When the time is right to get a dog be sure to give your home and yard a very thorough once over for conditions and substances that can be dangerous to pets. Look for things like:
- Hazardous Chemicals and Substances - anti-freeze, rat poison, bleach, glue, raisins, onions, chocolate etc. - yes all of these can harm or kill a dog
- Problems With the Fence, Doors and Windows - dogs can escape through openings much smaller than you might think
- Open or Uncovered Vents and Drains and Spaces Around Appliances - dogs can get themselves into some crazy places
- Crate, Kennel or Doghouse
- Appropriate Bedding
- Food & Water Dish
- Food (obvious but often overlooked)
- Floor Lining
- Leash and Collar or Harness
- Safe Toys and Chewables
All of these items need to be taken care of before you bring the animal into your home. Failure to do so will result in headache at best and heartache at worst.
Finally, if your new family member is a puppy be sure the house is calm and quiet before going inside for the first time. Allow supervised exploration then introduce other family members - both human and otherwise - one at a time with close supervision.
If your new family member is beyond the puppy stage be sure to take him or her for a long walk before going inside the house for the first time. This will be quality bonding time, will work off some anxiety and tire out the animal a bit. All of these things will have a calming effect that will ease the stress of transition into a new environment. Allow supervised exploration then introduce other family members - both human and otherwise - one at a time with close supervision.