The Lucky Ones
Low Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic ~ Dog Adoption

Bringing Your New Dog Home

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A Gentle Introduction

Your dog or puppy should be introduced to his new home slowly, without the excitement of other pets and children running up to welcome him. Keep him confined to one room for a few days so he can adjust and you will have the opportunity to observe his behavior. It's best if you can put him in a central room with the rest of the family and use baby gates to keep him from wandering through the house. This way, he'll be able to see what is going on and get a chance to meet his new family without a lot of commotion and stress.

We do not recommend bringing your pet home during a busy holiday when there will be people coming in and out of the house frequently....this just puts undue stress upon the dog. You may even consider keeping the dog on a leash with you at all times for the first few days so you will be able to watch him and he'll be under control. Sometimes, even a house-broken dog will not understand where he is to relieve himself and other pet smells in the carpet could entice him to have an accident. 

A Routine

For the first 2 weeks, make sure you take the dog out the same door every time you want him to do his business. Always take him to the same spot so he can smell the spot and understand that this is where he is supposed to go. 

Introduction to Other Pets

Introduce your new dog or puppy to other family pets slowly. When introducing two dogs, you should have both dogs on a leash and ask someone to help you. Slowly allow the dogs to get close to each other and smell each others nose. If you have a baby gate, allow the dogs to approach each other with the gate between them. If the dogs appear at ease, you can slowly loosen the leash so they can walk around each other a get a chance to smell the other dog. Understand that the dog may have come from a foster home that has other dog scents on him and could cause your pet to get excited. 

Discipline

Good, consistent discipline should be a part of your pet's life. You should teach him his name, where he is to sleep, and other appropriate guidelines for behavior. We recommend that you enroll your dog in a dog obedience class right away. Even if the dog has good house manners, this is a great way for you and him to bond together and for him to understand that you are the master of the house. Begin feedings on a regular schedule to establish a routine and to correlate to walking times. 

Expect your new pet to make mistakes, especially at first. Remember, never punish him after calling him over and never strike him. Consistency and patience are the key to successful training.

The Humane Society of The United States also has excellent advice on bringing your new dog home.