Three “Pawsome” Lesser Known Tips For Bringing Home Your New Best Friend

Whether you’re adopting a new puppy, scooping up an adult dog from a shelter, or perhaps acquiring an older dog as a rescue, you’ll want everything to be in perfect order when the new addition to your family arrives at home. Dog-proofing a house is as important for dogs of any age as baby-proofing is when a curious toddler begins to explore around your home. Most canines, regardless of their age, will be poking their wet little noses into practically everything in your house that can be found at their level.

While we all know to keep a home stocked with plenty of food and fresh water, and to buy feeding bowls, a good collar, a strong leash, and toys and treats, there is also much more to consider for the arrival of our new four-legged friend. In advance of your pet’s homecoming, here are three tips for making sure both you and your canine companion will be happy and safe:

#1 – Location, Location, Location

Think of where your pet products will always reside, especially when it comes to feeding time and where your dog’s water dish will be situated. Dogs like a routine, are better behaved when put on a schedule, and like knowing where things are located. Decide in advance where you’ll be feeding and watering your pooch to ensure it will stay in the same location in the long run.

When it comes to other animal-related items, consider installing a storage area, such as a coat rack with a shelf or other form of storage near the doorway. This way, you can hang leashes and store necessary items like doggie doo-doo disposal bags, a flashlight, treats and other essentials to make your dog’s daily activities run more smoothly. A little effort up front means you won’t be fumbling around while your dog is excitedly awaiting his potty breaks and daily outdoor adventures.

#2 – Identification

Microchipping is a very effective way to be reunited with your dog in the event he wanders off.  It is only effective, however, if you keep your contact information up-to-date.  Don’t forget to register the microchip with your contact information following the provider’s instructions immediately after having your dog chipped, and remember to update it if any information changes.

Even if you will be microchipping your dog in the future, you should still make sure your dog wears I.D. tags inscribed with your contact information in the off-chance you are separated from your new buddy. Microchipping is a very effective way to be reunited with your dog, but the information found in this form of identification is only accessible by humane societies, some shelters, many municipal animal control offices, and most veterinary clinics.  It is not readily available to a person who may come across your lost dog.

When outfitting your dog with wearable I.D. tags, here’s an interesting idea to consider: think about not including the name of your dog on this tag. Chances are if your dog does wander off, he will likely be found by a person and not an organization as described above. In this case, you wouldn’t want the good Samaritan who found him to turn into a dog thief since they now know the name of your dog and could become fond of him during your separation.  This is something to think about when considering the best way to identify your dog to ensure his return if he ever gets lost.

#3 – To Crate or Not to Crate – That Is the Question

Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to let thy dog run free or suffer with the anguish of “being locked up in a cage” during our absence or even at night is the subject of many age-old animal lovers’ debates. On the side of crating, dependent upon the breed, various characteristics of the canine, their personality, and a number of other factors, the majority of dogs are perfectly content spending some of their time in a crate. After all, they are den animals by nature in the wild and can be comforted by this type of confinement.

On the other hand, some canine companions aren’t well-suited for this type of situation, and dogs should never spend more time in a crate than outside a crate.  Some dog owners believe that it is cruel and unusual punishment for a dog to be crated, so you need to decide what works best for you, your dog, and your own unique situation.  DAWS provides valuable information on how to crate train your dog if you decide this is the best option for you.

With a little planning, the proper preparation, some thought, and a little bit of homework, both you and your new best friend will have a “pawsome” experience at home.