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Dianne Strand

Now what??!! You’ve adopted a dog from the local shelter!


Hey there, fellow dog lover! So, you've decided to open your heart and home to a sweet pooch in need of love and care. Congrats! Bringing home a newly adopted dog is a rollercoaster of emotions – thrilling, heartwarming, and sometimes a tad nerve-wracking. But fear not! I've got your back with some tips to help your new furry friend settle into their new digs like a pro.



Identification and tracking!

First and foremost - make sure your pup has a collar and registered microchip! Shelter pups can be very skittish and it happens sometimes that they get loose no matter how careful you may be! An Apple air tag is also highly suggested or a GPS collar. You can get super cute donut shaped holders that attach to the collar for an air tag or even waterproof holders for those swimmers! Don't regret not doing this first thing!





Preparing Your Home: Let's get this started with some home prep tips:

Cozy Corner Creation: create a safe place for your new dog - they will most likely want to see your routine from a distance at first. Even if the shelter knows the dog's history, you still want to give them time to adjust. So picture this – a snug corner with a plush bed, some toys, and maybe even a blanket. That's your dog's safe haven, their cozy retreat when the world feels a bit too overwhelming.


Hazards, Be Gone!: Time for a safety sweep! Check for loose wires, pesky plants that might not be pup-friendly, and anything else that could turn into a doggy disaster. Remove chocolate from counters and make sure any chemical storage is secured such as bleach. Make sure your trash is pup proof too - don't want your new pup to get the remains of your Saturday night chicken wings takeout! Also, pool time can be hazardous quickly - always supervise your new pup around the water!


Preparing yourself mentally and emotionally:

Patience and Understanding:Buckle up, because patience is your new best friend. Here's the scoop:Time, Sweet Time: Your new pup might be feeling a bit like a fish out of water at first. Let them sniff around, explore, and take things in at their own pace.Cue the Patience: From whining to pacing, your pooch might show signs of stress. Be patient, offer reassurance, and avoid coddling behaviors that could reinforce their anxiety.

Building Trust and Bonding:Ah, the secret to any beautiful relationship – trust and bonding: Routine! Dogs dig routine. Set up a schedule for meals, walks, and playtime to give your furry pal a sense of security and predictability.


Positive Vibes Only: Treats, praise, and belly rubs – these are the currency of the canine world. Shower your pup with positivity to reinforce good behavior and strengthen your bond.



Socialization and Exposure:Time to mingle and make friends – Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Introduce your pup to new faces, furry friends, and different environments gradually. Watch their cues and step in if things get a tad overwhelming. Make sure your kids and other family members know to give time and space at first - everyone wil want to crowd around but your new pup needs time.



Puppy School: Enroll your pooch in obedience classes or puppy playgroups. Not only will they learn essential skills, but they'll also socialize like pros.



Health and Well-being:Let's talk about keeping that tail wagging and those paws prancing:

Vet Visits Are a Must: Schedule a vet check-up pronto to make sure your dog is in tip-top shape and up-to-date on vaccinations.


Move It, Shake It: Regular exercise and brain games are key to a happy pup. Take them on adventures, play fetch, and challenge their brilliant minds with puzzle toys. Consider a slow feeder for fast eaters - slows the pup down and is mentally stimulating!

Schedule a grooming and professional bath - the shelters typically focus on the health and mental well being of your dog while in their care. They are also bathed and groomed but consider pampering your new pup with a professional service.



Wrapping It Up: Well, there you have it – your crash course in welcoming your newly adopted fur baby into the fold. With a little patience, a lot of love, and maybe a few belly rubs thrown in for good measure, your pup will feel right at home in no time. So, go on, embrace the journey, and get ready for a lifetime of tail wags, sloppy kisses, and endless adventures with your new best friend! 🐾



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