Bringing a New Dog Home

Key Terms to Know:​​

• Supervision: Actively watching your dog. This means keeping your eyes on them and paying attention to what they are doing at all times.

• Management: Using tools like gates, tethers, or crates to prevent unwanted behaviors when you cannot actively supervise.

• Training: Teaching your dog appropriate behaviors to prevent or replace unwanted actions.

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Preparing for Your New Dog:

Before you bring them home: preparation is key to a smooth transition. Even if your dog has already arrived, you can still set up these systems retroactively.

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Outside the Home:

• Secure the Yard: Check for gaps, holes, or loose gates in fences. Test electric fences and collar batteries if applicable.

• Supervise Outdoor Time: Until you know your dog is trustworthy, always supervise them outside to prevent digging, climbing, or chewing through fences.

• Leash or Tether: If you don’t have a fenced area, use a sturdy tether or leash to keep your dog secure.

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Inside the Home:

• Create a Confinement Area: Use gates, crates, or x-pens to set up a puppy-proof space where your dog can relax safely. This prevents bad habits and protects them from hazards.

• Keep Them Close, Not Isolated: Place confinement areas in spaces where the family gathers to help them feel included.

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Supplies Checklist:

• Collar, harness, and leash

• Crate and gates

• Food and water bowls (stainless steel or ceramic recommended)

• Dog food and treats

• Bones and chew toys

• Poop bags

• Enzymatic pet cleaner for accidents

• Flea/tick and heartworm preventatives

• ID tags

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After Bringing Your Dog Home:

 

Be patient during the transition: The first few days can be stressful for your new dog. Establish a routine to help them adjust quickly.

 

• Set a Schedule: Create consistent times for feeding, bathroom breaks, walks, and bedtime.

• Frequent Potty Breaks: Take your dog out every 45 minutes to an hour initially to work on potty training.

• Introduce the Confinement Area: Make it a positive space by feeding meals, offering treats, and placing toys inside. Avoid using it as punishment.

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Introducing Other Pets-Slow introductions Work Best

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• For Dogs: Introduce on neutral ground before bringing them home. Shelters and rescues often provide supervised meet-and-greets to ensure compatibility. 

  • Go for a walk around the neighborhood and do parallel walking when first bringing your new dog to the house. 

  • If the dogs do well on the walk, do on-leash intros. 

  • Finally allow dogs to go in the house together. Make sure to pick up any bones, toys, food bowls etc.. These items could cause dogs to fight and are best introduced slowly. 

• For Cats: Allow your cat and new dog to see and smell each other through barriers like gates or doors before face-to-face interactions. Gradually build up to closer introductions.

 

Final Tips

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• Be Patient: Your dog is adjusting to a completely new environment. Give them time to feel safe.

• Reward Good Behavior: Use treats and praise to reinforce positive actions. Put treat containers around the house to make it easy to reinforce good behaviors. 

• Supervise and Manage: Prevent bad habits by supervising your dog or using management tools when needed.

• Stay Consistent: Dogs thrive on routine, so stick to your schedule as much as possible.

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Bringing home a new dog is a big step, but with preparation, patience, and the right tools, you’ll be setting your new furry friend up for success! If you need additional training support, feel free to reach out to us!