Your new dog isn’t just a new dog. They are Family. Why not treat them like family?!
Make a list and check it 3 times! Keep reading to make sure your checklist has all the pertinent items for when you bring home your new doggy addition!
Preparing Yourself & Home For Your New Dog
Cheers to life getting even more exciting!
Once you start seriously considering adopting a pooch, there is no turning back.
Seriously. The seed has been planted!
My husband and I did not formally decide that we wanted to adopt a dog, but there was chatter. We bounced funny names back and forth, as well as breeds, and gender.
Then we started going on “dates” [cheese alert] and swinging by the humane society simply because a dog’s happy energy is contagious.
This is where things had become more serious. We were trying, but not trying to adopt a pup. What can I say? We were in the puppy phase of our relationship.
Then, it happened.
Our eyes locked, someone peed out of excitement [hubby denies this part he said it was the pup], and the adoption process began!
At this point, more light should have been shed on the prep work needed to bring a dog home.
The sunny side up part is that a local rescue group had partnered with a local pet store to feature adoptable canines. So when we adopted our pooch, everything we needed was available at our fingertips for purchase.
Since we were sorta kinda on the fence, we did not prepare beforehand to bring this WigglyButt home.
In hind sight, there is a list of physical and mental things we should have considered.
Is preparing for your new dog to come home really necessary? Yes, absolutely!
Some have the perception that if you want a dog, you just go and pick one out, and then life with your new dog will be gravy. Because somehow “OOTB” [out of the box] your dog will be self sustaining after minimal one on one convos with Baxter.
If this is what you are thinking, then definitely check out my post on Major Points To Consider Before Adopting a Dog.
Having a dog in your life means that you are ready for an exciting life long bond! You want to make sure to look into getting a few things like:
- Finding a bomb @$$ name
- Home within a home
- License to bark and roam
- Leash
- Harness
- Entertainment
- Heartworm and flea treatment
- Food
- Love and patience
- And a handful of other considerations…
//1//
What's in a name?
Does your dog already have a name? No? Well you better get on it! There are so many names to choose from or you can just make something up.
IF your dog already has a name, but has been rescued from a terrible situation, then it may be a good idea to recondition your new dog to a new name. This way there isn’t any animosity attached to the name.
You definitely want your dog to be comfortable with what they are hearing, otherwise Baxter may not want to come to you when called.
Have fun with this! Every member of the family needs a name. The perfect name is one that YOU will remember and will elicit positive response from your dog. Get creative!
The name you choose for your buddy should be easy to understand. If Baxter does not understand what you are saying, then creating a bond becomes increasingly difficult. Pick a name that is unique, that has positive vibes, and that is easy for you to say.
Note to self: It isn’t uncommon for dogs to think their name is “NO!” That is a word that is easy to say, and they may hear it often.
A good name may reflect characteristics or the personality of your companion. It is always great when your dog’s name becomes a conversation piece.
Time to be imaginative with some one or two syllables names! Think about that time you were walking down the street and heard someone call for their dog and you thought to yourself “Oh poop! Why didn’t I think of that name?”
Realistically, you WILL have to chase after your dog, yell your dog’s name in public, and introduce people to your buddy.
Picture yourself running through the park chasing after, and calling for your dog.
“Frankkkkk! Frankkkky! Were are you? Come over here! “
The next thing you know, there is a random person walking your way because he thinks you are calling him since his name is Frank [hopefully he is cute].
Using a human name for a dog is sounding better and better! Hehehe … the possibilities are endless and can be quite funny.
Have any names come to mind? Do you already have a fantastic name for your new dog? Imagine if our dog’s could tell us what they thought about their names
//2//
Space for Baxter to call his/her own
We have our own spaces to feel comfortable and to retreat when we are home. Dogs need somewhere of their own as well. Whether their space is a crate, dog house or dog bed, they need a spot of their own.
Be sure to choose something that is size appropriate because your Great Dane puppy will outgrow that Yorkie crate in a few months!
I highly recommend having a crate or dog house available for your pupper to call their own. Dogs can get overwhelmed too, and having a crate gives them a safe retreat that everyone can respect.
Ask yourself a couple of questions:
- Will your doggo be living indoor, out door or both?
- How large of a dog house/ crate/ or kennel do you need?
- Does your pupper’s crate need multiple entrances?
Great news! There are all kinds of crates, kennels, and dog houses available. Many options are also collapsible, which is great for traveling.
I cannot stress enough that a crate should never be used as a place for punishment. Do not shove your dog into the crate, or slam the door closed.
The crate is a safe place for Baxter.
