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Rescue Dog Essentials

Adopting an Adult Dog: What to Buy First

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

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Puppy relaxing on a blanket with a spiky ball Best Friends by Sheri Calming Donut Bed Raised rim gives anxious dogs something to curl against. 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 Dog standing in the grass Engraved ID Tag Your phone number on the collar from day one, even if microchipped. Check price on Amazon Dog wearing a blue padded harness on a leash Escape-Resistant Harness Ruffwear Web Master: a third strap around the belly makes it far harder to back out of, plus a padded lift handle. Pick your size and color on Amazon. Check price on Amazon Woman walking a small white terrier on a leash Escape-Resistant Martingale Collar Country Brook Petz martingale: tightens gently if they back up, so nervous dogs can't slip out. Check price on Amazon Woman walking a small dog across a field Joytale 6-Foot Reflective Leash The leash trainers recommend. Skip retractables for puppies. Check price on Amazon Golden puppy in the grass Nature's Miracle Enzyme Stain & Odor Spray Breaks down urine so puppies don't return to the same spot. Check price on Amazon Woman walking a small dog in the woods PetSafe Easy Walk No-Pull Harness Front clip gently redirects pulling instead of choking. Check price on Amazon

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A safety note on martingale collars

A martingale tightens a set amount when your dog pulls back, so their head can't slip through. Use it for walks and training only. Take it off whenever your dog is unsupervised, in the crate, or playing with other dogs, because the loop can catch on things. Fit it so it's snug but not choking when tightened.

No collar or harness is 100% escape-proof. A well-fitted escape-resistant harness with a belly strap is the safest choice for nervous dogs and new rescues.

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

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. 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. 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.