That picture is cute, and the title of this blog is false. I was asked to write about that, but I made the executive decision to write about something very much related but different enough to make the title false.
A better title might be “7 Days Before and 23 Days After Adopting a New Dog Into Your Family:…” I decided to shift the window of discussion because what you need to know and what actually matters are equally important, and so is knowing when you need to know what you need to know.
Be Proactive With Your Planning
To ensure a smooth transition for your family and your new pet, planning must start before they arrive at your home. The better the planning, the smoother the transition. This blog assumes you did the work and have a clear understanding of what your particular dog needs to be a successful member of society. You know your dog’s size and exercise requirements for when you get them, and for three years later. You research the canine diet and know the best food you can provide, how much they should eat, and how much it will cost you to feed them. You should have some idea about the important lessons you must teach your new family member about family rules and expected manners. RIGHT?
7 Days before your dog arrives home, go to the store and purchase your dog’s equipment. You need a 5-6-foot leash. If you have extra cash, you should get a long line too. If you have storage space, purchase 2 months of your dog’s food. You will need to purchase again after a month. It is wise to keep an extra month’s worth of food at home in case of a natural disaster or any situation that makes dog food hard to get. If you feed kibble, I always recommend purchasing a Vittles Vault. They seal the food, helping it to remain fresh longer, while keeping insects and rodents away. They have a waterproof seal that helps keep your dog’s food safe from broken pipes or flooding. You should also purchase a crate.
A few days before your dog arrives, review your normal schedule and set aside quality time for your dog. Schedule at least 2.5 hours of quality time each day to be intentional about your activities and behavior with your dog. This time is for walks, play, grooming, preparing food for and feeding your dog, and training. Do not assume your dog will be house-trained when you get them home. Having a house training plan is important for overall success. You can read my 100% effective process for house-training any dog, of any age, here: The Crate, The Schedule, Discipline, and Cleanup.
Petting and affection do not need to be scheduled because they will naturally occur when you are doing other quality-time activities with your dog.
A couple of days before your dog arrives, dog-proof the areas of your house that your dog will be allowed to enter, so you can spend quality time with them as you teach them the things you value and the manners you expect from your family members. This will help keep your dog safe by ensuring they know what to do and what not to do as they earn more freedom to move around your home.
A day before your dog comes home, run through your schedule to ensure that it works.
Just like that, all the planning is done. For the next 23 days, just follow the plan. Click this Link if you have additional questions or need help and advice selecting a dog. Thank you for reading, and Enjoy Your Dog!!!