A Comprehensive Guide to Adopting a Dog
Deciding to adopt a dog and give it a forever home is an important decision, one that will have an effect on almost every aspect of your life! Therefore, it’s best that you do your research and be prepared for every step of the adoption. Not only will you be ready for the new change in life, but you’ll also be able to make life far more comfortable for your new furiend.
Before the Adoption:
First things first, ensure that everyone in your house is agreeable to the idea of a new pup. You should be respectful of everybody’s wishes and comfort levels, although it’ll be great if everyone gives the green light. Split up and assign doggy duties for everyone to play a role in the pup’s life.
Research the breed of dog that you would like, including their characteristics, expected living costs and how the breed would affect your lifestyle. You should keep in mind that your desired breed may not always be available for adoption. In that case, visit other shelters or, go for the pooch that steals your heart!
Dog-proof your house to make it safe for your pet as well as protect your fragile belongings. Place valuable or fragile items and food out of your dog’s reach and spray furniture with a no-chew spray. You may want to fence up areas that you deem off-limits to your dog until you can train it such as the kitchen or your bedroom. You should also obtain all your dog will require like bedding, bowls, food and the like.
During the Adoption at the Shelter:
Before adopting your new furkid, bring any existing pet along to the shelter to observe their relationship. The same goes for human family or anyone you live with so that you can gauge the chemistry between them.
Be sure to ask all the relevant questions about your dog and dog care in general, especially for first-timer owners, so that you’re aware of its health conditions, its physical state and its past experience and personality.
Do your research on the adoption process so that you can bring the required documents and have the adoption process go smoothly.
After the Adoption:
Congratulations! You have a new best furiend and now it’s time to ensure that it settles in nicely. Keep your new dog on a leash while it gets acquainted with its new environment and family members. Do pace yourself on this as you don’t want to overwhelm your new pet. However, be sure to introduce it to its new bed, toys and other belongings which you can find in Singapore online pet shops.
After about a week, take your dog to the vet for a check up and to get any necessary shots done. You should begin training your dog as soon as possible so as to establish discipline and set the boundaries in your house.
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Do keep a close eye on your dog, especially in the first few days. Dogs can be curious creatures and stumble upon something dangerous that you’ve forgotten about like wires which can electrocute your pooch if it chews on them. Your canine may also wander away and then not be able to find its way back, be stolen, or even worse, hit by a vehicle. So please make sure your dog is safe at all times!
Source: Pexels
It may take some time before your dog becomes a full-fledged member of your family but remember consistency is key. Show your dog unconditional love and care and it will be returned tenfold.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER ADOPTING A DOG
There are some things that must happen before and during dog adoption to ensure that you are ready for your new dog to move in. There are also other rules to follow after bringing your dog home.
