Recently, my boyfriend and I adopted a dog from a local rescue. While having our one-year old boxer/lab mix around the apartment makes us super happy, this first week of "puppy parenting" has not been the easiest. If you or someone you know plan on getting a dog anytime soon, here are some tips!

Decide where the dog will spend most of its time.

This is especially important with dogs that may not be housebroken yet. Keeping these dogs away from carpet and things they can easily chew is the best option. Since our dog was adopted, we wanted to be sure that she was placed in a comfortable environment, especially since she has lived in foster homes.

The kitchen is usually the place in the home where the owners will keep the dog most of the time, especially when unattended. If you plan on crate training your dog, be sure the crate is set up before bringing the dog home. Then the dog is used to it being in the home and can begin training to start using it.

Ask what food the dog eats.

With puppies, this is especially important because they have a weaker gastrointestinal tract compared to adult dogs. It is extremely important to slowly transition the dog to a different brand of food if that is the route you decide to take. Most of the time, the bag of food you purchase will give you step-by-step instructions on how to achieve this.

Get the dog used to a schedule.

Dogs like to have a routine, therefore it is important to begin to get them on a schedule the first day of being home. Play with the dog and make them as comfortable as possible around the apartment, but do not be afraid to leave the dog home alone while you go run an errand. As a dog mommy of an adopted dog, it is heartbreaking for me to leave the dog home alone because I am unsure of her past owners and the reason why she was given up for adoption.

However, even though my dog has slight separation anxiety, my boyfriend and I are slowly getting her accustomed to being home alone due to our work and school schedules not allowing us to be home all of the time.

Take the dog to training class.

Even if your dog has been housebroken and seems very obedient, taking them to training classes can only benefit them even more. It is important for the dog to socialize with other dogs as well as other humans. These training classes will allow you as an owner to learn more about the personality of your dog, and the best way to properly parent your dog when needed.

I may sound bias, but I highly suggest adopting a dog if possible. Visit your local shelter or rescue group and see if you can find a fur-ever friend! The good thing is, most places will have the dog microchipped, neutered/spayed, and already all up to date on all of their vaccinations! So go visit your local shelter, and maybe you too will become a puppy parent.