The Ultimate Dog Adoption Guide

Every home is made better by a four-legged friend. But before you get in your car and head to the nearest adoption center, it’s best to do some research. The dog you choose to adopt will be a part of your family for ten, maybe even twenty, years. Finding the right dog to adopt, then, will be extremely important to keep everything harmonious in your household.

To get you started on your adoption journey, read over our dog adoption guide below:The Ultimate Dog Adoption Guide

Step 1: Research Breeds

Your first step in the adoption process will be finding the right breed. Different breeds have different sizes, attributes, characteristics, and more. So, finding the right breed isn’t just about finding the cutest puppy. Instead, it’s about finding a dog that will fit best within your current (and future) lifestyle.

Here are some questions you should ask yourself as you’re researching dog breeds:

  • How often are you home?
  • Do you have children?
  • How active are you? How often are you prepared to take a dog out for a walk or to play?
  • Do you have other dogs or animals in your home?
  • How large or small is your home? Do you have access to a yard?
  • Do you or someone in your household have any allergies?

Step 2: Research Breeders

Once you have a breed in mind, it’s time to find a breeder. You don’t want to find some random person selling a litter of puppies on Facebook. Doing so will only lead to a world of trouble, such as behavioral problems, health issues, questionable ancestry, and more. A reputable and responsible breeder, meanwhile, ensures that all dogs are bred ethically and socialized properly.

When researching breeders, here’s what you should do:

  • Meet the breeders and go to the actual premises to see how the dogs are treated
  • Ask questions about how their dogs are bred, taken care of, and more
  • Ask for a full medical history

Step 3: Get Your Supplies

You can do this before or after meeting with a breeder, but it’s always recommended that you get your supplies before you bring your puppy home. Here is a quick checklist of items you should have on-hand the day of adoption:

  • Food and water bowls
  • Canned and/or dry food (ask your breeder what food they’re feeding the pups and stick with that food for the first few weeks)
  • Collar
  • Leash
  • ID tags
  • Carrier or crate
  • Dog bed
  • Nail clippers
  • Baby gates
  • Treats
  • Toys (such as a ball, rope, chew toy, puzzle toys, etc.)
  • Brush and/or comb (depending on their coat)
  • Puppy pads

Family Puppies also has crates, beds, and puppy food available for purchase to make things easier for future dog owners!

Step 4: Meeting Your Pup

You should always meet and spend quality time with your puppy before bringing them home. Remember, this puppy will be a part of your life for a long time, so you want to make sure they’re a good fit. You can also let Family Puppies guide you with deciding on which puppy fits your needs best. So while here, play, pet, and spend quality time with the pup. If all goes well, you’ll be able to bring your puppy home!

Step 5: Bringing Your New Puppy Home

You’ve bought all the supplies, you’ve signed all the paperwork, now it’s just time to bring your new puppy home. While puppies can handle change better than adults, it will still be a major adjustment for them. Be patient and kind, providing a safe and comfortable living space for them to enjoy. If you’re not sure what to do, take these first steps:

  • Keep them in a puppy-proofed space for the first few days, or until they’ve adjusted to their new home
  • If you have other pets at home, keep them separate for a few weeks (you can follow these guides on how to introduce two dogs or a dog and a cat)
  • Don’t leave them alone during the first few weeks
  • Sign up for some training classes
  • Be patient and compassionate!

If you’re looking to adopt a new puppy into your home, Family Puppies is a great place to start. Contact us today to come in and meet our new puppies!

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