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Rescue Dog Essentials

Adopting an Adult Dog: What to Buy First

A rescue dog shopping list: the gentle, escape-proof gear to buy before you bring your adopted dog home.

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Woman walking a small dog across a field

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Woman walking a small white terrier on a leash Martingale Collar Tightens gently if they back up, so nervous dogs can't slip out. Check price on Amazon Woman walking a small dog in the woods No-Pull Harness Front clip gently redirects pulling instead of choking. Check price on Amazon Woman walking a small dog across a field 6-Foot Standard Leash The leash trainers recommend. Skip retractables for puppies. Check price on Amazon Dog standing in the grass Engraved ID Tag Your phone number on the collar from day one, even if microchipped. Check price on Amazon Woman hugging a hound dog Collar Tracker Holder Holds a tracker on the collar for extra peace of mind. Check price on Amazon Black lab puppy cuddling a plush toy Crate Cover Turns a crate into a quiet den for dogs who need to hide. Check price on Amazon Puppy relaxing on a blanket with a spiky ball Calming Donut Bed Raised rim gives anxious dogs something to curl against. Check price on Amazon Golden puppy in the grass Enzyme Stain & Odor Spray Breaks down urine so puppies don't return to the same spot. Check price on Amazon

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Safety first

  • Martingale collar or snug harness
  • Standard 6-foot leash
  • ID tag with your number on day one
  • Update the microchip with your info

Comfort

  • A covered crate or quiet bed in a low-traffic room
  • Calming diffuser
  • Lick mat for stress relief

Just in case

  • Enzyme cleaner: even house-trained dogs can have accidents in a new home
  • The same food the shelter used

Keep reading

Dog standing in the grass Rescue guideThe 3-3-3 Rule for Rescue Dogs The 3-3-3 rule for rescue dogs: what to expect in the first 3 days, 3 weeks and 3 months after adoption. Three golden puppies sitting in the grass Free printableYour First 30 Days With a New Puppy A week-by-week plan for your first 30 days with a new puppy: settling in, potty training, crate training and socializing. Golden puppy in the grass TrainingPuppy Potty Training Schedule That Works A simple puppy potty training schedule by age, with the times your puppy needs to go out and what to do about accidents.