Getting Ready to Bring a Pet Home
- Make sure all family members are in agreement about getting this pet.
- Prepare all supplies: Food, treats, collar, leash, toys, grooming tools, and crate.
- Acquire appropriate toys. This will help you teach her/him to not play with your things. For dogs, only use dog toys, not children's toys and other easily destructable toys. Avoid tennis balls, which wear down teeth and can be ingested.
- Prepare the family: Make up schedules, and divvy up responsibilities of food, water, walks, exercise, cleanup, and grooming. Post it in a visible area of the house (the fridge is a good place).
- Pet-proof your home: Move chewables and breakables UP, and make electrical and blind cords inaccessible. Block off-limit areas with puppy gates, keep the toilet lid down, and put your shoes UP on a shelf.
- Fence: Make sure the fence is secure in all areas, especially if it is vulnerable to chewing, digging or jumping.
- Consider building a cat run if you are getting a cat.
- Bed/crate: Give the pet a comfortable private area with a snuggly blanket for rest.
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