Adopting a dog is a big decision, although it is something extremely rewarding and can bring joy to your home, it is very likely that at first both you and the animal will have a hard time adapting to this new life best family pets.
To make the transition to the new place easier, we share some actions you should take
Before adopting a pet:
Choose the ideal dog
By this we mean that you consider factors such as age, size and energy , in this way it will fit better with your lifestyle, for example, if you live in an apartment it is best to adopt a small breed dog, if you want For a dog that does not require a lot of physical activity, it is best to choose an adult dog.
Prepare your house
Before the new pet arrives at your home, you must animal-proof it , that is, put away valuable or delicate objects that it could break, as well as chemicals or cleaning products, close the trash cans tightly, protect the plants and Block access to places where you don’t want it to happen. With this you will avoid unnecessary scolding and anger.
Prepare your family
Make sure your partner, your children or the people you live with understand that adopting a dog is a responsibility for almost 15 years or as long as the new pet lasts. It is advisable to divide between all the care: hours of walking, baths, cleaning when he relieves himself, etc.
Once the dog arrives at your home:
Make time for him
For the animal to adapt well to your home, it will need your support and attention, therefore, it is important that when you adopt a dog you have free time so as not to leave it alone in an environment it does not know, so you can observe it and be aware of it. pending what he does. Ideally, if you work outside the home, set aside a few days for this.
Let him explore the place
Your new pet will have to become familiar with your house and by exploring it, he will decide what his place will be to rest, where he feels comfortable and protected. It is probably where you have placed his dog bed , but if not, allow him to stay in the place he chose, when he gains confidence you will be able to define another space and little by little he will get used to it.
Don’t force him to come to you
Depending on his past experiences, the dog may be extremely active and very excited or distant and shy. In any of these cases, it is important that you give him time to establish a bond with you . For now the most important thing is that you make him feel safe.
Don’t try to train him
At least not for now, the adaptation period is not ideal to saturate it with orders and demands, at this stage the dog will probably not obey you , you will end up feeling frustrated and he will become stressed, which will make it difficult for him to learn later. Then there will be time to train him.
Establish routines
Just because you don’t train it doesn’t mean that routines don’t exist, in fact, establishing one is the secret to a successful adaptation . Set times to feed him, walk him, play, sleep and make them adapt to your own routine, this way it will be easier for him to adapt to the dynamics of the home and little by little learn, for example, to relieve himself outside. Establishing time for each activity will give you security and confidence.
What to do if there are children at home?
It is normal for children to get very excited when a new pet arrives at home, but the great amount of attention they pay can overwhelm the dog and be counterproductive to its adaptation.
So that the child’s focus of attention is not only the animal, you must entertain him with something else , it could be a new toy, a gift or a new activity. Giving him responsibilities with the new pet will also help, set a day for him to walk the dog or clean her space, but, above all, supervise him at all times , so both the child and the dog will be safe.
What to do if there is another dog at home?
If you already have a dog and are thinking of adopting another, you may be afraid that the animals will be territorial and fight. To prevent this from happening, it is best for both of you to meet outside the home , in an open place. It is recommended that they be tied to the dog. leash, but without tightening it so as not to give them a signal of attack.
Let them sniff each other and interact, so they will have a history when the new dog arrives at your home. At home avoid conflicts by giving everyone their own bowl of food and water, you will see that little by little they will get used to each other.