BRINGING HOME YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND
These next few days will be critical for your pet. It is important to have realistic expectations; It is imperative you allow a dog time to adjust.
Pre-adoption prep
Start by dog-proofing the area where your pooch will spend most of his time. Pickup toys and other small loose items; put shoes and clothes out of reach; make sure the trash is in an inaccessible spot; store household chemicals on high shelves; remove plants, rugs, and breakables; tape wires & cords to baseboards; set up an open crate if desired, and install baby gates if necessary to block off certain rooms, stairs, door entrances. If you have have housemates — make sure EVERYONE is on the same page about a new animal joining your home. Open doors, gates, unexpected visitors, medicine left out in accessible places are some VERY COMMON ways dogs get hurt in new homes. Place Sticky notes on entry ways, fridge, etc to remind housemates and kiddos to shut doors and be careful when coming/leaving.
Do a yard check -- look for loose boards, faulty latches, hidden holes/gaps, and other places a dog may be able to escape.
Buy an ID tag with your name, address, and phone number on it. PURCHASE A SLIP LEAD OR MARTINGALE FOR YOUR NEW DOG (excluding young/small puppies).
For the first few weeks, we recommend adult dogs wear a Martingale collar - these flat collars will cinch if your dog tries to back up out of it suddenly (this can happen in the blink of an eye). Dogs will have no idea where they are or who you are. The first few weeks in a new home is the highest likelihood of flight risk. HFP does not recommend walking your dog on an retractable/extendable leash, ever!
PUPPIES MUST BE CARRIED IN PUBLIC SPACES UNTIL THEY HAVE COMPLETED THEIR 3rd SHOT DHPP SERIES.
Start a list of dog supplies you will need: Bed, baby gates, leashes (slip lead + regular), harness, martingale collar, food, bowls, puzzles, safe treats, size-appropriate toys, ID tags, size appropriate crate if desired.
Make sure you have done your research on local vets and or trainers. It's very important to trust your vet -- so ask around for referrals if you don’t have one!
We highly recommend & sometimes MAY REQUIRE, first-time owners enroll in dog/puppy-training classes. Even if you have owned dogs in the past, trainers can be useful for helping a new dog adjust to homes with other dogs/animals/cats/children!
HFP Recommends purchasing Pet Insurance - Trupanion is a great pet option
day 1: Coming Home
The first day & proceeding days can often be the most challenging. Your dog could be very stressed due to the move/change. Please do not expect too much of your dog too soon. You must give your dog time to acclimate, and focus on consistency, bonding and trust with your dog, before introducing to people or animals outside of your home! .
Lack of appetite/gastrointestinal problems from the stress of transition can be common in dogs during the first week of adoption. Shop around for what food your new dog likes best (As a donation-based rescue, most of our adult dogs are eating Diamond Brand Adult Dry Kibble), but they may enjoy another food better. Mixing food with bland white rice and ground chicken or meet + sweet potato can be helpful for this transition time. If you have any questions or concerns about your dogs health during the transition phase PLEASE CONTACT HEARTS FOR PAWS immediately!
On the way home: your dog may need to be safely secured (dog seat belt; tethered to the seat via leash and harness; crated, or supervised by passenger.) Keep your dogs leash on during the drive & make sure you have a hold of the leash before opening car doors. Dogs MUST HAVE TAGS on them before leaving the property (puppies will not need the slip lead, but they will need a collar, tag and a way to be carried).
Once home, take your new dog to his designated potty area. Always ALWAYS accompany a dog in the backyard. Never leave a dog unattended in the yard especially during this transition phase. We highly recommend keeping a normal leash trailing from your dog in the home the first week. Even if your dog does relieve himself during this time, be prepared for accidents. Coming into a new home with new people, new smells and new sounds can throw even the most housebroken dog off-track.
Some dogs may not be ready for walks in the neighborhood just yet. If the dog is not very familiar with a leash, easily spooked, or timid, keep activities inside the home and yard only!! If you do go for walks the first few days, always use a Martingale Collar.
If you plan on crate training your dog, leave the crate open in an quiet, accessible area so that he can go in whenever he feels like it in case he gets overwhelmed.The crate is not a tool for punishment, rather a safe space. Make sure it has kongs/treats to occupy the dog. Make sure the children know that the crate is off limits. Please make sure you understand how / how not to properly use a crate before beginning; If you are going to crate your dog we recommend feedings be done in the crate as well.
For the first few days or even weeks, remain calm around your dog, limiting too much excitement (no dog parks or new neighborhood children coming over, etc). Not only will this allow your dog to settle in easier, it will give you more one-on-one time to get to know him and his likes/dislikes.
Please keep in mind, your dog may be the product of a never-ending series of scrambled communications and unreal expectations that will require patience on your part. There is no such thing as overnight perfection & THE DOGS NEED TIME TO ADJUST AND IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO CREATE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT and ADVOCATE FOR YOUR DOG.
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 little uneasy at first as he gets to know you. Be patient and understanding while also keeping to the schedule you intend to maintain for feeding, walks, playtime, etc. This schedule will show your dog what is expected of him as well as what he can expect from you.
Play and walks are wonderful ways to build a bond with your new dog.
We highly recommend adopters enroll in dog-training classes so you can learn to read your dog's body language and learn how to better communicate with your dog. Training is also a great bonding / relationship builder for you and your dog.
Children should never be unaccompanied with a dog. Be sure to monitor and facilitate all interactions between children/animals.
Exercise: Exercise is one of the most important aspects of a healthy happy life for your dog. However, the vast majority of dogs are NOT getting enough mental and physical stimulation. For a medium size athletic breed dog, two 20 minute walks is NOT enough. Consider how you can add a more rigorous activity to your every day schedule (fetch, a dog date or small play group, jogging, running while you bike, treadmill, hikes, swimming, agility courses). Long lines are wonderful for quiet open areas that can allow your dog more body freedom to move and run but also remain safe and not escape.
Dog Parks: After several weeks you may want to take your dog to the dog park. HFP does not recommend dog parks for safety reasons. However, we understand many dogs thrive with the companionship and company of other dogs. Please instead consider doing pack walks with family, friends and neighbors early on to allow your dog to safely socialize with canine companions. Individual play dates also provide a safe, more controlled environment for dogs to play. If you still would like to go to a dog park, please stick to ones with fewer dogs or dogs/owners you know. Pay close attention to your dog’s body language & always remain close to monitor interactions. Make sure you and your dog have a good base of basic commands (especially recall & “look”); a good relationship means they are more likely to respond/listen to you in moments that you need them to.
Baby steps will lead to success; be patient with the process and you will reap the greatest of rewards — a new family member, and best friend forever!