Making the decision to adopt a dog marks an important time in your life. You’re about to embark (pun intended) on an incredible adventure with a new BFF. That being said, bringing a pup into your home can feel a little overwhelming, especially if you are a first time owner. To make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible, here’s what you need to know when you adopt a furry friend.

Familiar Smells if Possible

When you adopt a pet they will have no sense of familiarity, if they have had a blanket or anything or a fav toy see if the rescue or shelter will allow that to come with you. Please donate a toy/blanket to replace what you are taking as they have extremely limited resources. If you are able to keep that toy or blanket this will act as a security blanket. Sometimes if you adopt from a kill shelter it is very likely that your dog will not have had any sense of comfort.

You’ll Need to be an Immediate Source of Comfort

Being in a new place can be a scary experience for even the most valiant of pups. To make their transition into your home a little bit easier, you are going to have to be their source of comfort. As your dog will probably feel pretty exhausted after leaving the shelter, you’ll want to set up a comfortable area where they can fully relax. It’s imperative that your pup is not left home alone during the first few days as they are in a brand new environment, which can be extremely distressing. For this reason, you may want to schedule some time off from work during the week you decide to adopt. While you bond with your new dog, you can slowly get them accustomed to their furever home.

Puppers are Pricey

Prior to getting a dog, you need to make sure your bank account can handle it. Recently, the ASPCA released a study that found dog owners can spend from $380 to $1,170 during the first year. And that’s not even accounting for a pooch who has elevated taste. Some dogs may even demand a $250 collar from Tiffany & Co. and simply will not take no for an answer. At the very least, you’ll be spending some serious cash on food, grooming, veterinary bills, and of course, toys.

Your Home Has to be Puppy-Proofed

Any pup parent will tell you that dogs love to get into things that they shouldn’t. Prior to taking your pup home, you’ll want to evaluate the situation and make sure that nothing dangerous is within their reach. This means that all cords and cables, that they may mistake as fun chew toys, are hidden and that your trash can is completely secure. You may also want to invest in bitter antichew spray that can be picked up at any pet store, just in case your pooch has a habit of chomping on carpets or furniture.

Here are Woof’s recommendations for dog-proofing your place

Socializing Your Dog ASAP is a Must

Once your dog has all of their vaccinations, it’s important to schedule puppy playdates and head over to the local dog park. This is a good way to build up Fido’s confidence around other dogs. Otherwise, there’s a very good chance that he will be anxious and aggressive anytime another pooch is near. This will make trips to the vet, groomer, and kennel an absolute nightmare. Once your dog is comfortable, he'll be sure to have a great time running around with his furry friends.

Training Isn’t Always Easy

If you think your dog will be instantly transformed into Air Bud after just a few training sessions, you are sorely mistaken. For the next few weeks after adoption, you’ll have to put in quite a bit of time and effort. You can start off by setting boundaries and teaching basic commands with the help of positive reinforcement. For more stubborn pooches, it may be in your best interest to attempt a few dog training classes.

Woof Republic offers a lot of great content for pet parents bringing home a rescue dog. For more thoughts, check out our feature on Rent.com.

What You Need To Know When You Adopt A Dog