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A checklist for the well-loved dog

You’ve finished the adoption process (congratulations for making the right choice), selected your perfect Mutt-i-gree, and he’s ready to come home. But is home ready for your dog? Make sure you have the important things you’ll need…

                        Food                          Bowls                               Collar, leash, etc.

                        Tags                           Pads                                 Crate

                        Bed                            Toys                                 Toothbrush, toothpaste

                                                          Shampoo

• Food: Ask the shelter what your dog has been eating, and use best efforts to feed that same food in the beginning. It’s best not to make sudden changes, so if you eventually do change food, do so gradually. If you feed your pet soft food, some crunchy, dry food is a great way to keep tartar down.

• Bowls: Purchase two new bowls, one for food, one for water, made of stainless, enamel, or ceramic. When buying the bowls, be sure to consider the size of your dog to ensure eating and drinking from each bowl will be very comfortable.

• Equipment: Dogs need to be walked by their pack leader – their parent - no matter what other exercise they get. You’ll need a good leash, and collar, and for small dogs and puppies, you may want to consider a harness. As with all of the equipment you’ll need, be sure to match the size and thickness of the leash, collar and harness with the size of your Mutt-i-gree. You may also want to buy a tether, a short (no more than 3 feet) light cotton rope that can be used for training and keeping your dog within reach during those first weeks of getting to know home.

• Tags: Even before you register your dog and get a license, buy collar tags that feature current contact information. If you and your Mutt-i-gree become separated, tags can help bring her back home.

• Crate: Dogs are den animals and feel more secure in protective spaces. A comfortable crate provides a safe environment and can be a key component in the housebreaking process. A good crate is also excellent for safe transport of your pet/travel.

• Housebreaking pads: The liquid resistant pads are invaluable to the housebreaking process.

• Bed: Your dog deserves and needs a bed of her own, and they are available in so many colors, shapes, fabrics, and dimensions. When picking a bed, again, consider the size of your Mutt-i-gree – so your pup will have plenty of room to spread out.

• Toys: Keep it safe (too big and soft to swallow or get stuck in her mouth) and keep it modest. Investigate the Kong: that amazing toy that you stuff with dogwood, cheese, or peanut butter, and give to your pup to chew on. For hours. The Kong is especially helpful to dogs suffering from separation anxiety. Don’t overwhelm your dog, and remember to rotate toys, moving them in and out of circulation to avoid boredom.

• Toothbrush/toothpaste: Brush early and often, and you’ll both reap the benefits for years to come. Did you know that gum disease and tooth decay can lead to ailments much more serious than “dog breath,” such as heart disease. Special flavored dog toothpaste, and a several types of dog toothbrushes help make the brushing process more enjoyable for you and your dog.

• Puppy proof! Whether your Mutt-i-gree is young or fully-grown, a new home is a strange place, and will remain so for at least a few weeks. To ensure the safety of your Mutt-i-gree, be sure to secure electrical cords, plants, balconies, stairways, and other potential hazards. If you have areas that are unsafe for your pup to access, you may need to invest in safety gates. Examine your home from a dog’s-eye view - with time enough to make necessary adjustments prior to adoption-day.

• Shampoo & grooming tools: It’s a good idea to start grooming your Mutt-i-gree when they’re young. This will make the process much more enjoyable for you and your dog. Even if your pup will spend most of her time indoors, he must be bathed. Since settling in to a new home will be an adjustment at first, keeping your dog clean and groomed will be up to you. Be sure to buy shampoo and grooming equipment created specifically for dogs.