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Companionship and warmth are two of the best gifts you can give yourself and your family. When it comes to adding cheer into your household, very few things can top adopting a new family member, like a dog.
All across the country, dogs are in shelters like POWs, but with your help, you can change the life of one and the life of your family.
Sure, adopting a dog is possible year-round. But we at Scoop Soldiers would argue that there’s no better time to do it than during the holidays.
Why? We answer this question and more below.
Stick around for this mission briefing on the pros of adopting a new pup into your platoon and why the holidays are the perfect time.
During the holiday season, you’re bound to have a lot of one thing — time. There’s no better time to take on the added responsibilities of dog ownership than during the Yuletide season.
With more time on your and your family’s hands, showing your recruit the ropes becomes easier. You’ll have ample opportunities to train and walk your dog, giving you and your family fun holiday moments to look back on.
But you’re not just doing yourself and your new dog a favor through adoption. Every year, more than 3.1 million dogs are admitted into shelters, with numbers peaking around the holidays.
When you adopt a pup, you take some of the burden off animal shelters and add a new recruit to your family unit.
Before your new enlistee arrives, there are certain preparations to make. Here are the most critical.
First, ask yourself if you’re ready to take on a new dog. Your readiness will determine the course of your newfound duties, as a new dog will mean more responsibilities for your household.
Having the necessary provisions and supplies is key to a successful mission, which also applies to dog ownership.
Before bringing in your new recruit, stock up on essentials like dog food and toys. Also, remember to prepare a cozy bed and a leash.
If you have children, you’re likely no stranger to the idea of baby-proofing your home. You should do the same when you adopt a new dog.
To create a space conducive to your new furry friend, designate an entire area for them. Likewise, planning and setting up play and eating spaces are also essential.
Once everything is ready, it’s time to bring in your new enlisted. When your dog arrives, be sure to do the following for a seamless transition into your barracks:
First, you must introduce your new dog to your home and family. To do this, allow it to roam around, and when possible, let your dog sniff and approach family members.
Once your dog gets accustomed to its new surroundings and its new humans, be sure to set up a routine. Routines must be centered around daily tasks like eating and playing. By setting up a schedule, your new dog will be more at ease as it slowly becomes a new platoon member.
Lastly, we go to basic training. Consistent training is a non-negotiable if you want your new dog to be a well-behaved part of your family unit.
Start with basic commands. At the very least, your dog should be able to respond to its name by either approaching you or looking your way.
Later, you can move on to more advanced maneuvers and tactics like off-leash training.
Last but not least, remember that your new dog is a part of your family now. For this reason, you should include your new recruit in all your holiday festivities. This means having your dog be present in holiday pictures and activities. Don’t forget to give your dog some pet-friendly treats too.
Of course, every environment has its own set of hazards. Hence, protect your dog from potential health and safety threats like toxic plants. Scraps are also a notorious cause of vet trips, so be sure to mop up immediately to prevent your dog from ingesting holiday faves like chocolate and candy.
Adopting a new dog may take some effort, but it is one of the most memorable and rewarding ways to add cheer to your holidays.
So, go ahead and welcome a new recruit or two!
If you already have a dog or plan to adopt, let Scoop Soldiers handle the cleanup with our professional pet waste removal services, so you can enjoy your holiday season worry-free.