Depending on the dog, sometimes covering the crate can give your pupper an enhanced sense of security. We all need a breakout session sometimes. Why should it be any different for your dog?
//3//
identification
It is best to invest in a collar that fits well, can accommodate an identification tag and rabies tag. With that being said, it is time to get a tag!!!
I saw the coolest thing at the dog park the other day. A dog with an ID card.
A literal ID card! And it was attached to their collar. The ID car had the dog’s name, address and microchip number as well. The funny thing is that it looked like a driver’s license. Pretty cool huh?!
There collars that are available with customization. Meaning you can customize the collar with your dog’s name and your phone number. This is a great option to reduce the amount of tags hanging from your pooch’s collar.
I do not know how Pi did it, but when when was wee tiny little pup, she managed to destroy a couple tags on her collar.
The truth of the matter is, if your buddy goes missing, you will be more lost than they will.
“Call this number:
314-159-2653…
my mum will be lost without me.”
Another form of identification for your new dog is having them microchipped. If your pup gets lost anyone can take Baxter to a vet or the shelter and have the microchip scanned.
Note: some microchips need to be read with specific scanners.
No one can see the chip that is embedded under your pooch’s skin with their bare eyes. Which is why you need both the ID tag and the microchip.
//4//
Leash
A four to six feet leash provides better control than a retractable leash.
You may have a curious runner on your hands. Although some dogs may come with good manners, definitely do not take their behavior for granted. It is very easy to undo good manners and habits.
Plus in the beginning, your pup may stay by your side for comfort, but once their curiosity and confidence builds up, expect that canine teenager to want to explore without you! [Do not let your guard down, that is when they pounce!]
Having more that one leash is useful if your dog decides to chew through one, it is covered in mud, or better… it has been pooped on. Nylon leashes are great since they wash well.
Pick a leash with a sturdy clasp, but also comfortable for you to hold onto. If your dog starts pulling on the leash, you want to be able to have a firm grasp take control and correct the behavior.
//5//
Harness
Dog collars are not ideal for leash attachment for walks, much less going for a run.
Attaching leashes to collars promotes pulling and can potentially cause tracheal harm to your pooch.
There are various types of harnesses available. You just have to find the one that fits your dog the best. There is a great chance that if you have a puppy, your dog will grow out of their harness. Depending on the breed, your dog may grow in and out of a few sizes.
When finding the right size of harness consider your dog’s weight as well and girth.
What the heck is a girth? Sounds dangerous!
Have you ever checked your waist size? Well measuring your dog’s girth is similar.
Canine girth is the measurement around the rib cage. Meaning what is the circumference of your dog’s chest?
When buying a harness, the packaging usually has a sizing chart for reference. Plenty of times I have chosen the wrong size of EVERYTHING for Pi.
Have you ever heard the saying “dogs are a reflection of their humans?” Well let me tell you, shopping for clothes [for either of us] makes for a ruff day. Can you say Awkward size?!
First world problems… dogs have ’em too.
With that being said, Pi is a 20lb Schnauzer MIX. She has longggg legs, and a wide chest. According to the sizing charts, she should fit in a medium. Sometimes it says small. [She needs a smedium] Most of the time I have to buy a large, and shrink it, or place it on the smallest setting.
Anywho… Harnesses are extremely helpful in teaching your dog’s how to calmly walk on a leash.
Depending on the type of harness, the walker [human] can attach the leash to their back, or chest, or sometimes chin.
//6//
Toys
Squeakkkkyyy! Squeak! Squaaaak! What kind of toys will keep Baxter occupied?
Boredom is the number one reason why dogs “act out” and destroy your belongings.
Chew toys are essential! Dog’s have to be taught what items are theirs to play with or chew. If they do not have enough stimulation of their own, then expect them to eat your stuff!
Choosing appropriate toys for the size and breed of your dog is important. Choking hazards are real! And if you “oh dog’s dog choke. They’re dogs!” Then, news flash. They can choke and/or end up with a bowl obstruction!
Note: Get to know your dog!
This is not meant to be a scare tactic. We mean well as pawrents, and sometimes play time does not turn out the way you envisioned. With that being said, the chew toys and antlers that I buy for Pi are all large even though the package recommends medium for her size.
//7//
heartworm and flea treatment
While it may be a personal preference to not treat your canine buddy for fleas and ticks, think twice before refusing to prevent heart worms.
There are various prescriptions available for flea, tick and heartworm prevention. Each dog may react differently to the medications, so be sure to speak to your veterinarian before treating or switching treatments.
Fleas, ticks and heartworms all pose a threat to your dog. If your dog ends up with fleas and ticks, you can give them a bath and pick them off at the least. However, if Baxter has heartworms, you will not be able to see them.
