Small Dog Rescue Pets: Preparations

Bringing a new small rescue dog into your home can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Yet it can mean a lot of prep and cleanup work.  It’s very important to get your home and any family members–especially small kids–all prepped in advance for the new dog.  Believe it or not, doing these things in advance of bringing the new dog home will make you and your new best friend’s lives much nicer.  

Here are some tips so the preparations and transition to a dog home will be much more fun:

• Create a safe environment: Small dogs love to explore their new digs, so it’s really important that a safe environment awaits them, especially puppies. You need to get rid of or lock up all hazardous items that he or she may get into. This means all soaps, paints, kiddie toys, thumb tacks, plastic bags–essentially all hazardous chemicals and objects that your dog might suffocate in, be poisoned by, chew up, or swallow. You may also want to buy baby gates or a dog crate to restrict your dog’s ability to snoop around the home when you aren’t watching.

Top Tip – Download our Puppy Proofing Checklist for a full guide on how to prepare to bring a new dog home.
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• Needs: This includes nutritionally balanced dog food, fresh, clean water, safe food bowls, a sturdy leash, a good collar, challenging and safe dog toys, and a good dog bed. Veterinary approved products are typically good.  You might think about stocking up on some dog supplies: Before bringing your new pup home, be sure you have all of the items he or she will need.
• Dogs love a routine: All dogs thrive on routine–they love it and they need it.  So, it’s important to your dog that you are always consistent.  You should set a routine schedule and stick to it.  This means you should learn to feed, train, exercise, and play at about the same time each day. Your dog will behave better and feel more secure in their new home if you do this.  It’s also necessary to set rules and boundaries from the get-go. It is important to your dog’s wellness if he or she knows the boundaries.  The dog needs to know where it’s allowed to go and what is good or bad.  
• Prepare your household: Bringing a new dog home can be traumatic for some people.  Make no mistake about it, this can be a big deal for some family members. It’s necessary to prepare everyone in your family–particularly small kids–for the new family pet. Your kids need to know not to be mean and to know how to play nicely with the dog. Everyone needs to be aware of the safety rules and to be respectful of the dog.  You may even want to enroll your family in an online or in-person dog training course.   
• Be patient: Remember that your new dog has to learn the ropes and adjust to their new home. Always be patient and calm.  Never, ever lose your temper or madly yell when your dog misbehaves or fails to learn as fast as you expect.  Never negatively punish your dog–it’s an animal and it won’t understand.  Always greet and treat your dog with plenty of love and attention.  Always respect your dog and allow him or her lots of time to settle in at their own pace.

By following these tips, you will make your small rescue dog and your family very happy.  

Caring for Your Small Rescue Dog 

Dog adoption is a great way to get a new fur buddy while giving a loving home to a dog in need. Once acquired, you need to take good care of your dog so it stays healthy and happy. 

Below are some tips that will help you:

• Nutrition–Your small dog needs a healthy and balanced diet to develop and learn.  What the dog eats is critical for their proper development and well-being. Before stocking up on the latest fad dog food, ask your vet!  Always provide clean, fresh water and avoid giving your dog any kind of human food.  Why?   Because human food isn’t healthy for dogs, period!
• Exercise–Small dogs might not need the rigorous exercise often suggested for larger breeds, but small dogs still need some form of daily activity for their health and wellness.  Take your dog for walks, play fetch in the backyard, or whatever you both like that will get them the healthy exercise they need. 
• Grooming–Routine grooming (at home or professional) needs to be done so that your small-breed dog has a clean and healthy coat. Brush your dog’s hair regularly and bathe him or her as needed.  Don’t overdo the bathing because too often it will dry out their skin. Trim your dog’s nails and clean their face and ears often to inspect and avoid infections.
• Healthcare–a regular veterinary exam is important for your small dog’s health. Plan on annual exams and keep the dog’s vaccinations up-to-date.  Notice and record any changes in your dog’s behavior or eating habits, 

Following these tips can help your small dog maintain its health and happiness.  Proper nutrition, exercise, grooming, and healthcare will help your rescue dog thrive in their new home.

Benefits of Small Dog Rescue Pets

If you’re thinking of adopting a small rescue dog but you‘re on the fence about it then consider the following reasons to adopt a small breed dog:

• They’re good travel companions: It’s a no-brainer–small dogs are easier to travel with than big dogs. They are much more likely to be welcome at motels, etc.
• They’re well suited for apartment living: Not needing much space, small dogs are great pets for apartments or small homes. 
• They’re low-maintenance: Small dogs don’t need a great deal of exercise like big dogs.  This means they’re a good choice for elderly folks or owners who don’t have a lot of time for play and long daily walks.
• They’re good for your health: Studies have shown that dogs can often be good for your mental and physical health. Small dogs are no exception.  Small breed dogs are good for emotional and physical rehab support, they often reduce stress, and can lower high blood pressure.

By adopting a small rescue dog, you’re gaining a new fur buddy and you’re supporting a great cause. That’s right–you’re rehoming a discarded pet! Small dog rescue centers are the last resort for many abandoned dogs. They offer much needed care for homeless dogs and you’re helping the cause by participating and promoting better dog ownership.  Thank you.