Author: Dan Baker

Pets do have a charming ability to become an integral part of their owner’s life. And bringing them home for the first time is definitely an inexplicable experience.

In fact, many dog parents have admitted the fact that having their furry friend around has changed their lives in so many ways. They actually enjoy sharing a rewarding relationship with their pet.

But the idea of adopting a dog can be intimidating, especially if you are doing it for the first time. From picking the right breed to adopting the appropriate caring methods, there is a lot to consider before you actually introduce your new friend to your life.

So, to make things easier for you, here we have a checklist that can help in making the transition as smooth as possible. Keep reading to know how.

Do your homework

Before you bring in a four-legged member in your home, you need to know that you are ready to make such a commitment. And with this, we mean that you need to be ready both physically as well as mentally.

You need to realize the fact that once you bring a dog home, he is going to depend on you for a lot of things. You may have a job, friends, and family, but your dog wouldn’t have anyone except you. So, you need to make sure that you are not making a hasty decision and can take care of it appropriately.

Also, you need to keep in mind the purpose of adopting a dog. If your purpose is to adopt a dog to safeguard your place, then you would need to choose your pet from the strongest dog breeds to fulfill your purpose. Or, if you want a dog that just sits in your lap, then you can go for toy dog breeds.

This way, you’ll be able to bring the right dog into your home that actually fulfills your expectations and is a good fit for your lifestyle.

Start prepping your home

Once you’ve decided which dog breed would suit your lifestyle the best, it is now time to create a safe space for your new friend.

For this, you would first need to decide on a permanent place for your new pup where he can rest and have his meals.

You would also need to stock up on dog essentials such as treats, collars, bowels, leashes, and toys. In the case of a puppy, you would also need a crate for potty training.

In fact, it would also be best to puppy-proof your home by hiding all the electrical cords, locking cabinets with food or medication, and keeping laundry and other small items out of reach. This way, your little friend won’t accidentally hurt himself or swallow something he shouldn’t.

Get well-versed with dog lingo

Dog’s have a special way of communicating whatever they are feeling. And you need to learn that before you bring one home.

For instance, if your dog is wagging his tail, it means he is enjoying your attention. Or if he is licking his empty food bowl, it means he is hungry. And if your dog’s ears are up, it means he is a friendly and relaxed pup.

Thus, you need to learn the dog language and should know what your pet is trying to convey. This will help you understand him better and take good care of him.

In the end,

Adopting a dog is definitely one of the most exhilarating experiences of life. So, use this checklist and make your first dog-adopting experience special.