dog will need time to adjust

Any dog, especially a rescue dog, requires time to adapt and familiarise itself to new people and surroundings. If your dog appears to be shy and quiet, chances are, it is simply still trying to make sense of its new environment.

There is no need to be disappointed or alarmed, and rather than forcing your dog to interact with you, be patient and let it explore the place as well as approach you in its own time – it will, sooner or later!

2. Every dog is unique

Just like how every human being is unique, every dog has its own idiosyncratic characteristics and temperament. Before adopting a dog, find out more about its personality and past experiences with the staff at the dog shelter.

This way, you can know if it is a good fit for your lifestyle and be prepared for the type of behaviour you can expect to see from it – this makes things much easier for both you and the dog!

3. Be prepared for separation anxiety

Dogs moving into a new environment would most likely display behaviours that might be signs of separation anxiety. Before bringing your furry friend home, make sure there are plenty of toys to keep your dog mentally occupied and cosy corners for it to feel comfortable and safe even when you’re not around.

Be sure to also stick to a routine so that your dog will learn that even though you walk out of the door every morning, you will return to its side every night.

4. Ease your dog into your house rules

It’s only natural that your new canine friend will be unfamiliar with your house rules, even if it has been house-trained by its previous owner. To prevent accidents and unwanted habits from forming, make sure to provide a small but cosy space that your dog can call its own.

Your dog can stay within that area until it has been fully house-trained, and don’t worry about it feeling cooped up – having a space of its own can actually help your dog feel more secure, and you can let it out to play and explore from time to time if you’re home!