Dog’s can get heartworms from mosquito bites. Therefore, if you live in a climate that gets warm and mosquitoes like to feed, then there the risk of heartworms exist. If you live on Antarctica… then go you! No pesky mosquitoes.
Just remember that fleas, ticks, and heartworms as pose real health risks to your dog!
//8//
food
Dogs have to eat too [duh!]. Ohhh boy! They sure do have a way to let you know they’re hungry [they all have their own SPECIAL way].
After considering any allergies your new dog may have, you get to pick what they eat on a daily basis. Just like human food, you can buy dog food prepackaged or make it fresh.
When making fresh dog food, you need to be aware of common poisons in the kitchen. Make sure you are aware about what NOT to feed your buddies.
Before you bring your new dog home, find out what they are currently eating and the current feeding routine.
Your dog’s stomach maybe used to their current diet. Switch their food at the drop of a hat can upset their stomach.
If you decide to switch your dog’s food, it is best to do it gradually. For example: 60% of their original diet with 40% of the new stuff for a week. Then 50/50 for another week. Followed by 60% new diet to 40% old diet for a week. And finally 100% of the new diet in their bowl.
This is just a suggestion. Check with your vet on best practices for your dog, because every dog will acclimate at a different rate!
OoOh! Do not forget about a food bowl and a water bowl. If your doggo eats too fast? Consider getting a slow feeder bowl, or an obstacle bowl. Another option to slow down eating is to give a little food at a time, or putting a ball in the bowl [unless all they want to do is play with that ball].
What are some other considerations to ensure your sanity, good habits, and comfort for you and your new dog?
Prepare your home [and sanity] for when your WigglyButt comes home. Here are some things to further consider [hind sight 20/20].
>> first day home
Crate or explore upon arrival?
Depending on how well Your WigglyButt has been socialized, the transition into a new environment can be quite stressful. As previously mentioned, I totally recommend having a crate for your dog. It allows them to have a safe space as well as assists in the transition to their new environment.
Right off the bat, Baxter may not understand that this new place is their new home too. Of course they will want to explore, but keep a watchful eye. New environments can trigger new [potentially bad habits] for your new dog.
Until your new dog understands that this is their new home, they may have the urge to pee in the house [marking] or chew on everything.
If your dog is not crate trained yet, this is an aspect of doggy life 101 to learn more about!
>> ground rules
You may not have preferences right away, but hopefully the example below gets your noodles cooking.
So here goes… what happens when Baxter gives you those sweet irresistible eyes to cuddle on the couch with you, or sleep in the bed?
Will you have a special word to let your doggo know that it is okay to hop on to the bed or the couch? Maybe they are allowed to join you anytime or not at all.
Whatever you choose, be consistent. your new dog thrives on consistency. You cannot get mad at them if they did not do what you wanted and what you want is based on flippin n floppin.
Have fun with it!
>> bathroom breaks
Pay attention to your pup. Your new dog will give you cues of when they need to go use the potty. They key to potty training is to learn their cues and get ahead of the bladder.
Be proactive!
There is fun every step of the way, even with potty training. How about training Baxter to ring a bell by the by the door?!
>> pet insurance
There are a good handful of companies that offer insurance for your furry companion. Your new dog isn’t just a new dog. Baxter is Family. Why not treat them like family?!
Vet costs add up. Even though there may be nothing “wrong,” many pet insurance plans cover preventative care.
Browse the inter webs, talk to your vet, and your friends about recommendations, because plans are more affordable than you think.
>> training
Positive reinforcement is key! How consistent will you be in regards to creating and maintaining great pawrenting habits with your pupper?
Perhaps seeking a professional trainer is what you are seeking. Go for it! Dog training is not just for your new dog. Dog training is also for YOU, the human. It is a great reminder on what it means to be consistent and learn new ways to strengthen the bond between you and your pupper.
There is an ever growing amount of information here on tips and tricks for humans and their dogs to help you out in that department [yes, a shameless plug]. But seriously, the internet is a never ending ocean of information and waiting for everyone out there. Go, get it, and put it into action.
summary
Yes, there is plenty to think about. There is always so much to think about when it is something fabulous!
Tripple check your list! Do have have everything you need for your new dog addition?
- Food
- Bed…no worries,your new pup will just take your bed 😉
- Love
- Chew toy
Bring your new doggo home and start a new adventure!
I am pretty sure there is something missing. What do you think? How helpful is the checklist?
What are somethings that you had to do to prepare for your new dog that I missed? Leave a comment below and have fun with your new dog!