12 Nov Tips for the First 30 Days of Dog Adoption

By: Arslan Hassan

Adopting a dog is a delightful process. It’s similar to having to welcome a new family member into your home. You’re excited and motivated to look after your dog and provide it with all the love and care possible.

The process of adoption can be equally delightful for your new furry friend. However, they’re a bit more confused and nervous than you might be. Your four-legged BFF may find the new environment unfamiliar and may seem lost. But time shall fix all.

However, setting some rules and maintaining boundaries can help manage to create a smooth and easy transition, helping adjust to changes faster and easier for both – you and your pup!

If you’ve recently just adopted a puppy or are planning to go ahead with adopting one, we’ve got your back!

In this article, we’ll be sharing 6 tips for you to consider and implement for the first 30 days of dog adoption.

1.    Patience is Key

You’ve just adopted an adorable dog, but he isn’t interacting with you or your family and keeps shying away – Something to be concerned about? Absolutely not!

When you initially bring a new pup home – they’re likely to get overwhelmed. However, that is not the case with every dog; if you get Labradoodle rescues, they are friendly by nature and adjust to any environment relatively quickly. On the other hand a Greyhound is more stubborn and may take more time.

Remember, every dog has a distinct personality, and some may get shy, anxious, hide, and manifest this anxiety in the form of an upset stomach. Yes! That happens!

While others may display extreme excitement and high energy, ensure you give your sweet canine friends some time to adjust to an unfamiliar environment, and they’ll be good to go! This time can vary anywhere between a few weeks to a few months.

2.    Plan A Routine and Stick to It

Dogs thrive on having a planned routine—these adorable creatures like knowing when to expect different activities such as mealtime, playtime, and exercise. Therefore, if you live in a family home, it’s recommended to have a conversation about your dog’s routine before you go ahead and adopt one.

Have a detailed conversation with your family about the designated area in your house where the pup will be spending its time, who will take on which responsibilities (such as food, walk time buddy, etc.), and what verbal commands will be used to train the dog.

Everyone in the house needs to be on the same page regarding your dog’s everyday routine. Moreover, this planned and uniform routine will also make your new family member feel more secure and relaxed.

3.    Introduction Between the New Pet and Family Pet Should Be Gradual

Introducing your new dog to your resident dog is bound to create certain levels of anxiety or overexcitement between the two. Remember, the first impression is the last! So, you need to plan the first meeting between your furry friends carefully.

Firstly, it is recommended to find a neutral, fully fenced, and outdoor space that is unfamiliar to both pups with a dog leash on both the dogs to prevent any negative interactions and watch out for the body language of the pups.

The dogs shouldn’t be passing hard stares, have a nervous posture, or tucked tail. After this introduction, you may walk the dogs together. However, ensure an appropriate distance between the two.

Moreover, during the introductory period or until both the dogs have adjusted to each other’s presence, ensure they have separate eating spaces. Also, avoid leaving the two unsupervised together initially. And lastly, ensure your resident pet is still getting the same attention and time of your day they did before their new friend’s arrival. This will prevent any hard feelings and grudges between the two.

4.    Good Training Goes a Long Way

Training your dog is definitely one of the most rewarding things you will do as a pet parent. Moreover, training sessions are an excellent way to bond with your dog while having some fun.

Training should always be reward-based. Giving your dog a treat such as a portion of food they like or a toy when they display a certain behavior will motivate them to do it again. Some helpful training tips you can practice include:

• Ensure to start any new tricks and training lessons away from distractions
• Keep training lessons short and fun to prevent your dog from feeling overwhelmed
• End with a trick your dog has already learned – this will boost your dog’s confidence!

Sometimes, training can vary depending on the dog breed. Although learning principles remain the same, some dogs can be harder to train than others.

5.    Safety Is Crucial

Once you’ve adopted a pet and welcomed them into your home, it’s time to make their safety and sound health your utmost priority and start working towards taking the necessary precautions. To start, register your dog with a vet and get dog insurance. This is essential for your dog’s good health.

Pets also get sick and having dog insurance will save you the financial stress when your dog needs medical attention. Moreover, your furry friend will need regular flea and worm treatments to keep their health in check, and these treatments are prescribed by vets only!

On your first vet visit, also get your pet microchipped to ensure their utmost safety!

6.    Transition To New Dog Food Should Be Gradual

If you immediately change your dog’s food from what he was being fed at the shelter, this may result in vomiting and diarrhea, which is why it’s crucial to ensure that the transition to new food is slow and gradual.

Initially, ask the shelter which food your BFF was being fed while at the shelter, and provide him with that same food for a few days. Then, slowly mix the new dog food into the old food and gradually reduce the quantity of the old food.

In Conclusion

Bringing in a rescue puppy from the shelter may seem tough, especially if the pup takes longer to adjust than usual. However, remember that adopting is a rewarding and beautiful process for your new family member and you – both.

Adoption provides vulnerable pups with a caring home where they have a chance to grow in a healthy and loving environment. At the same time, you will be welcoming a companion who will stay loyal to you forever through thick and thin.