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Thinking of making an addition to your family through the adoption of a puppy? You'll want to prepare yourself, your family and your home for your new puppy's arrival.
Some Things to Consider Before Adopting a Puppy
Before hastily adopting a puppy, make sure you'll have the extra time to invest in training your new puppy.
Puppies have many needs that require time and effort on your part, such as potty training if the puppy will live inside the home and behavioral training to help the puppy adjust to its new life.
Be prepared to be consistent! If the puppy will be inside your home, you'll most likely want to teach him some things, such as "not" to jump onto the
kitchen table, not to chew on furniture, cables, blinds, car seats, socks, door frames - you name it, he'll chew on it if not trained
properly. You must be consistent to
let your puppy know that he can't get by with these things. Otherwise, you and the puppy will be miserable.
If you're training the puppy to go outside for pottying, you'll need to be prepared to wake up during the night several times, and to keep an eye on your puppy as much as possible
during the training period.
If you have other pets already, be sure they will be able to accept the new puppy.
Count the Costs
Another "major" thing to consider is the cost of owning a puppy.
There are required shots that a puppy will need, the vet checkups, food, collar, grooming accessories, etc. Remember, as your puppy grows larger, he will eat more.
Prepare Your Home for the Puppy's Arrival
Below are a few tips to help you prepareyour home and/or yard for the puppy's arrival:
1.
Be sure you have the proper puppy food available when the puppy arrives. Your puppy will adjust more quickly if he knows his basic needs will be met in his new home. The first thing he should see ishis food and water bowl.
2.
If you have small children, you can prepare them for the puppy ahead of time. Teach them to be polite and gentle with their new friend. Let them know how scared the puppy will be when he arrives, and how they can help him by being gentle and kind.
3.
Create a playful atmosphere in thearea where the puppy will spend most of his time. Place a few puppy toys and a treat in the area. The puppy will find his new home amusing instead of dreadful.
4.
If your puppy will be kept outside, have a doghouse and (if possible) a fenced in area. Many cities and counties have passed ordinances that require all pets to be kept on the property of the owner at all times. If the puppy runs away, he may be taken away by the dog catcher. A fenced in area will also prevent him from chasing cars and being killed on the road. Prepare the outdoors area the same as you would the house - make it cheerful and have his food and home ready!
5.
Depending on the type of puppy you adopt, make preparation for his growth as well. If the fenced area is very small, you don't want to adopt a puppy who will grow very large unless you plan to expand his territory later. Also,consider how large the puppy will become when keeping him in your house. A Saint Bernard may be cute at 10 lbs., but at 140 lbs., he could be a terror to your home. He will continually sweat at the
mouth and wipe it on furniture, especially the piano that's just the right height!
The things to consider above are not to discourage you from adopting a puppy, but are meant to prepare you and your family. If you adopt a puppy and realize later that you don't
have the time or effort for the puppy, it can result in misery for you and the puppy.
The Adoption Process
Puppies can be adopted at local shelters and through organizations dedicated to pet rescue.
Adopting a puppy in itself is fairly simple. The main thing you'll need to
know is whether or not the puppy has had all of its shots and if he has been de-wormed.
Adopting is normally free, but there may be charges if the shelter has paid for shots or other care needs. You will take responsibility for the needs once you adopt in most cases.
If the puppy has aged a little, you'll want to find out his prior living conditions. Was he abused, abandoned or just wandering around when picked up by the shelter?
If you need information about adoption in your local area or information
about local pet laws, you can contactthe Humane Society.
Adopting a puppy can be a joy for your entire family if you prepare for his arrival. He will love you for it!
Written by Candice Pardue
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