BRINGING YOUR NEW DOG HOME
(Including a New Dog Shopping List)

Of course, it is so exciting to bring a new family member home for the first time and there’s nothing you’d want more than to show off the new furball to your friends and family😊

But hold your horses! What your new dog needs is time to decompress: his/her life is just about to change in a very big way, so let’s give them a little time and space to relax first.

Consider following these steps for your dog’s smooth transition into your household.

1. Outside before inside

When you first get home, introduce your new dog to the outside of your house before bringing them inside. Let them take in all the new sights and smells. Show them where they will go potty and make sure to be consistent. Take them for a walk around the block to burn off any extra energy.

2. Introduction to the inside of your home

When ready, enter and introduce your dog to your house slowly. Restrict his access to one area of the home. They are going to be stressed for the first few days, so the smaller the new area is, the more comfortable they will be.

3. Keep it low-key

Especially the very first days. Don’t overwhelm them with visitors coming to see how cute they are, wait until they’ve had a chance to get to know you and his new home. Give them plenty of quiet time to settle in. Giving them a safe area to decompress will help them feel more comfortable, this is where a crate is very useful.

4. Routine

Creating a routine will also help your dog feel more comfortable. Schedule his feeding, walks, sleep, and playtime. The sooner you establish a routine, the better you both will feel.  A feeding schedule will help if your dog is not potty trained yet.

5. Bringing a new dog home to a resident dog? Have a couple of kids waiting to meet their new fluffy friend?

Take it slow is the most important thing to remember in both cases.

Introduce a new dog to an existing dog outside and be patient and give them all the time they need. Here, small steps are they way to big success.

When it comes to kids and dogs, do not leave your kids alone with a new dog! Supervise, supervise, supervise. For the first few weeks, your dog will be unsure and stressed… add a child who just wants to hug and kiss the new dog, and it’s a recipe for disaster.  Even the sweetest dog can bite out of fear and defence.

*For more on introductions of dogs, click here

**For more on interactions between kids and dogs, click here

***Please always remember the Rule of Three, when you bring home a new canine buddy

A note about healthcare:

We recommend you make an appointment to see your vet shortly after adoption. This will allow your vet to add the dog into their system, make copies of all past medical history and give you advice on further vaccines and appointments needed.

Finally, to help you stock up before bringing your new friend home

Hopefully, you’ve already stocked up on all the supplies you need to bring your new dog home.

Do NOT bring your dog to the pet store on the way home! The dog is going to be stressed and needs time to decompress and not worry about having to face new people or dogs.

If you missed something and need it right away, consider having it delivered to your home. Here’s a quick reminder of items you might want to have ready for your dog’s arrival:

New Dog Shopping List

• Short leash, long leash (5/10/15 m length), collar, harness, and ID tag (make sure your Eircode and phone number are visible on the tag);

• Food and water bowls;

• Dog Food and Treats (dry dog food is preferable);

• Crate and/or puppy play pin;

• Car travel accessories. i.e. seat cover, grille, seatbelt, car harness;

• Chew toys (filled/stuffed hooves are great, as they can last for weeks);

• Pooper scooper and/or poop bags;

• Flea & tick preventative;

• Dog bed (orthopaedic and memory foam beds are very good);

• Baby gate;

• Dog shampoo;

• Brush;

• Nail clippers;

• Toothpaste.

This list does not pretend to be fully comprehensive, but it’ll get you off to a good start😊