Bringing home your new furry friend
Welcoming a new dog home is a wonderful experience! Before your pup arrives, make sure to research local resources like vets, trainers, pet stores, daycares and dog-walking services - they will come in handy when you and your pup need that extra support. Badass adopters can also check in with our dedicated Outreach Team for local recommendations, and connect with other adopters through our private facebook group.
Here are some quick tips on how to prepare for your new dog’s arrival:
Dog-proof your home - tuck away power cords, keep food out of reach, put away items they might chew on (e.g. shoes, clothes, shopping bags) and either switch to lidded trash bins or put open bins out of reach
Stock up on dog supplies:
Crate and bed - make sure your pup has their potty routine down before going for the expensive dog bed!
Food and treats – research which commercial brands offer nutritious and healthy options, or look into feeding a fresh food diet or raw diet; we recommend never to give your dogs rawhide as it can cause intestinal blockage.
Separate bowls for food and water.
Poop bags!
An enzymatic cleaner such as Nature's Miracle - regular household cleaners are not effective for breaking down dog mess.
Kongs - you can stuff these with food, doggy peanut butter or healthy treats to keep your pup occupied.
Extra blankets and towels that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Treat pouch and clicker for training.
Pet insurance - the same reason you would purchase insurance for yourself! Vet bills can really add up, especially when it comes to emergency visits and chronic illnesses.
Remember the 333 Rule of adopting a rescue dog - it takes 3 days for your new dog to decompress, 3 weeks to start to know your routine, and 3 months to start feeling at home.
Decompress - in the first 3 days, your new dog might be feeling overwhelmed and scared, unsure of what’s going on, and may not want to eat, drink, or go potty at all.
Routine - after 3 weeks, your dog may start to realize that this could be there forever home, start to feel more settled, get into a routine (it is important to establish a routine to help build up their confidence), and may start to push boundaries.
Home - after 3 months, most dogs will feel comfortable in their new home and gain a sense of security with their new family; this is when you can really start to build a bond of trust with your dog!
Every dog is unique and will adjust differently. Give your dog space and allow them to go at their own pace - always keep in mind the challenges they have overcome just to get here!