Bringing home a new canine member of the family can be exciting and fun, but it can also be a bit stressful, for both you and your adopted dog. Since both of you will be facing with a new situation, you will have to learn each other’s habits and get used to each other, we are giving you some tips on how you can best prepare for the new addition of your family:

1. Buy all the necessary supplies for your dog

Before bringing your dog home, buy everything you’ll need for him. So, get a nice and cozy bed for him, even get a blanket for those cold nights. Get food and water bowls and place where you think would be the best. Buy a leash for your dog, so can take him to careless walks. Of course, don’t forget to buy food and snacks and also toys, and store the toys somewhere in reach, so your dog can play with them whenever he feels like it.

2. Set up your home

Prepare your home by hiding all of the things that can be potentially dangerous for your dog, like sharp objects, chocolates that are easy to reach or anything else you think might harm your dog. Also, hide some of your stuff that you don’t want to be chewed or accidentally destroyed.

3. Create a space just for him

Set up a space in your home that will be just for your dog. Since the dog may be intimidated at first or shy, he will want to retreat to a place just for him, where he can be alone and no one would disturb him. You can even store some of his toys here.

4. Set a date to bring your dog home

First, pick a date that suits you the best to take your dog home with you. If you need to take him with a car, make sure that someone else drives you, so that you can be with your dog, just in case he gets upset. If it’s possible for you, take a few days off of work, so that you can get accustomed to each other. But, just a few days, not more, you don’t want your dog to get used to being with you all the time, as he might get anxiety attacks while you’re gone. This would also be a good time to take your dog to a vet, just for a regular checkup.

5. Let your dog to get to know the house

Once you’ve brought your dog home, let him sniff and explore all the places in his new home. Show your dog where his bed is, his food and water bowls, his toys and everything else he needs to know. If you have a yard, show him that, too. Also, what is very important, show your dog what places are off-limits for him.

6. Meet the family

Now it’s time to introduce the rest of your family to your dog. Make sure you introduce other member one by one, so you don’t intimidate the dog. If you have other dogs in your home, keep them on a leash and make the introduction slowly. Tell your family members to slowly come closer to the new dog and not to make loud noises, so they don’t scare him off.

Remember that, adopting a dog is a big change, not just in your life, but for the dog too, and you will find your own way in adapting to it.