Written by Wendy Syfret on March 4, 2020 for
Off The Leash
Article last updated on April 5, 2022
Wendy's never met a dog she didn't like. Although she has a special place in her heart for muts: three legs, one eye, missing fur, bit of a weird walk? The scruffier the better. Her favourite dog in the whole world though is her terrier-mix Stevie.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to puppy proof your home:
Clock away cleaning products and medications
Secure electrical bales
Tie back blinds or drapery cords
Check your indoor and outdoor pants are not toxic
Pick expensive or delicate items off the floor
Make sure their sleeping areas isnât in a walkway
Put up any playpens, gates or dog crates
Use child proof latches to keep doors and lids closed
What to buy before bringing home a new dog?
Dog bed and blanket
Puppy pads or grass potty
Mess cleaner
No chew spray
Baby gate or dog crate
Toys
Brush
Shampoo
Nail clippers
Flea and tick treatment
Toothbrush or dental finger cloth and paste
Dog food
Training treats
Occupier treats
Food and water bowls
Collar
Registration tag
ID tag with your contact info
Leash
Poo bags
Car harness
How do I make my dog feel at home?
Go at their pace and respect their choices, space, and body. Let them tell you when theyâre ready to interact closely.
Provided a safe space (a crate or bed) where they can chill away from people and other pets.
Dog-proof the house to prevent undesirable toileting and chewing behaviour from occurring.Â
Give them at least a couple of weeks to acclimatise to the new space before being left alone there.
Let them sniff. In addition to being the best source of enrichment and stimulation for dogs, sniffing is a really therapeutic and rewarding activity to engage in.
Itâs hard to say what dogs remember, but most will be impacted by their pastâfor better or worse. A mistreated animal may be shy. While a dog surrendered from a happy home could be well trained and socialised.Â
Shelters spend months preparing animals for adoption, helping them recover from physical and emotional issues. A shelter shouldnât allow you to adopt a dog thatâs overly traumatised or aggressive.
Do rescue dogs love you more?
Hard to say! But rescue dogs do make loving, warm, and loyal companions.