Creating a Comfortable Home During Dog Adoption
Adopting a dog for the very first time is a major milestone for any family, whether the adoption is free from a known individual, a Humane Society adoption or a posted neighborhood sign of Free Puppies for adoption. This furry friend may be with the family for a decade or longer. It’s a smart idea to prepare the home well before the new arrival moves in. Learn how to create a comfortable home after a dog adoption so the pet can feel at ease almost instantly.
Carpets and Rugs are Best
Fur, dander and other debris, including potential bathroom accidents will soon be part of the household. Some families might think that a hardwood or laminate floor is a smart idea to simplify cleaning processes, but this is not the case. Flooring can be damaged quickly by bathroom accidents and slick floors are actually more difficult for dogs to walk and run on. Their paws will slip and slide on the surface. It’s possible for injuries to occur if the pets slide too far on the floor. As a family considers dog adoption in San Antonio, the main floors in the home should be carpeted or covered with rugs. Walking with ease will be more comfortable for any breed in the new home.
Set Up a Bedding Area
Having a designated bedding area is a beginning step in dog training. Similar to a dog boarding facility, the household needs to have a dedicated area for the pet’s bed. It should be located near the family where the pooch can feel close to the pack. Locate the bed away from any drafts, hallways or heaters. The bedding area should be sheltered from foot traffic so that the animal can rest between playtimes. Size the bed to the dog’s adult shape. The pet may develop aches if the bed isn’t big enough for its entire body.
Keep Water Close
Dogs will drink a lot of water when they’re active. Purchase a sturdy bowl made for dogs and a placemat. As the pet licks the water, the placemat will catch most of the drippings. Ideally, use an automatic water container that refills the bowl when necessary. A dehydrated dog will show the same signs of exhaustion as a human being. Wash the bowl each day in order to ward off bacteria growth on the surfaces. The dog’s oral health can be negatively affected by a dirty bowl.
Dog Adoption and Catering to any Special Needs
Some dogs have special needs after adoption, such as dealing with an injury or condition that they are recovering from. Always follow the veterinarian’s instructions regarding specific care. Keep the bedding as comfortable as possible, and move the water bowl close to the resting animal. Reduce the distance that’s required to walk for water in order to encourage healing. Residents may want to add barriers, such as toddler gates, to stairs and other precarious locations. The dog shouldn’t traverse the home until it’s fully healed.
Encourage Chew-Toy Use
Young dogs chew on items as a way to play and learn about hunting, defense and overall mental development. Basic training for puppies includes offering the dog many items to chew on so that it doesn’t turn to the furniture or shoes for comfort. Match the chew toy to the dog’s jaw size. The toy should fit easily into the mouth so that it can offer hours of delight. Improperly sized toys might be damaged, swallowed or outright ignored. Pick out a few toys that might clean the dog’s teeth simultaneously. Caring for the mouth is a top priority.
These same concepts apply to dog training, especially dog training for puppies. Giving your pet a comfortable environment, designated space, toys and rewards will help make for a happy pet and happy family.