Adoption Starter Advice

Hello, Future Best Friend!

Woof! That’s Pointer-speak for “Hi there, hooman!” I hear you’re getting ready to welcome a rescue dog like me into your home—how exciting! Let me give you the inside scoop on what you’ll need to make my tail wag with happiness. Trust me, a well-prepared home means a happy pup (that’s me!) and a stress-free transition for all of us.

What You’ll Need Before I Arrive (A.K.A. – The VIP – (Very Important Pointer) Checklist.

• A Cosy Bed: I love to zoom around, but I also need a comfy place to rest my paws. Please get me a soft, supportive bed where I can snooze after a long day of adventures. We also love to snuggle up with you on your sofas too!
• Toys, Toys, and More Toys! I’m a smart dog, and I need mental stimulation! Puzzle toys, chew toys, and fetch-friendly balls will keep me entertained. Oh, and I’m a Pointer—I love to chase things, so a flirt pole or something I can ‘point’ at is a big bonus!
• Nutritious Food & Treats: I need good-quality, protein-rich food to keep me strong and healthy. Think lean meats like chicken, turkey, salmon, or beef. For treats, try carrots, apples (no seeds, please!), and peanut butter (just make sure it’s xylitol-free!).
• A Sturdy Lead and Harness: I’m an athletic breed, and I *love* to go on walks! A strong, well-fitted harness is a must because, well… sometimes I get a little too excited about birds. Safety first!
• Food & Water Bowls: I need my own designated eating and drinking spot—hydration is key! A non-slip, easy-to-clean bowl is perfect for keeping me refreshed after all that running around.
• ID Tag & Microchip: Just in case I decide to go on a solo adventure (which I *promise* I won’t, but hey, instincts), I need an ID tag with your contact info with an up-to-date microchip registration. We recommend PetLog Pro. You can ‘fetch’ the link for this here. https://www.petlog.org.uk/products/transfer-of-keepership/ or if you are listening to our audio guide version you can refer, to our downloadable format for the Pet Pro link.
• Grooming Supplies: I don’t need fancy spa treatments, but a soft brush, dog-safe shampoo, and routinely checking my nails and teeth will keep me looking my best. A clean Pointer is a happy Pointer!
• A Quiet, Safe Space: Rescue dogs like me need time to adjust. A quiet corner with my bed and some blankets will help me feel secure in my new home. If you have children please let your children know that my safe space should be an undisturbed area that I know I can always retreat to, when I am feeling overwhelmed.

The DOs & DON’Ts of Welcoming Me Home

• DO: Be patient with me. I might be a little nervous at first—some of us have been through a lot and some of us would have just been through an incredibly long journey! Give me time to settle in and let me come to you when I’m ready. TV’s, reflections, patio doors, hoovers and stairs are all things I will not be used to, so we need to desensitise to different sounds and experiences and how to go up and down stairs for example. If I am a rescue that has come from overseas, our behaviourists suggest keeping us to just our new home and garden for the first week before taking us out on a walk in our new world. We are quick learners but will need time to find our ‘paws’. Some of us will be getting used to a colder climate, grass! Different drinking water … the list goes on … Be patient with us please…
• DON’T: Overwhelm me with too many new experiences at once. I know you want to show me off to your friends, but let’s take it slow! I need time to feel comfortable in my new environment. So please keep my new world small for at least a couple of weeks before I get introduced to too many new people that are not in my immediate world.
• DO: Set a routine! I thrive on consistency. Feeding times, toilet breaks, and walks at regular intervals will help me feel secure.
• DON’T: Yell at me if I make a mistake. I’m learning, and positive reinforcement (like yummy treats and tummy rubs) works much better than scolding.
• DO: Give me exercise! I have energy to burn, and a daily run or long walk will keep me happy and well-behaved. Bored Pointers can get… *creative* with their energy (R.I.P. to your favourite shoes if I don’t get enough playtime!). But please note that a lot of us like to carry stuff in our mouths and bring you one of your shoes or slippers when you come back home… just to be helpful! You’re welcome.
• DON’T: Leave me alone for too long. I’m a social pup, and I love being part of the family. I should not be left any longer than a couple of hours and if I need to be left longer then please arrange for someone to come and sit with me or take me out for a walk. When I first arrive in my new world I need to be ‘built up’ to be left on my own so I understand that you are coming back and a lovely treat on your return and a cuddle and fuss would be pointer perfect!
• DO: Love me unconditionally! I might take a little time to adjust, but once I do, I’ll be your loyal, goofy, loving companion for life.

I can’t wait to meet you, wag my tail, and show you how much love a rescue Pointer has to give! Get ready for zoomies, snuggles, and a lifetime of adventures. See you soon! 🐶💙