Image Source
In the UK alone, over 100,000 dogs are adopted every year, which is a huge number. People say that dogs are a man’s best friend, and these statistics clearly back up this saying. Dogs can be a fantastic addition to someone’s life, as they provide comfort, support and love to their owner. Although dogs are such beloved pets, it doesn’t mean that they are easy to own. Some dogs obviously require more attention than others, but getting a dog of any type is a huge commitment.
If you are thinking about adopting a dog, then there are a few things you need to consider first. It can take a while for your dog to get settled into their new home, so it is important that you are patient. In this article, we will go over five tips for new dog owners that can help you get your dog settled after adopting them. Keep on reading to find out our top tips.
Research Breeds Beforehand
When you adopt from a shelter, you don’t really have the freedom to choose whatever breed you want, but it would still be beneficial to research different breeds before you start looking in shelters. Different breeds have different needs, so it is important that you know a bit about the breed before you adopt. You have to consider what sort of lifestyle you lead and whether that dog can fit in with your lifestyle. For example, if you are very sporty and love physical activity, then you will need a breed like a golden retriever or a border collie. Both of these breeds are very active, so they will be able to keep up with your fast-paced lifestyle. However, if you live a more low-key life, then perhaps adopt a basset hound or a French bulldog.
Establish A Routine
Once you bring your dog home from the shelter, you should try and establish a routine straight away. It is important that your dog starts to follow your routine as soon as possible, as this will just help them get accustomed to your lifestyle. Dogs can sometimes be a little anxious when they leave a shelter, so establishing a routine early on can make it easier for them to settle into their new home. Having said this, it is also important that you are patient with them and that you don’t try and force things too quickly. Although you want them to settle into their new life, be sure that you take it slow and let them figure things out at their own pace.
Begin Training Straight Away
You never know what you are going to get from a rescue dog; sometimes, they can be fully trained, partially trained, or not trained at all. No matter what level of training your dog has, once you bring them home from the rescue centre, you should spend time training them yourself. This gives you and your dog a chance to bond, and hopefully, it will mean your dog starts to respond to your commands. A great way to begin training is by using treats as a reward, as this will motivate your dog to listen to you. To find the best treats for your new furry friend, you can browse the Time For Paws website and stock up on some tasty snacks.
Register Them With A Vet
Another important thing you need to do once you adopt a dog is getting them registered with a vet. It is likely that your dog already received the necessary vaccinations whilst they were in the rescue centre, but it is still essential for your dog to be registered with a vet. Your dog may also already have a microchip in them, so when you get them registered with a vet, you should make an appointment so that their microchip now has your information. This just gives you a bit of reassurance, and it means that if your dog gets lost for any reason, they can be traced back to you.
One-On-One Time
One of the most important tips we can give to new pet owners is to make sure that you have plenty of one-on-one time with your dog. You have to understand that for a dog, it can be a little scary being adopted as they suddenly find themselves in a new environment. Furthermore, being a rescue centre could mean that they have had a difficult past, and they may have trust issues as a result. This is why it is so important that you spend plenty of time with your dog, just the two of you, so you can bond and build up trust. Try to not have any visitors over for the first few weeks, as too many new people could be a little overwhelming. Once your dog is settled and you have formed a bond, you can then invite some people over to meet your new furry friend.