Things to Remember When Bringing Your Dog Home

Bringing a dog home from a shelter or breeder is similar to bringing a new family member into your home. The new resident will be very excited by the new sights, sounds and new smells. Precautions and arrangements must be made to ensure the safety and well-being of the dog and other members of the family. Be especially careful to guard very young and elderly members of your household when your bring in the new arrival.

  1. Be Prepared

    • Find out from the dog's seller or the shelter you got the dog from what kind of supplies, such as food, toys and grooming supplies, you should have on hand and arrange to have them before bringing the dog home. Have food and water bowls set up. Find out what type of food it is currently eating and purchase the same brand and type; you can always change to a different food later on. You should also have a dog bed prepared or, if you are bring a puppy home, a large box lined with towels or an old blanket.

    Shared Responsibility

    • Make sure that everyone in the house has a hand in training and raising your new dog. Once the dog gets acclimated to its new surroundings, allow it to get used to the people in the house as well. Place some old clothes, such as t-shirts, in and around the dog's bedding so it gets used to their scent. Have everyone, including children, share the responsibility of feeding, walking, grooming and training your new dog.

    Safety First

    • Make sure that you home is puppy- or dog-proof. Remove any toxic chemicals from lower shelves or add locks to the cabinets. Remove easy access to small items that could cause the dog to choke. Remove or tape down electrical cords that the dog could chew. Make sure that all doors that lead to the outside close securely, as well as the door that leads to the nursery, if there is a newborn or toddler in the house.

    Checkups and Licensing

    • Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to introduce your new dog to your practitioner and to have the dog undergo a thorough examination. If this is your first pet, ask friends or neighbors for recommendations for a veterinarian. Contact your city's municipal government or state agricultural office to find out what kind of licensing is needed for your pet and what the fee is.