You’ve just the call that your application for pet adoption has been approved. That means you got yourself a new pet… Hooray!
Now, you have to prepare your home for welcoming your adopted dog. There are a lot of things involved in the whole preparation, from cleaning your home to preparing your family for meeting their furry relative.
This transition can be quite stressful, especially for the dog. That’s why you need to make sure they have all they need and prepare their new home and your family for their coming. To help you welcome your new family member properly, here’s a short guide on how to do it.
- Pet-Proof Your Home
The first thing to do is pet-proof your home. This includes clearing out all items that may harm your pet and adding safety gear for ultimate protection. Some of the things you need to take care of when pet-proofing your home are:
- Removing all breakables and small items out of reach
- Covering trash cans
- Putting away kids’ toys and craft supplies
- Removing any potentially hazardous plants from your home
- Covering heating and air vents
- Blocking small spaces where your dog may get trapped
- Organizing electronic cords and putting them out of reach
- Adding child-proof latches to kitchen cabinets, TV stand doors, and other doors that shouldn’t be open.
Once you’ve taken care of all these things, deep clean your home. You don’t want your dog to come and see a messy home with dust.
- Set Up Their Space
Decide where your dog will spend most of its time. Will it be in the corner of your living room, your bedroom, or another space made just for them? Wherever it is, make sure you prepare it to feel like their home. Add a bed, toys, and any other essentials to that part of your home so that your dog knows that place is just for them.
- Get All Supplies Your Dog Needs
Dogs are like babies; they need lots of stuff. So, make sure you get all the supplies your dog needs to ensure comfortable living. The most common supplies you should have are:
- Bed
- Food
- Treats and chews, like these yak chews and bully sticks
- Food and water bowls
- Collar with ID tag
- Leash
- Toys
- Grooming gear
- Poop bags
- Cleaning supplies
- Set a Potty Schedule
Considering that your dog has already been potty trained, you should set a potty schedule and start practicing it as soon as you bring them home. Set reminders on your phone to get notified when the time to go out comes.
- Prepare Your Family for Welcoming the New Family Member
Entering a whole new world, a new home, can be overwhelming for your dog. That’s why it’s important to prepare your family for a rather calm welcoming of the new family member. Introduce each member one by one, and if you notice your dog gets too nervous or aggressive, take them to another room to calm down.
Final Words: Be Patient
Welcoming a furry member to the family is overwhelming for your adopted dog. They may become nervous or anxious, so don’t push them. Instead, give your dog an “alone” time to get used to the new environment and people. Be patient with their adjustment and make sure they have everything they need for a comfortable and happy life.