What Every First Time Dog Adopter Should Know
Are you thinking of adopting a dog? While doing this may seem simple and easy, there are a few important things to keep in mind, especially as a first time dog adopter! Besides covering the basics, here is everything you should know.
Every dog is different
Each dog has his or her own unique personality, wants, and needs. Even after you have met your future furbaby, you will learn many new things about them daily as a first time adopter!
Each dog has a different past and life story
Each and every dog has had different life experiences and memories. Some dogs have had especially difficult and cruel pasts. So, as a first time dog adopter, do not be surprised if the dog has trauma, shyness, fear, or some inhibitions. With patience and love, this can easily be overcome.
It may take some time for a dog to get used to new surroundings
A shelter environment is very different than a home environment. As a first time dog adopter, please be patient as your new family member adjusts to his or her new environment. Extra time may be needed before the dog gets used to your schedule, feeding times, routine, and proper potty areas. However, once established, an adopted shelter dog will be the best! We guarantee it!
Patience and kindness are a must
As we have mentioned above, these are non-negotiable as a first time dog adopter. It is extremely cruel to expect a new dog to be 100% adjusted during the initial period. Dogs are sweet and gentle to humans and should be treated in exactly the same way.
Provide the newly adopted dog with a “safe space”
This could be a room, a bed, or a certain area, but it is extremely important that the dog can withdraw to their own place if they feel too overwhelmed or scared at first. As a first time dog adopter, show your newly adopted dog his or her safe space and make it extra comfortable and welcoming.
Use positive reinforcement
As a first time dog adopter, positive reinforcement is your best friend! If your newly adopted pup associates nice things with your new home, pets, and family members, he or she will adapt much more easily and happily!
Introduce them to your other pets slowly
Adopted dogs are usually great with other animals! However, as a first time dog adopter, start slowly. Keep the new dog in a certain area or room at first and have the initial contact with the other pets be through a door. Once he or she adjusts to this, then you can start with supervised interactions. The key here is taking baby steps and being patient and attentive, as always.
As a first time dog adopter, always remember:
Dogs are inherently sweet, affectionate, loyal, and eager to please. Any initial issues you experience with your new best friend can be easily remedied with kindness and patience. Treat your newly adopted pooch as a loved and cherished member of your family, and they will treat you the same in return.
