Adopting a dog will forever change your life.

Mornings come earlier as we scramble out of bed to serve our pup breakfast. Walks become longer in an attempt to wear our pooches out. Feet become warmer as our loyal companions lay themselves across our beds at night.

Our hearts become changed forever. So do our daily routines.

But adopting a dog is a major life changer.

It’s also a life changer for the dog we adopt.

That’s why I promote “adopting” instead of “shopping.”

When you adopt, you give an animal a second chance at life. And a second chance is one of the most amazing gifts we can give our loyal canine companions.

Keep reading for tips to make your transition into dog parenthood as smooth as possible.

Tips for Building Your Successful New Pack

With the simple signing of a paper, you will forever change a dog’s life story. Now that’s powerful.
I think I made it clear how much life change can occur in the simple adoption of a dog. But have to accept life change comes with new challenges.

Before you make the decision to adopt a dog, I’d like to recommend a few dog adoption tips and strategies to make sure both you and your home are ready for this new commitment.

Consider Your Lifestyle and Financial Situation

The excitement of adopting a dog can often lead us to make impulse decisions.

We need to take a realistic look at our lifestyles and living arrangements to fully determine if owning a dog is the right thing for our situation.

Dogs require a large commitment of time. They also desire your affection, love, and time.

If you work out of the home 15 hours a day, live in a studio apartment, and don’t have access to dog care services, then owning a dog might not be the right decision for you.

Dogs are also major financial commitments.

Between buying food, going to the groomers, and trips to the vet, it’s easy to spend a lot of money on your dog. And these are only a few of the reoccurring expenses you’re going to encounter.

If you can’t commit to either the time or money aspect of owning a pet, you need to reevaluate your decisions.

Choose the Right Dog

It’s easy to fall in love with a dog. What’s not always easy is finding a dog that’s the right fit for your home.
So how do we determine what a good match for us will be?

A good place to start is by evaluating your home environment. The amount of space you have often plays a key role in deciding what type of dog you should adopt.

Here are a few things to consider:

• Large, energetic dogs tend to do better in bigger homes with backyards.
• Many small dog breeds are great for apartment and condo living.
• Older dogs with less energy can often thrive in smaller spaces.
• Sporting breeds require lots of space to run.
• Having the right size space for your next pet is crucial.

It’s also crucial to evaluate how active your lifestyle is.

Younger dogs, and most sporting breeds, need owners with active lifestyles. Before you decide to adopt a high-energy dog, make sure you can commit to daily walks, playtime, and trips to the park.

Worried you might not be able to keep up with high energy-breeds? Don’t. There are plenty of dogs that prefer a more mellow lifestyle.

Many small dog breeds don’t need massive amounts of exercise to keep them happy. Occasional walks and playtime are enough to keep these guys happy.

If you prefer large breed dogs, consider adopting a senior. They require much less activity than a pup. This makes them ideal candidates for families that can’t provide large amounts of physical activity.

Make sure you talk with the foster parents or rescue volunteers when considering adoption. They work with the dogs on a daily basis and can easily match you with a dog that fits your lifestyle.

Consider Senior Dog Adoption

Senior dogs deserve loving homes, too.

It’s unfortunate how many people miss out on the opportunity to invite a senior dog into their lives. What they don’t realize is that, for a dog, age is but a number.

Just like any other pup, they desire the same love, affection, and maybe an occasional walk on the beach.

What’s the best part? You get all the advantages to having a furry friend without the hassle of bad puppy habits.

That’s right. With old age also comes wisdom. The majority of senior dogs up for adoption know basic commands, are house broken, and are generally well behaved.

If you’re looking for unconditional love without the possibility of ruining your carpet, an older dog
might be for you.

Provide a Safe Environment

Taking your new pet home is an exciting experience.

We often get so excited we forget that it can be scary for our new four-legged friend.

It’s important that your new dog has a safe quiet space in your home.

It’s a primal instinct for dogs to feel the need to establish a den area. A simple crate or dog bed is all you need.

Be patient with your pup. Despite having a safe den space, your dog might still need extra time to adjust. New situations are scary!

While your dog is adjusting, be careful to not overwhelm him or her with other pets and humans. Too many stimulants in a new environment can cause anxiety.

If you notice your new dog is biting itself, pacing, having unusual accidents in the house, or not eating, get in touch with your vet. He or she can provide the help you need.

Giving your fur baby a safe space and time to adjust will help them transition more smoothly into your home.

Meet Your Dog’s Basic Needs

Shopping for your new family member is a lot of fun!
Before you bring your new pet home, make sure you have the following…

• Food / Water.

• Dog bowls.

• Toys.

• Collar and Leash.

• Access to a trusted vet.

• Dog Crate.

• Dog Bed.

These items are the very basics of what you need as a dog owner. Having these items ensures that your pet’s basic needs will be met.

Think your dog will look pretty in a pink tutu? That’s up to you! Once you’ve got the basics, you can have fun with the rest of it!

Open Your Heart to Adoption

Making the decision to adopt is a decision worthy of praise. It takes a person with an incredibly kind heart to open a home to an animal in need. Remember, always adopt! Don’t Shop!

Start your new dog off on the right paw with The Original CrockPet Diet®!