Bringing Your New Dog Home

Thank you so much for choosing to adopt! You have saved a life. Below are some helpful tips about bringing a new dog into your home. 

 

• Dog-proof the area where your dog will spend most of their time. This may mean taping loose electrical cords to baseboards; storing household chemicals on high shelves; removing plants, rugs, and breakables.
• Training your dog will start the first moment you have them. Take time to create a vocabulary list everyone will use when giving your dog directions. This will help prevent confusion and help your dog learn his commands more quickly. 
• Purchase an ID tag with your phone number on it so that he has an extra measure of safety.
• It’s important to give your new dog space to decompress. Set up an area of your home where they can chill out for a while. A crate with a bed or blankets in the room is a great start. You don’t need to shut the door to the crate, just have it as space for them to retreat if they want.
• The First Week
  • We know moving is stressful — and your new dog feels the same way! Give them time to acclimate to your home and family before introducing them to strangers. Make sure children know how to approach the dog without overwhelming them. Avoid sticking hands in the dogs face, let the dog approach when ready, etc.. 
  • Replicate your dog’s feeding schedule for the first few days. If you wish to switch to a different brand of food, do so over a period of about a week by adding one part new food to three parts of the old for several days; then switch to half new food, half old, and then one part old to three parts new food. 
  • For the first few days, create a calm and quiet environment for your dog, limiting too much excitement (such as the dog park or neighborhood children). Not only will this allow your dog to settle in easier, it will give you more one-on-one time to get to know them and their likes/dislikes. 

• The Following Weeks
  • People often say they don’t see their dog’s true personality until several weeks after adoption. Your dog may be a bit uneasy at first as they get to know you. Be patient and understanding while also keeping to the schedule you intend to maintain for feeding, walks, etc. This schedule will show your dog what is expected of them as well as what they can expect from you.

Our dogs are very important to us and we love watching them grow and thrive in their adoptive homes! Please join our Adopted Rascals group on Facebook to share updates and keep up with any upcoming events. Please feel free to contact the rescue with any questions or concerns that arise, we are here to help!