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What You Need to Know When Adopting a Puppy or Dog
You visited the shelter or found a breeder and fell in love with a four-legged friend, congratulations! There are so many things you must be wanting to set up before you bring them home – from food and vet care to boarding, training, and socialization. Gratefully, you don’t have to plan for your new dog or puppy all by yourself – we can help you get prepared to bring home the newest member of your family.
Adopting a puppy or dog – what you need to know
When you’re looking for a new dog to add to your home, it’s easy to fall in love with all of the adorable faces and fluffy tails you see. While it’s easy to love each of these furry friends, it’s important to ask questions that will help you and your new dog live well together for years to come.
Adopting a puppy
If you’re adopting a puppy from a shelter or a breeder, you should be prepared to interview the breeder about the puppy’s upbringing and health. Asking upfront can help to ensure that you’re bringing home the right puppy for you and that your puppy will be healthy when they come home!
- Is the breeder reputable?
If you’re purchasing a puppy from a breeder, ask around first. Reputable breeders have excellent reputations for healthy puppies and will have positive customer and vet reviews.
- Do the puppy and the parents appear in good health?
Are the dogs energetic and of good weight? Do they have any discharge around their eyes or nose? Of course, you’ll want a licensed veterinarian to do a full checkup on your puppy, but if you have any questions about the health of the puppy or parents when you’re going to adopt – it may not be the right puppy for you.
- Has the puppy been socialized?
A puppy should be able to socialize with other puppies from its litter, vaccinated adult dogs in the home, and any regular visitors. This socialization can give insight into the temperament and personality of the puppy, and help you know what to expect when you’re looking for training after adoption.
Adopting an adult dog
Adopting an adult dog is a bit different than adopting a puppy, as the dog already has an established history. It’s important that you know as much as possible about the dog before you bring them into your home. These questions will help you ascertain the information you need.
- Why did the former owner surrender the dog? What situation led to the dog needing to be rehomed?
This question can give you insight into any behavioral needs the dog may have as you bring them into your home. It can also help to prepare you to find a trainer that can work through any behavioral problems that you know will need to be addressed.
- How has their temperament been at the shelter (or in their current living situation)?
If you’re looking for a dog that is friendly the second you get them home, you may not want to adopt a dog that’s been shy since arriving in their current living situation. All dogs adjust after being adopted, but temperament is a slow-changing trait.
- How have they been around other dogs?
If you have another dog in the house, you should put focus on how the dog interacts with other dogs. If they aren’t comfortable with other dogs in the house, then they may not be the right fit for your home.
Resources you need when you adopt a puppy or dog
When you’ve found the right puppy or dog to bring home, it’s time to get some resources set up so the transition home is successful!
When you’re bringing a new dog into your home, it’s important that you have a dog trainer that you trust. You’ll want to be able to work on basic commands, as well as address any behavioral issues that come up. Puppy training classes are a great place to start if you’re bringing home a new puppy!
You’ll also want to get your dog set up with a doggy daycare facility so they can continue being socialized with other dogs and learn appropriate styles of play if they’re young.
Finally, it’s important to get set up with a boarding facility and a veterinarian. You’ll want to make sure your dog has the medical care it needs, and that you have a reliable caretaker when you have to go out of town.
We can help meet the boarding, daycare, and training needs of your new dog! Contact Ruffgers today to schedule training, boarding, or daycare in Bonita Springs, Naples, or Stuart, Florida.