Thinking of adopting a new dog?  Here’s a well-rounded list of what a new dog adopter should prepare for prior to the arrival of their new dog:


šŸ„ Medical
  • Vet Visits: Schedule a wellness check-up soon after adoption.
  • Vaccinations: Know what vaccines your dog needs (e.g., rabies, distemper, parvo) and when they are due.
  • Preventatives: Regular flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives are crucial.
  • Spay/Neuter: Understand whether your dog is already fixed or needs to be.
  • Medical History: Ask for past records—surgeries, illnesses, allergies.Ā  Identify any outstanding issues, concerns, or suspected problems.
  • Emergency Plan: Know the location and number of your nearest emergency vet.

šŸŽ’ Gear
  • Collar & ID Tag: With your contact info in case they get lost.
  • Harness: A Y-shaped harness helps with loose-leash walking.
  • Leash: 6-8 ft for walks; 15–30 ft for training or decompression walks.
  • Crate, Pen or Safe Space: A cozy den for resting and training.
  • Bowls: Consider slow feeders or puzzle bowls for meals.
  • Toys: Ropes, balls, squeaker, crinkle, etc.Ā  Each dog will have their own preference on type, texture, and feel for toys.
black short coat medium sized dog with blue and white scarf

āœ‹ Cooperative Care
  • Handling Tolerance: Gradually get your dog used to being touched—paws, ears, mouth, etc.
  • Brushing and Grooming: Know your dog’s coat type and what it needs (brushing, clipping, etc.).
  • Nail Trims & Baths: Learn how to trim nails and bath your dog or find a groomer you trust.
  • Vet Desensitization: Use treats and positive experiences to help them stay calm during vet visits.
  • Muzzle Training: A positive skill for safety, especially for fearful dogs or emergencies.

🧠 Enrichment
  • Mental Stimulation: Puzzle toys, sniff walks, training games.
  • Physical Activity: Breed-appropriate exercise needs (walks, hikes, play).
  • Novelty: Rotate toys and introduce new scents or textures.
  • Chewing Needs: Provide safe chew toys or food for stress relief and jaw exercise.
  • Training Sessions: Keep sessions short and positive—it’s mental enrichment too.

🐾 Behavior
  • Body Language: Learn signs of stress, fear, and comfort (e.g., lip licking, tail position).
  • Decompression Time: Give your dog time and space to adjust to their new home.
  • Positive Reinforcement: Reward what you like—don’t punish what you don’t understand.
  • Socialization: Understand how to expose them gently to people, dogs, noises, and places.
  • Triggers: Observe what makes them nervous or reactive—every dog has their own.
  • Safety: Have a plan to keep everyone safe and to minimize the chances of your new dog making a ā€œbadā€ decision.

šŸ– Food
  • Current Diet: Know what they were eating before and transition gradually if changing.
  • Feeding Schedule: Usually 2x/day for adults, more frequent for puppies.
  • Treats: Have a range of treat values.Ā  Use high-value treats for creating strong positive associations (like cheese or hot dogs in tiny bits).
  • Allergies/Sensitivities: Watch for signs of digestive issues or itching.
  • Hydration: Fresh water available at all times.