Adopting a dog is an exciting adventure for you and your family.
There are some important items to consider before bringing him or her home though.
No matter which breed of dog you are adopting, keeping him or her safe from hazards that can occur in life should be your priority.
For example, some pet adoption groups will not let a pet be adopted until safety measures in the home and in the yard are implemented.
You want your home secure, a peaceful life for you and your new dog, and you want your yard and home safe as well.
Adopting a dog is an awesome thing to do.
Remember, though, that he or she might feel anxious and will need the easiest transition to his or her new home.
Here are four checklist items to consider before bringing home your new dog.

Safeguarding the home
That keeps the baby safe and eliminates stress for you at the same time. The same goes for adopting a dog and bringing your new family member home.
Make some rules for the home and your new family member
You can designate certain rooms or areas of your home for your dog.
Make certain rooms or pieces of furniture off limits as well.
Make sure each of your family members understand the rules for your dog so that you can enforce them.
Plan his or her arrival
You may wish to plan your new dog’s arrival on a day when you do not have to work or be anywhere else, that way, you can be home with him or her and help your dog make the transition easier.
The result of that scenario is that he or she will not feel so anxious, but if your new dog does feel anxious and has an accident in your home, you will be there to deal with it and help train him or her and comfort your new family member.
Safeguarding the Yard
No matter how young or old your newly adopted dog is, he or she might still get into trouble if you happen to walk away from him or her for even a few seconds.
Here is a list of things you can do to safeguard the yard for your peace of mind and for your new dog’s safety:
- Do not have plants in the yard or in the garden that might be hazardous for you new pet (if he or she tries to chew on the plants or eat them)
- Keep trash can lids secure. This eliminates the chance of your newly adopted dog from getting into the trash and eliminates unwanted critters from entering your yard.
- If you have a pool, you should have a fence around it so that your pet won’t get into the pool
- Make sure any chemicals or other things are out of his or her reach (in a secure shed or garage)
- Make sure there are not any tools (work tools or garden tools) laying around the yard
- Make sure your newly adopted dog cannot leave the yard. Fencing is a great option. Chain-link fencing might work best for you and for your pet. Many people choose this type of fencing because it is easy to install, less expensive than wooden fencing, and you, your family, and your pet will be able to see through it and not feel like it is a barrier or wall. Contact a local fencing company, like F & W Fence Company, Inc., to get suggestions for the best fencing option for you.
Adopting a dog is an awesome thing to do and is a very exciting time in your life and in your new family member’s life.
Preparing your home and yard before you bring your new pet home is important. It will help your dog have a peaceful, easy transition to his or her new home, and it will help him or her stay safe and give you peace of mind.
You will be able to relax and enjoy your newly adopted dog; with no worries for many years.
Grace
Sunday 17th of November 2019
These are great tips for any inexperienced or new dog owner.
rochelle haynes
Monday 1st of April 2019
Thanks for the advice looking good
Rachel B
Friday 29th of March 2019
Thanks for the great tips the puppy is adorable
Jeanna Massman
Friday 22nd of March 2019
Thanks for the tips. Adding a dog to your family requires preparation.