Before bringing a dog home, you need to complete a list of things you must have, in addition to preparing the house for its new tenant, to make him feel comfortable and happy in his new home.
Before bringing a dog home, you need to complete a list of things you must have, in addition to adapting the house to its new tenant, to make him feel comfortable and happy in his new home.
Once you have chosen the dog breed that fits your personality and preferences, there are a number of purchases you should make before bringing your dog home. This will make it easier for him to settle into his new home.
Everything at home must be prepared because we must not forget that the change for your pet will be radical and will require a period of adaptation. Providing all kinds of facilities will reduce the transition time and it will become part of the family in a more natural way without dragging along vices or anxieties that will later be more difficult to correct.
Your space
Your dog will need his own space; if you live in a small house, a corner in the kitchen is a good place. The characteristics of the kitchen floor, usually washable, will save cleaning accidents in the first few days. If you live in a house with a patio, it is advisable to choose a cool place where direct sunlight does not shine, there is no humidity or much wind. It is necessary to adapt the place you have chosen with a blanket, a sofa/dog bed or a house will also work. This will be “his corner” and you have to respect that space, where the dog will feel safe. Most dogs prefer to rest in closed spaces that serve as a refuge if the situation becomes too stressful, which is more common in the first few days of living together.
You should also choose the place where you will serve the food. It is advisable to use stainless steel or ceramic bowls with a heavy base, this way you will avoid them from easily turning over. This type of material is more resistant, lasts longer, and is easier to clean. Plastic ones are not perfectly smooth and are often used by the dog as a toy, which turns into a breeding ground for bacteria when chewed. If you have a dog with long ears, there is a type of narrow bowl designed especially to keep the ears clean and dry, also avoiding contamination of the food. The bowls should be washed every night to prevent problems related to stale food and contaminated water.
Walk and transport
Your dog will not be allowed to leave the house until he has had all his vaccinations. Use this time at home to get him used to wearing a collar and leash. This way, you won’t have as many problems when he starts going out for a walk. There is a long list of collars and leashes made of different materials. You should choose an adjustable collar made of nylon or soft leather. The buckle should be adjusted so that a couple of fingers can easily fit between the collar and the dog’s neck. If your dog is a small breed, you can use a harness to better protect his neck. An extendable leash will be the best choice for the first few months, as he needs freedom to explore the world.
By law, all dogs must have an identification tag on their collar with the owner’s name and address. It is a good idea to add a telephone number as well. Even though collars are used, they can come loose or break, so implanting a microchip may be advisable. This is a quick, painless, permanent, and effective procedure. Consult your vet beforehand if you have any questions.
Keep in mind that there may be products that are dangerous for your dog at home.
Life at home: hygiene and toys
For dogs, especially puppies, grooming time reminds them of being with their mother. It is therefore an experience that goes beyond cleaning and body grooming. Among the list of utensils you will need are: a comb or brush, dog shampoo, flea products, a pair of nail scissors, and an ear cleaner. It is necessary to have a special brush depending on the characteristics of the dog’s hair type. Before making purchases, consult your veterinarian or dog groomer for better advice. Plan daily grooming sessions, not only for a matter of beauty but for the good state of the coat, as it helps promote blood circulation.
One of the best ways to bond with your dog is through play. This will make it easier to bond and teach your dog certain behaviors. Specialty stores have a huge variety of toys for you to buy. Your list should include rings, balls, chew toys, and flying discs. All of these are designed to make play and training sessions more fun for both of you.
You have to take into account when buying that when your dog starts to change teeth, he will become a compulsive chewer. To avoid him ruining furniture, clothes, and everything within his reach, you should buy him a chew toy. Make sure it is not painted, as paint can be toxic. It should be very resistant, long-lasting, and not too hard if you have a puppy. Never leave your dog with any object that can get stuck in his throat, break in his mouth or electrocute him.
Prepare your home to receive a dog
The excitement of the arrival of the new member should not make you forget everything you will need. It will be the first time that he is away from his only known environment, so that he does not feel overwhelmed, during the days before his arrival make sure that you have made all the necessary purchases. Having a house prepared to receive a dog means that he does not find anything that is dangerous, harmful or that could negatively affect his health. Examine your house and make a list of the changes that you must make.
There are all kinds of potentially toxic products in homes that should be kept out of reach. Put away everything you want your cat to keep from chewing, and be especially careful with electrical cords and small parts that he could choke on. If you have a pool, you should cover it. It is a good idea to protect stairs and balconies. If you buy a stair fence like the ones used with small children, you will be more relaxed. A fence can also help protect your furniture. Close the doors of rooms you do not want your cat to enter.