By Shivangi Goyal*
Some animals live their lives without knowing love, while others are saved from terrible situations before it’s too late. Now the good news is you have made a decision to adopt a dog and bring a difference in its life. Bringing home a shelter dog that you have adopted may be a rescued stray or a dog that someone has voluntarily surrendered for adoption is a challenge itself. Whether you have been a previous dog owner or is, this is your first time, it is crucial to understand what your dog is trying to express. That implies building a relationship and effectively communicate with your furry friend.
You will be excited to greet your newly adopted dog with full of affection and love, but that is not the right time to showcase all your emotions. Since you are about to remove the animal from a familiar place and take them somewhere new. So it will be good for them if you calm them, set the tone and establish the relationship on the right foot. Try to adjust your rescue dog to their new environment, including smells, sights, and sounds for different dogs and their families in the neighbourhood.
If you are picking up your dog from a shelter home, be sure to ask what and when its being fed. Repeat this programme for at least the first few days to avoid stomach upset as your adopted furry friend is trying to adapt to the change. If you want to switch brands, do so over a period of about a week by adding one serving of the new food to three servings of the old for several days. Ensure your dog gets proper nutrition, and a balanced diet that is required in its growth year.
Once you get your newly adopted pet home and start to get them settled, it’s time to visit a vet to ensure your newly adopted pet is healthy. It is important to monitor your pet’s health and alert them early, so they don’t develop lifelong fears. Depending on what vaccinations your pet received before getting adopted, your veterinarian may recommend additional vaccines to protect them from disease. Or if your pet was not at the rescue or shelter, your vet may discuss when to schedule the procedure. You might encounter behaviour issues you are unfamiliar with, ask your vet for a trainer’s recommendation or any other alternative.
First month is the crucial month for your newly four-legged friend. Make sure you give them time to take care of them, also ensure their dog’s needs are met, and observe the dog carefully during the first month. This way you can get to know each other and your dog will learn to trust you, which is part of the bonding process. Start scrutinising your dog’s behaviour and work on teaching them these must-have behaviour — if the dog is not trained already. You can start teaching them basic commands: sit, stand, fetch once they start getting comfortable with you. Give them the freedom to explore the surroundings, but as a precaution put anything you value or anything that is a chewing or choking hazard out of reach when you are not around. Also, remember to remove or cover electrical cords so your dog won’t chew them.
I’m sure you want your adorable furry friend to sleep well, so it is best to put an old mattress loaded with cushions, blankets and a sheet in a room. Before placing the bed, consider your dog’s behaviour and character before deciding where to place his bed. Some dogs love to relax alone and prefer secluded area while others love attention and wants to sleep near you. This will help you dog to feel more comfortable and eventually it will make you happy and content.
“Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.”
-Karen Davison
*Author is Editor/ Content Creator/ Amateur Photographer
