Adopting a dog for the first time can be a very satisfying and unforgettable experience. However, it’s not always easy for a newbie to get through the first few weeks of living at home with their new furry friend. This article proposes some basic tips, in the form of a manual, to successfully survive those initial moments together with your first adopted dog.
The challenge of welcoming an adopted dog into your home for the first time is, without a doubt, a rewarding experience that demands responsibility and affection on the part of the new owner. But the experience can also be disconcerting for a first-timer.
First of all, you should keep in mind that fostering a puppy is not the same as adopting an adult dog or opting for an elderly dog as a companion. Finding people willing to adopt an elderly dog is difficult, since families tend to prefer puppies or young dogs, regardless of gender or breed. Consider, however, that the arrival of an older dog at home can bring experiences as enriching and pleasant as the adoption of a young one.
Adopted adult dogs, moreover, have already suffered abandonment and this circumstance makes them unique. They may have been abused and need special care, but above all, they need patience to trust you, at least for the first few weeks. Experts affirm that, with certain care, the adaptation to his new family is not long in coming.
One of the advantages of adopting an adult dog is that it will avoid some discomfort typical of younger dogs, such as teething change. Puppies that go through this stage chew everything within their reach: shoes, furniture, laundry baskets, doors, etc. A grandfather dog has already passed this stage.
Carefully planning the arrival of the adopted dog at home is one of the keys to make the landing of your new four-legged friend as pleasant as possible. Both for the animal and for you.
Keep in mind that you will need special food for your new friend. Choosing what your dog will eat is not as simple as going to the pet section of the supermarket and throwing any of the hundreds of food or cans on display into the cart. Not all of them have the same quality, nor are they advisable in some cases. The vet will be able to advise you which is the appropriate food for your dog.
Adopting also implies having some essential canine accessories to make your friend feel comfortable at home. You will need a suitable container for food and another for water. But also a leash (there are fixed and extendable ones) and a collar that adapts to the physical characteristics and personality of your pet. In this sense, opting for a harness usually facilitates city walks for nervous dogs and those who have not yet learned to walk on a leash.
Finally, keep in mind that there are numerous dog clothes on the market with which to dress your dog, especially in winter. But also to protect you from the rain during the unavoidable walks in the fresh air that your dog will need every day. By choosing the appropriate accessories, the veterinarian and the employees of specialized pet stores will be able to help you select the most appropriate type of dog clothing.