Bringing a dog into your home is exciting, but it’s also a huge responsibility. A successful adoption ensures your new companion thrives emotionally and physically, creating a lifelong bond built on trust and care.

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Our Top 10 Must-Dos about dog adoption

Research Breeds – Understand the typical energy, size, and temperament of breeds you’re considering. This helps ensure your lifestyle matches their needs, reducing stress for both of you.

Prepare Your Home – Puppy-proof your living space by removing hazards, securing cords, and designating safe areas. A secure environment prevents accidents and anxiety.

Invest in the Essentials – Buy quality food, bowls, bed, crate, toys, and grooming tools before your dog arrives. Being ready helps your dog settle and reduces confusion.

Routine Vet Checkups – Schedule a veterinary appointment as soon as possible. Early medical care, vaccinations, and health checks are vital for a long, healthy life.

Create a Routine – Dogs thrive on structure. Set consistent feeding, walking, and play schedules to help them adjust to their new environment comfortably.

Socialise Gradually – Introduce new people, pets, and environments slowly. Positive exposure prevents fear and aggression, ensuring confidence in varied situations.

Training Basics – Decide on methods for house training, obedience, and socialisation before bringing your dog home. Consistent routines build confidence, reduce accidents, and prevent long-term behavioural challenges Learn more about training your dog ↗︎

Introduce Your Home Gradually – Let your dog explore rooms, meet family members, and interact with other pets slowly. Controlled introductions reduce anxiety and create positive first impressions that build trust and comfort.

Maintain a Routine – Feeding, walks, and playtime should follow predictable schedules. Consistency helps dogs feel secure, strengthens behavioural patterns, and supports both emotional stability and physical health.

Bond Confidently – Spend quality time cuddling, playing, and training. Frequent positive interactions deepen trust, help your dog understand household expectations, and build a lifelong emotional connection.

10 things you mustn't do when adopting a dog

Rush Adoption – Choosing a dog impulsively without research risks mismatched expectations and behaviour issues. Take the time to understand needs, personality, and lifestyle fit to avoid unnecessary stress.

Ignore Vet Checks – Skipping health evaluations can leave conditions undiagnosed, delaying treatment and potentially causing chronic issues. Early medical attention ensures a healthier, happier start.

Forget to Puppy-Proof – Failing to puppy-proof or provide essential supplies creates unsafe spaces, stress, and confusion. A prepared environment supports confidence and prevents accidents during adjustment. How to Puppy-Proof your home ↗︎

Punishing harshly – Physical punishment or yelling damages trust and worsens behaviour and is never acceptable. Positive reinforcement and gentle guidance foster learning, confidence, and a stronger, loving bond.

Overwhelm your dog – Introducing too many people, pets, or stimuli at once creates fear and anxiety. Gradual exposure helps your dog build confidence while avoiding stress or aggression.

Skip Training – Leaving your dog untrained leads to frustration, accidents, and behavioural problems. Early and consistent guidance teaches boundaries, encourages good habits, and ensures harmony.

Leave Alone too much – Dogs are social animals who require attention, play, and stimulation. Long periods of isolation can cause anxiety, destructive behaviour, and emotional distress. Learn how to handle leaving your dog alone ↗︎

Avoid Socialisation – Not exposing your dog to different dogs, people, and environments increases fear, aggression, and nervous behaviours. Gradual, positive experiences develop confidence and safety skills.

Overfeed or free-feed – Uncontrolled feeding can cause obesity, digestive problems, and lethargy. Scheduled meals and portion control ensure proper nutrition and help maintain healthy weight.

Forgetting Enrichment – Lack of mental and physical stimulation leads to boredom, anxiety, and misbehaviour. Interactive toys, games, and exercise are essential for emotional health and a happy, active dog.

From the experts - Introduce a favourite toy or treat during walks to reinforce positive behaviours. Watch body language closely - subtle signs like yawning, lip licking, or tail movement indicate stress or discomfort. Establish a calming bedtime routine for security and reduce anxiety. Short daily training sessions boost confidence and strengthen your bond without overwhelming your dog.

Got questions? Max is hanging out on the right of your display - give him a shout!

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