Psssst! Have you read parts 1 and 2 yet?
Part 1 Are you ready to adopt? https://cchumanesociety.com/are-you-ready-to-adopt-a-cat-here-are-some-things-to-think-about/
Part 2 The adoption process https://cchumanesociety.com/so-youre-ready-to-adopt-a-dog/
Things you will need:
- Collar
- Different types of collars are better for different types of dogs. Talk to a staff member about what type of collar would be best for your new friend.
- Sturdy leash
- We recommend against retractable leashes, especially for strong dogs.
- Food
- We will give you a sample size bag of food to start you off or to mix with whatever kind of food you would like to feed.
- Your vet is a great person to talk to about what kind of food you should feed your dog.
- Food and water bowl
- Nail trimmers
- If you are not comfortable cutting your dog’s nails you can also have your vet do it.
- Brush – especially for long haired dogs
- Toys
- If you are looking at a bully breed, lab, or other breed who is known to destroy toys, make sure you get more durable toys.
- Treats
- These come in handy for training. Even older dogs with some training will need to learn the rules of your house.
- Optional: dog bed
- Optional: Tie out if you don’t have a fence. Make sure you get one rated for your new dog’s weight. It will do you no good if it isn’t rated up to your dog’s weight.
- Optional: Dog crate
- This is a good option for when you are training your dog or if they are known to be destructive when left alone.
- Make sure you get one that is an appropriate size. They should be able to stand up and turn around. Smaller will not be comfortable for them. Bigger will not be good if you are working on house training, as if they go potty in it they are able to get away with it. (If it’s the right size they will be less likely to go potty in their crate because then they will have to sit in it).
Prepare yourself: Do some research and make sure you are familiar with everything you need to do to care for your dog. Feel free to come with questions for us when you pick them up.
Preparing your home:
If you know your neighbors maybe let them know you are getting a dog, especially if they have a pets and if you share a fence or if they have kids who might want to run up and pet the dog. This is especially true if you are getting a dog that is nervous around new people.
If you have young kids make sure they are aware that their new dog friend might be a little stressed at first. They might want to run right up to them and be their best friend, but sometimes that isn’t the best idea. Coming to a new home can be stressful, and your new dog may need some times to decompress.
If you have other pets have a plan to keep them separate if they aren’t getting along right away. Shelves and high places can be great for cats who are unsure of their new canine friend. Baby gates can also be helpful, but don’t underestimate your dog’s ability to jump or climb them.
Set up the crate if you are planning to use one.
Set up the tie out if you are planning on using one.
Check your fence if you have one and make sure there is nowhere your new dog will be able to get out. Even if you already have a dog, you want to be sure the new dog can’t find that one spot your old dog hasn’t found where they are able to escape.
If you have an electric fence, make sure it is working order. It is also a good idea to have a tie out or some other sort of backup plan, like a tie out. When some dogs see something that they really want an electric fence is not always enough to stop them. We have gotten in many strays with electric fence collars who just ran right through them.
You might also find this post helpful: https://cchumanesociety.com/bringing-a-new-dog-home-heres-some-stuff-you-need-to-know/
Part 4 Extra tips for when you first bring home your new dog coming soon!!!!