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How to welcome a rescue dog into your home

So, you have made the decision to adopt a rescue dog. It’s an amazingly rewarding decision but can also be nerve-racking. Below are a few tips on how to make your new furry friend feel welcome in your home!

It’s important to remember that your new companion is stepping into a whole new world. It is crucial that you ensure the first few weeks of living with your rescue dog go as smoothly as possible to make the transition as easy as possible for them. Here’s some top tips on how to prepare.

Preparation prior to bringing your rescue dog home

Prior to bringing your dog home, make some time to plan. It is a good idea to allocate designated areas within your home for your new pet to eat, drink and sleep so that they have their own safe space.

Make sure you purchase the necessities needed for owning a dog, such as:

• Lead and collar with a tag including relevant contact details
• Bed and blankets
• Food and treats
• Grooming products
• Training equipment (including toilet training)
• Doggy bags

 
Next, safeguard your home to prepare for your new arrival. This includes tasks such as removing any potentially hazardous or valuable items that your dog could easily chew through.

Day one

It’s an exciting day when you get to bring your new rescue dog home. It’s important not to overwhelm the new arrival, so bring your dog straight home with no detours and let them become familiar with their new surroundings. Give your dog plenty of time to freely sniff each area of your home and introduce them to their toilet area as soon as you can. If they use the area correctly, reward them with treats or extended playtime to help build on positive behaviour.


If you are introducing your dog to children, ensure that your children have been instructed on how to approach your pet. Do not introduce your dog to any cats until you are 100% confident that the interaction will go positively.

The next few weeks

Within a few weeks, hopefully your dog will begin to settle in and your routines will have started to become familiar. Each dog will take a
different amount of time to become acclimatised to their new surroundings, so the most vital thing is that you remain patient and
understanding with your new pet!

Regardless of the amount of time it takes them to settle in, regular routines, love and playtime will make sure the pup feels like a member
of the family.

If you’re looking for pet insurance for your new rescue dog, Pets in a Pickle can help. Browse our simple and easy to understand policy options to make sure your canine companion is protected.

Contact Pets in a Pickle

For more pet information and facts, check out the other news on Pets in a Pickle. To find out more about the range of policies, get in touch with the team today. Call them now on 0800 044 1111, or contact the team online here.

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