Tips on bringing home a new dog.

Bringing home a new dog can be a very exciting time, but it's not a situation that is going to easy right from the get-go. Getting a new dog and a dog coming to a new home can be stressful for all involved. You can make the whole situation easier for you and your dog with these tips.

Make The Decision - - Before your new dog arrives, or even before you have decided on getting a new pet, you need to be prepared. If you are thinking of adopting a dog, make sure everyone in the house or family is aware and on board. Getting a new or additional dog is going to be a huge adjustment and is a big commitment for everyone in the house, so everyone needs to know and be prepared.

You next need to decide who is going to be the primary caretaker. Obviously, everyone should muck in with the care for the dog, but your new dog will need to have a primary care giver so that they are always walked, fed, cleaned up after and cared for.

Then decide who's going to be the primary caretaker otherwise you'll spend lots of time arguing while your new dog stares at their empty food bowl.

To avoid confusing the pup, hammer out the house rules ahead of time will the dog be allowed on the bed? On the couch? Where will the dog sleep? Are any rooms of the house permanently off-limits? Include your family on the decisions so everyone is on the same page.

Do Your Research- If you're wanting to get them from a breeder, research breeds you want breeders in your area (or further afield if there are none local). You want to find someone who is reputable.

Speak to the seller on the phone before visiting.

Ask lots of questions about the puppy or dog. And prepare to answer a lot of questions in return. A good breeder should be as curious about you as you are about them.

When you arrange to meet, make sure you do it at the puppy's home. You should be suspicious if the seller wants to deliver the dog or meet at another location.

Be aware of online ads. Puppies which are illegally smuggled into the UK or from Puppy Farms are often sold to unsuspecting dog lovers via online ads. If your heart is set on buying a puppy, the best place to start is researching breeds and breeders.

If you are wanting to adopt a dog from a shelter, similar steps should be taken; research shelters near you and talk to the on the phone or in person before choosing a dog. You want to make sure the animals are well cared for; the shelter is reputable, and the animals all look well.

Choosing a pup should never feel pressured or time limited, take your time to find the pooch that is going to be the right one for you and your family.

Be Prepared - Dogs need a lot of things. Make sure you have stocked up on the basics so that you and your dog can settle down quickly without having to go on a mad dash to the shops.

The basics you'll need are:

• Crate

• Food and water bowls

• Food and maybe some treats for training talk to your vet about an appropriate diet

• Collar and leash

• Bed

• Toys, especially chew toys

• Stain- and odour-removing cleaners

• Possibly some baby or dog gates to block off sections of your house

Find and Register with a Vet. - If you got your new dog or puppy from a shelter, they should be very good with giving you info on good vets in your area, but they will also be a point f contact for you if there are any questions or worries you have about your dog in the weeks following their adoption.

Similarly, breeders may have a list or know certain vets that may have specialised knowledge about the breed and that they trust.

Either way, finding a good vet is very important, and you should make an appointment with them as soon as you can for your new pet.

It's especially important for a puppy's first vet visit to be a pleasant experience so that your dog learns to take trips to the vet in stride.

Ask around for referrals and schedule your first appointment. Your dog will need a check-up and possibly some vaccinations.

Your dog's first few weeks home will likely be a period of huge adjustment for both of you. You can make the transition much easier all around if you prepare your home in advance, gather a team of vets, dog walkers, and doggy day care and set up a routine right away.

The First Day:

We know moving is stressful — and your new dog feels the same way! Give him time to acclimate to your home and family before introducing him to strangers.

Once home, take him to his toileting area immediately and spend a good amount of time with him so he will get used to the area and relieve himself.

Even if your dog does relieve himself during this time, be prepared for accidents. Coming into a new home with new people, new smells and new sounds can throw even the most housebroken dog off-track, so be ready just in case.

Keep It Pleasant But Low-key At First.

For a shy puppy or dog, being taken to a new place and then deluged with lots of loud, lively strangers can be really overwhelming.

The first day or two, keep the mood mellow and calm. Hold off on inviting guests over until your pup settles in. Make sure children know how to approach the dog without overwhelming them.

If you plan on crate training your dog, leave the crate open so that he can go in whenever he feels like it in case he gets overwhelmed.

From there, start your schedule of feeding, toileting, and play/exercise. From Day One, your dog will need family time and brief periods of solitary confinement.

For the first few days, remain calm and quiet around your dog. Limiting too much excitement (such as the dog park or neighbourhood children). This allow your dog to settle in easier, but it'll also give you more one-on-one time to get to know him and his likes/dislikes.

If he came from another home, objects like leashes, hands, rolled up newspapers and magazines, feet, chairs, and sticks are just some of the pieces of training equipment that may have been used on this dog. .

The Following Weeks:

People often say they don't see their dog's true personality until several weeks after adoption. Your dog may be a bit uneasy at first as he gets to know you. Be patient and understanding while also keeping to the schedule you intend to maintain for feeding, walks, etc. This schedule will show your dog what is expected of him as well as what he can expect from you.

If you encounter behaviour issues you are unfamiliar with, ask your veterinarian for a trainer recommendation. Select a trainer who uses positive-reinforcement techniques to help you and your dog overcome these behaviour obstacles.

Please do bear in mind that everything in this post is strictly advisory and has been gathered from various reputable sources from the internet. We're not vets, and you should always seek professional advice if you ever have concerns.