Getting a dog or any pet for that matter, is a huge responsibility. Knowing how to take care of a pet is half the battle.
When most kids want to get a dog, all they think about is how cute and cuddly they are. They forget all the important things a dog needs; like going potty outside, going for walks (getting exercise), plus they need to be feed and bathed.
Now on top of all that there is more involved when adopting a dog. And now thanks to Diane Rose-Solomon, we now know [lasso identifier=”0985769041″ locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”momwouapp-20″ link_id=”2263″ id=”8364″ ref=”what-to-expect-when-adopting-a-dog-a-guide-to-successful-dog-adoption-for-every-family”].
About Adopting A Dog:
Her book contains 5 Modules or Chapters with 3 or more parts to them, contains over 170 pages, including over 10 pages of resources. The Modules or Chapters included are:
- Module 1: Taking the First Steps
- Module 2: Ok, You're Ready. Now What?
- Module 3: Preparing Your Home
- Module 4: Integrating Your Dog Into Your Home
- Module 5: Advanced Dog Parenting
Module 1: Am I Ready?
Will a dog will fit into your life, will you be able to take care of them properly with work and kids going to school. Maybe you work from home like me and have time to devote to a pet. Diane also includes a quiz to see if you or your family are ready for a pet.
Module 2: Ready To Adopt
There are several places to choose from like, pet stores, shelters, and even Craigslist has a pet section (Diane advocates for adopting instead). Diane's included sample questions to ask the shelter.
Module 3: Supplies
Making sure you have everything you need, beforehand is best. Things like food and water dishes, a leash, toys, a crate for when you leave the house or at night, nowadays owners are getting their dogs microchipped, oh and don't forget the treats and the poop bags for when you take them for a walk.
Module 4: Introduction
Tips on how to introduce your new pooch to your other pets and even children. Sometimes pets from shelters are skittish based on their previous home life. So taking it slow introducing your new pet is the best bet. She also talks about housebreaking, depending on age, younger dogs need to be housebroken and older dogs might need to be taught again.
Module 5: Advanced Parenting
How to travel with your new adopted pet, taking care of a special needs dog, and handling a service or therapy dog.
What happens if you find that your family and pet aren't a good fit, she covers this as well, rehoming as a last resort. She also covers saying goodbye when it's their time to pass.
Diane Rose-Solomon can be found on her website and Facebook.
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This is a very helpful post and I think a lot of people underestimate the commitment needed sometimes, we have always had dogs (even a few rescue ones) and are fantastic companions especially for kids but it is important to know what you are getting into so you can give them the time and attention needed.