Are you looking forward to taking home your new adult furry friend? Is this your first time being a dog owner, or have you had dogs at home for as long as you can remember? Do you feel worried that your dog will feel uncomfortable or have a hard time adjusting?
Whether you are a new owner or have lots of experience with dogs, the process of taking home a pup is not always easy and is often quite challenging. Especially if it is an adult dog, the first days, weeks, or months can be tough. The transition period of going to a new environment can take longer than you expect. However, despite all this, you have to do your best to make everything less stressful so that you and your canine friend can start making many happy memories together.
What things should you prepare to make your newly adopted dog as comfortable as possible on its first day home?
Sleeping and relaxing area
Once you decide to adopt a dog, one of the first things that you have to make a decision on is which parts of your house it will have access to. Pick places where it can sleep, play, and just hang around. Get a dog bed or crate where it can take naps and spend quiet time alone. You can also transform the area under your staircase or a small closet so it can have its own spot in your home.
Potty area
For people who have houses with fenced backyards or gardens, they can just let their dogs go outside to potty. However, for those who live in apartment buildings or share common outdoor areas with other people, it is a bit trickier. You might want to look into creating a makeshift dog potty area to be placed on the balcony or a designated potty spot of your choice. You should also have a leash ready so that your dog is always on a leash when it has to go potty in your building complex’s shared yard.
Toys and accessories
Make a checklist of dog toys and accessories and have them ready before your dog is home. Squeaky balls, Frisbees, tug ropes, snuffle mats, and puzzles can keep it busy and stimulated. Examples of essentials are a collar, leash, harness, food and water bowls, blankets, grooming tools and equipment, and crate. Once the big day comes, you can make sure that your dog can rest well and you can avoid having to go out for an errand because you forgot something. Personalized dog tags or engraved dog tags are important too. These days, you can get personalized dog tags or engraved dog tags made of steel, rubber, leather, plastic, and other materials in different colors, sizes, and styles and they can be very helpful in case your dog runs away or gets lost.
Vet
Even though your dog is already an adult, you still have to be on top of its health. You have to check that its shots and other medical needs are up-to-date. Before you take it home, you should research veterinarians and veterinary clinics in your area and set up an appointment.