Yes! You are their world!
Preparing for your Pup
A guide for a smooth transition
Welcoming a new pup into your family is an exciting experience, and building trust from the start is key. We've put together a guide to help you prepare for your new furry family member, ensuring a smooth transition for both you and your pup.
What to Buy for your New Fido:
To make your adoption experience seamless, we often host events near pet stores like PetSmart and PetCo, giving you easy access to essential supplies. To build trust and confidence from the start, feel free to use our suggested shopping list as a reference to prepare your home for your new Fido.
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Crate
A crate will provide a safe space for your dog, prevent destruction of belongings, and aid in house training. Choose a crate that's large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and stretch out comfortably, but not so big that they have accidents in it.
Pee Pads
If adopting a puppy who's not fully vaccinated, stock up on pee pads for training. Young puppies who have just received their first round of vaccinations are not yet protected enough to safely go outside and have their feet on the ground. Until they receive at least two sets of shots, they are at risk. Pee pads can allow the puppy to learn to potty safely.
Food
When transitioning to new food, do it slowly to prevent stomach upset. Consult your vet for personalized feeding recommendations.
Leash, Harness, Collar
If purchasing a harness, consider a standard nylon leash instead of a retractable one for safety.
Tips and Recommendations:
- Use the crate for house training and as a safe space for your dog.
- Gradually transition your dog to new food to prevent stomach upset.
- Consult your vet for personalized feeding recommendations.
- Avoid changing the collar on our property during the adoption handoff.
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By following these guidelines, you'll be well-prepared to welcome your new Fido home and build a strong bond with them.
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Important things to consider:​
One-on-One Training
Join Tailwaggers Academy's monthly Zoom sessions for personalized training advice from the comfort of your own home – absolutely free! Compliments of Trust Rescue.
Preparing Your Home for Your New Dog
Before bringing your new furry friend home, make sure to dog-proof your space. Pick up any loose items, remove tempting objects from countertops, and secure valuables.​​
Establishing a Relationship with a Veterinarian
We recommend scheduling a vet visit within 1-2 weeks of adoption. This helps establish a relationship with your vet and provides a baseline for your dog's health. Keep in mind that prices can vary significantly between practices, and community veterinary services may offer more affordable options.​​
Need Behavioral Guidance?
For basic behavioral questions, such as barking, crate training, or housebreaking, reach out to the Animal Rescue League of Boston's free pet behavior helpline:
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Email: Behaviorhelpline@arlboston.org
Phone: (617) 226-5666
Investing in Dog Training
Regardless of age or temperament, setting up a training session with a professional can be incredibly beneficial. You can find trainers listed in your Petco and Petsmart coupon books. Training helps lay a solid foundation for your dog and is a great way to bond with them. For puppies, early socialization and training are crucial for developing good behaviors and preventing future issues.​​
Spay and Neuter:
A Key Component of Our Mission
At Trust Rescue, we're dedicated to ending unnecessary euthanasia of companion dogs. According to the ASPCA, approximately 400,000 shelter dogs are euthanized in the US each year, a significant decrease from over 1 million in 2011. This decline can be attributed to various factors, including increased adoptions, reunifications, and the growing acceptance of spaying/neutering as a responsible pet ownership practice.
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Why We Spay/Neuter
As part of our commitment to reducing euthanasia, we ensure that all dogs in our care are spayed or neutered, regardless of age or medical conditions. This not only helps prevent unwanted litters but also reduces the risk of certain health issues.
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What to Expect During Surgery
If your foster or adoptive dog requires surgery, here's what you can expect:
- You'll need to withhold food from your dog the night before surgery, typically after 10 pm or midnight.
- You'll drop off your dog at the vet clinic in the morning and pick them up later in the afternoon.
Post-Surgery Care
After surgery, your priority will be to protect the incision site as it heals over 10-14 days. This includes:
- Keeping the E-collar on to prevent licking, which can introduce bacteria and moisture that can compromise the stitches.
- Avoiding baths to prevent moisture from affecting the incision site.
- Minimizing excessive activity, such as high-intensity running or off-leash play.
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Medication Administration
You may need to administer medications to your foster dog, such as anti-inflammatory medication for pain control or sedatives if recommended by a veterinarian.
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Monitoring and Support
Be sure to keep a close eye on the wound site to make sure it stays clean and dry with no oozing.
By spaying/neutering our dogs, we're not only saving lives but also reducing the risk of certain health issues. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, spaying/neutering can reduce the risk of certain cancers and prevent unwanted breeding.
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Let's work together to make a difference in the lives of our furry friends!
