Adopting a Dog: Tips for Success

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

Start things off on the right paw with your rescue dog with these tips for success

If you decide to adopt a dog, you obviously want everything to go as smoothly as possible and end up a resounding success. Before you can even get a dog home, you’ll have to be successful in your application to adopt. This shouldn’t be too hard, but it’s once you’ve got your new pooch home that the real fun starts. Some dogs will happily settle into their new home without so much as a howl, but other dogs need lots of love and support during this transition period.

Jumping Through Hoops

If you want your application to adopt to be successful, you have to be prepared to jump through a few hoops. Metaphorically, that is, there’s generally no fitness test! Remember that rescue dogs have often been through a lot, so the staff at the shelter just want to make sure that they’re going to a loving, forever home, with an owner who is a good match for their needs. Make sure you answer any and all questions they ask you thoroughly. You should also expect to have a home visit, this is so they can make sure you are who you say you are and aren’t just hoping to make off with a rescue dog, never to be seen again, and is also to make sure that your home and garden are suitable for the dog you want to adopt.

Give Her Some Space

Stick to a Schedule

You can imagine how confusing things can be for a rescue dog. Your new pooch may well have been passed from pillar to post before ending up at the shelter. Now you’re offering her a permanent home, but she doesn’t know that yet. To help her settle in, you should stick to a schedule, with regular walks and feeding times, so she knows what to expect. With a regular schedule, she’ll more quickly get used to the swing of things in her new home.

Bonding With Your Dog

A lot of rescue pups have trust issues, so it’s important to try to bond with your new four-legged friend. There are all kinds of ways you can improve the bond between you and your pooch, so it’s best if you can give a few different methods a go, or combine a bit of everything. One of the easiest ways to do this is simply to spend a lot of time with your new dog, touching, stroking and just hanging out with her. Gentle grooming sessions are also a great idea, as many dogs find being brushed extremely enjoyable. Training your pup to obey some simple commands or going to an obedience training class can also be an ideal way of bonding. Just be sure to use positive reinforcement training methods, where good behavior is rewarded and bad behavior is ignored. Playing interactive games, such as fetch and tug-of-war, go a long way toward showing your new dog that you’re a fun and awesome person to be with.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Best Strollers for Dogs

There are many strollers for dogs on the market, made specifically to suit canine anatomy and needs- here are our top 10 choices.
Best Dog Crate Covers

Dog crate covers might seem simple enough, but there are plenty of factors to consider before buying. Read on to learn which covers are best on the market!
Best Heated Beds for Dogs

Whether it''s cold weather or senior years, a warm bed comes in handy. These are top 15 best heated beds for dogs that will keep any fur baby warm and comfy!
Best Food Puzzles for Dogs

Looking for ways to keep your dog busy while you''re busy? Try out any of these 10 best food puzzles of dogs.
Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is a loyal, fun dog that makes an excellent city dog but will work well even if you''ve got plenty of space for them.
Best Diet Cat Foods

Does your kitty need to lose some weight? If your cat is looking to slim down, check out our list of the best diet cat foods.?
Bo Swims Away As This Week’s Wet Wednesday Weekly Winner

Some dogs just can’t get enough of the pool… and when you throw a tennis ball into the mix, fuggedaboutit! And Bo, the mini Aussie, is just one…
Outdoor And Indoor Plants: Poisonous Plants For Dogs

How does your garden grow? Does it contain poisonous plants for dogs? Some of the most commonly kept houseplants are incredibly toxic to dogs.
Westphalian Dachsbracke

The Westphalian Dachsbracke comes from a long line of hunting dogs. This short-legged German breed is alert, active, and energetic.
Shepherd Pit

The Shepherd Pit is a unique crossbreed –a German Shepherd Pitbull mix that combines two really different breeds. It is a match you’d never think was possible, but the Shepherd Pit is clear proof that some unexpected combos really work!
Best Toys for Small Dogs

If you want your pint-sized pupper to truly enjoy playtime, you can''t go wrong with either of the items from our list of 15 best toys for small dogs.
Pushon

The bold little Pushon is a playful combination of the happy, friendly Pug and the gentle, sensitive Bichon Frise for a wonderful lapdog.
The Loving Bowl Puts A New Slant On The Way Dogs Eat

Flat-faced dogs rejoice – there’s now a bowl made just for you! A simple modification on a traditional design, The Loving Bowl serves up a new ta…
Noble Novelties Worthy of Your Aristo-Cat

Is your cat is the supreme ruler of your home? Appeal to your kitty''s merciful side by offering some magnificent tokens as a sign of your undying loyalty.
Why Do Felines Love Cat Trees?

Perching isn''t just for the birds. Have you ever noticed how your kitty loves to climb up cat trees? Let''s look at why cats love an indoor tree with a view!