Prepping Your Home For A New Dog
If you know anything about the Go With Ro team, you know that we love dogs! We are proud longtime partners with the Humane Society for Southwest Washington because we believe our duty as agents of “finding home” extends to the many dogs, cats, and other pets available for adoption in our county. In our own homes, we’ve welcomed foster and rescue dogs, cats, abandoned fish, and even one spunky turtle. Over the years, we’ve become experts in two things: homes and pets. So today, we’re combining both in our blog post on how to create the perfect home for a new four-legged family member.
Learn more about our work with the Humane Society here.
Tailoring Your Home To Your Dog’s Specific Needs
Bringing home a dog is incredibly exciting, but it’s vitally important to consider what your specific dog will need to thrive in your home environment. This starts with gaining an intimate understanding of your dog’s background.
Rescue Dogs
When bringing home a rescue dog, your first step should be to talk to the shelter about the dog’s history and what the animal will need in their new home. Some rescues may come from traumatic environments and will require time, space, and quiet to decompress. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that a nervous, frightened dog needs more love, cuddles, and reassurance to feel comfortable, but that can often be the exact opposite of what they need. Most rescue dogs benefit from structured crate time and a consistent schedule to help them decompress, feel comfortable in their new environment, and gradually come out of their shell. If you are bringing home a rescue dog, plan for a gradual introduction to new spaces and people, and resist rushing them into unfamiliar situations.
Puppies
Puppies are natural explorers and will put just about anything in their mouths. That means Priority Number One for a successful puppy home is puppy proofing. Wires, chemicals, toxic plants, and floor-level valuables should be moved or reinforced to keep them away from the curious nose and teeth of a puppy. Set yourself up for success by establishing a firm potty schedule as soon as your puppy comes home and have cleanup supplies handy for inevitable accidents. Puppies are also at a critical stage of brain development, so it’s important to socialize them in safe environments with other dogs, children, and even objects, machines, and noises they will encounter as adults.
Take the time to research your dog’s age, breed, and history so you can create a home that will help them thrive. It’s much easier to create an environment that prevents problems from arising than to deal with behavioral issues later on.
3. Gather Essential Supplies
Just about every product in the pet store is tailored to a specific kind, size, and age of dog. Most of this will be self-explanatory—a small dog will need smaller toys, for example—but other key details might not be obvious to a first-time dog owner. Here are some key supplies with top pro tips to help you pick out the perfect ones!
Food & Water Bowls: When choosing food and water bowls, consider your dog’s common eating habits. Large breeds with droopy jowls, like mastiffs, are known to splash as they drink and may need a waterproof mat to prevent spillage. Sporty breeds, like Labradors, tend to eat quickly and may benefit from a slow feeder. Older dogs may experience discomfort bending over to eat and will appreciate raised bowls.
Leash & Collar/Harness: You will likely need to get to know your dog’s walking behavior better before selecting the optimal collar and leash, but a good rule of thumb is to never connect a dog’s leash to the collar that holds their tags. This could lead to a dog slipping or breaking out of their collar, leaving them loose without your contact information. Most vets also advise against using expandable leashes, as they carry significant risk of injury to both owner and pet. Additionally, small breeds are generally safer in harnesses, as collars can put dangerous stress on their necks.
Grooming Supplies: If you are getting a long-haired, double-coated, or curly-coated dog, grooming supplies are essential! Take the time to research proper brush techniques and tools for your dog’s coat and breed—neglecting your dog’s coat can lead to a myriad of health problems. All dogs, regardless of coat type, will also need regular ear cleanings to prevent infections and tooth brushing to keep their gums and teeth healthy throughout their life.
By carefully selecting the right products for your dog’s unique needs, you’ll not only ensure their comfort and safety but also promote their overall well-being. Investing in the proper supplies from the start sets the foundation for a happy and healthy life with your new companion.
Preparing Your Family
Bringing a dog into your home is a family affair, and it’s crucial to set expectations with all members of the household to ensure a smooth transition. Start by discussing the responsibilities that come with dog ownership, emphasizing the importance of consistency in care and training. Everyone should be on the same page about the dog’s needs and behavior guidelines to prevent confusion for your new pet.
Training Basics: Encourage each family member to learn basic commands and training techniques. Consistency is key in training, so having everyone use the same commands and rewards will make the process smoother and more effective.
Assigning Responsibilities: Dividing tasks like feeding, walking, and grooming among family members ensures that no one person is overwhelmed and that all aspects of the dog’s care are consistently managed. Assigning specific duties can also help children learn responsibility and establish a routine that benefits both the dog and the family.
By preparing your family and setting clear expectations, you create a harmonious environment where your dog can thrive. A well-coordinated approach to care and training will foster a strong bond between your new pet and each member of your household.
Final Checks & First Day Home
Before bringing your new dog home, it’s important to do a final check to ensure everything is in place. Go over a checklist to confirm that all essentials—like food, water, bedding, toys, and grooming supplies—are ready. Make sure your home is dog-proofed, with any hazards removed or secured, and that the space where your dog will spend most of their time is safe and welcoming.
Welcoming the Dog: When introducing your dog to their new environment, it’s best to do so calmly and gradually. Allow them to explore one area at a time, starting with the space where they’ll eat and sleep. Keep the environment quiet and stress-free, and resist the urge to overwhelm them with too much attention or too many new experiences right away.
Monitoring Behavior: During the first few days, closely monitor your dog’s behavior to see how they’re adjusting. Watch for signs of stress, anxiety, or discomfort, and be prepared to make any necessary adjustments to help them feel more at ease. This might include providing more crate time, adjusting their schedule, or offering extra reassurance as they settle in.
Taking these final steps ensures a smooth transition for your new dog. By carefully managing their first day home and observing their behavior, you’ll help them quickly feel comfortable and secure in their new environment.
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Welcoming a new dog into your home is a joyful experience, but it requires thoughtful preparation and attention to detail. By tailoring your home to meet your dog’s specific needs, gathering the right supplies, preparing your family, and taking careful steps on the first day, you’re setting the foundation for a successful transition. A well-prepared home, combined with a coordinated approach to care and training, will help your new four-legged family member thrive. With these steps, you’ll be well on your way to building a strong, lasting bond with your dog, ensuring they feel safe, loved, and truly at home.
If you are thinking of rescuing a dog, we encourage you to connect with our friends at The Humane Society For Southwest Washington so they can pair you with the perfect pet. We also are proud to sponsor the adoption fee for one pet every week through our Pet Of The Week program, so we encourage you to follow us on Facebook to stay in the loop about our weekly highlighted pup!