Tips for the First Week With Your Newly Adopted Dog

[Guest Lancelot Arnold]

Just like us, dogs need order and leadership. They seek order, which you must provide. Your dog needs to know that you are the in charge and that you have a set of rules to live by. This makes the transition from the shelter to your home easier, faster and more rewarding. One idea to help set order is to hold a family meeting to create rules about caring for the dog. Purchase your essential dog care items such as ID tags, a collar and a 6 foot leash, food and water bowls, food, dog toys, a crate and bedding, and basic grooming tools. Just before you bring your dog adoption home, take him for a walk to tire him out a little. For starters when the dog arrives at home, limit your dog to one room or area. Most dogs instinctively like to den, and a crate makes the ideal place for your dog to sleep and get away from everything else going on. The next step is to plan a trip to the vet in order to make sure your dog is healthy and will not transmit any diseases to other local dogs.