Adopting a new dog is wonderful but is an adjustment for all.
For most animals, it’s stressful to have a new home, smells, sounds, and humans. Please reference the 3/3/3 rule to understand how long it takes most dogs to adjust. And remember – some dogs will adjust immediately while others may take months or even a year until they truly understand that they are home sweet home.
Establish a Routine
Try to establish a routine and get to know each other for at least a few weeks before you take your new dog to any busy spots like brunches and family gatherings.
Start Crate Training
For most dogs, crate training ensures they have a safe place and also prevents unwanted behaviors when you are gone. Start crate training and give your pup time alone every day.
Avoid off-leash areas and dog parks
Ideally, you want to have a relationship with your dog and have built trust before engaging in off-leash or hyper-social activities like these.
Accidents Will Happen
Your new dog may not be 100% housebroken either because they haven’t had the opportunity to learn or they need to adjust to a new schedule. Even if they were housebroken in foster home, any dog may have accidents in the beginning during the transition period and before they’ve gotten the swing of the new routine.
Be Mindful of Boundaries
Give your new pet plenty of physical space as he/she starts to learn to trust you. Let your new pet move at his/her own pace and be the one to come to you first for physical contact.
Be Extra Cautious with Child Interactions
Especially if you have children in the house, it’s extremely important to make sure they know not to follow, hug, or kiss the new dog or to pull its tail. Even very gentle animals can startle when they feel threatened and accidentally hurt someone.
