Your New Fur Baby's First Day Home: A Guide from Raksha

Bringing home a new dog from a shelter is a joyous moment for any family! At Raksha, we believe every pet deserves a loving start. Remember, before implementing any of these tips, consult your local veterinarian for a thorough check-up, vaccination schedule, and personalized advice to ensure your dog's health and happiness.

Starting Off on the Right Paw

Ease your new companion into their forever home with these simple steps:

• Introduce the Crate Gently: Your dog has come from a shelter environment, so start with the crate early. It makes future adjustments smoother than waiting until they're used to home comforts.

• Schedule Some Solo Time: From day one, let your pup spend quiet moments alone in the crate. Constant company now can make separation harder later.

• Feed Meals in the Crate: Build positive vibes by serving food inside – nothing associates the crate with joy like mealtime!

• Keep the First Evening Low-Key: No big celebrations! Your dog has faced major changes today – from shelter to your home. Give them space to settle in calmly.

• Place the Crate in a Peaceful Spot: Avoid busy areas of the house. Crate time should be for rest and relaxation.

• Don't Skip House Training Basics: Shelter life means irregular routines. Use supervision and crating to reinforce good habits – patience is key!

Welcoming to a Multi-Pet Family

If your home already has pets, introduce everyone smoothly:

• Meet Fellow Dogs on Neutral Ground: Walk the new and existing dogs side-by-side away from home. Let the newbie enter first, keeping all on leashes.

• Hold Off on Cat Introductions In a cat-friendly home, take it slow – no rushed meetings on day one. It's a gradual process.

• Crate Away from Other Pets: Position the crate in a secure room where other animals can't roam freely. Prevent unsupervised interactions to keep everyone safe.

Essential Shopping List for Your New Dog

Stock up on these must-haves to make the transition easy. We've tailored suggestions for Indian homes, focusing on durable, affordable options:

• Crate: Get one bigger than your dog, with a divider for now to aid house training. Expand it later for comfort.

• Bowls: One each for food and water – simple and sturdy.

• Kong or Similar Toy**: Large enough for meals. Alternatives like treat-dispensing balls add fun variety.

• Collar: Opt for a martingale style – adjustable, secure, and escape-proof.

• Leash: 4-6 foot leather or nylon – skip retractable ones for better control.

• No-Pull Gear: Try an easy-walk harness or head collar to curb pulling until loose-leash training kicks in.

• Food: We'll provide a starter sample. Transition to a quality brand suited to Indian climates and your dog's needs.

• Treats: Small, soft ones for training – they strengthen your bond quickly.

• Toys: Balls, tugs, or squeakies – discover what excites your pup!

• Nylabone or Chew Toy: Satisfies chewing urges safely.

• Bed: Start with old towels or blankets. Upgrade to a cozy bed once you're sure they're not a chewer.

At Raksha, we're here to support your journey. A vet visit right away will cover vaccinations, deworming, and any health checks specific to your area. Happy tails ahead – share your stories with us! 🐶

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