Getting Ready For Your Dog
Pointers to prepare for your pooch's arrival
It can be hard to think straight when you're excited about the impending arrival of a new dog at your home. Instead of sitting around anxiously flipping through books that list potential dog names, begin your puppy preparations by taking a trip to your local pet supply store. Start stocking up on some of the necessities that you're going to need to make your dog's homecoming and adjustment period a smooth process.
Cruise the store aisles and pick out a collar and leash, food and water dishes, some food that you know your dog is use to eating, and maybe even an identification tag if you finally decided on a name for your new friend. While you're out buying the basics for Rover, you might find that it's hard to resist the purchase of a few things that aren't so necessary. Go ahead and splurge a little. Pick out a few extra toys and maybe a healthy treat or two. Rover might never have had it so good.
Going on a shopping expedition like this can also help you identify items that you hadn't previously thought about, but that might be necessary for keeping your home intact once your new bundle of fur makes his or her entrance. Decide whether you need a crate for those times when you can't monitor your pet or whether you can just use a pet gate to confine your dog to a certain portion of your house.
Determine if your dog will occasionally need to be confined outside. If so, do you need to purchase a doghouse with a cable run, set up a fenced-in kennel area, or fence in a portion of your yard that has direct access to your house? If so, start planning as soon as possible for these types of purchases and projects.
Your head might be telling your heart that your new dog will NOT be sleeping on your bed. However, you might be surprised at how quickly you cave in to the batting eyelashes and heart-wrenching whimpers of an adult yellow Labrador retriever that's staring you directly in the eye while resting her chin on the top of your mattress at 3:00 AM. At times like this, it helps to have invested in a nice comfy bed that your dog can have all to themselves. Then you won't feel so bad when you tell old Sad Eyes to go lay down on their own bed.
One other main item to have on hand prior to your dog's arrival is a listing of important telephone numbers associated with your pet's care. Such a list should include the contact information for the veterinarian that you've potentially already picked out, as well as a groomer, boarding kennel, pet-sitter, and your pet insurance company.
Enjoy the exciting adventure that you're about to embark on. Your life will simply never be the same own you become a dog owner. It will forever be enriched.
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Keeping Your Pets
Happy and Healthy,
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