So you’ve decided it’s time for a new dog or puppy. We couldn’t be happier for you. Between myself, Ashley and Kristine we have 10 dogs…yes we love dogs! I’m not only a trainer here at You and Your Dog Training, but I also run a dog rescue. Preparing families for a new furry friend is something I’m passionate about. Let us help you be prepared.

Bringing home a new dog is an exciting time for us humans. Often times we already “love” our new furry friend before we even take them home. This is not always the case for the dog though. The first few days can be the most important. Your dog may experience excitement and stress all at once. New people, new surroundings, new smells, new noises and most likely a whole new routine. Where will I sleep? When will I eat? Where do I go potty? What are the rules? And, WHO do I trust? 

Think about how stressful it is to move. That’s how your new dog is feeling. Your dog will need time to decompress and then acclimate to their new environment.

YOUR NEW RESCUE DOG, What to Expect…

ITEMS NEEDED:

Dog Crate

Baby Gates

Food/water bowls

Leash

Toys 

Kongs, Kongs and more Kongs 39 Healthy Treats You Can Stuff in a Kong - Puppy Leaks

Bully sticks, deer antlers, nyla bones (never give a dog rawhide)

High value soft treats

Dog Food, Canned Pumpkin (A high quality dog food is recommended. Canned pumpkin is good to have on hand. A spoonful with their meals during their adjustment period and when switching foods will help firm up stool).

Prepare for your new dog in advance. Research the best dog trainers in your area and plan to sign up your new dog a few weeks after adoption. Decide where the dog will be confined when you’re not home and arrange a crate in that area. Decide what particular area outdoors will be the dog’s bathroom.

WHEN YOU GET HOME/THE FIRST DAY:

Walk around outside to go potty and let them sniff around a bit. Crate and secure the dog and let them rest and adjust to their new setting for the first day or two. I usually put a sheet or blanket over the crate so they feel safe in their new “den”. They need time to adjust to their new surroundings and decompress from the stressful environment they just left (shelter/transport/quarantine). We all want to smother our pups with love right away, they’ve been through so much. BUT, give them some time to get their bearings, there will be plenty of time for love, snuggles and dog kisses.

POTTY TIME/HOUSETRAINING:

Potty your new dog outside on a leash or in a secured area, always go to the same door and same outside spot. This consistency will help the dog know right where to go to use the bathroom. We recommend always using the same word or words. For example: “go potty”. Say this each time you take them out. Your dog will begin to learn what it means and do their business. Going out several different doors and different outside areas will be confusing. Don’t assume your dog is housetrained — changes in homes and families are stressful for the dog and they may “forget” or need some time to adjust to your routine. 

DOGS AND CHILDREN:

Kids are probably the most excited when adopting a new dog. Take it slow and supervise children and your new dog at all times. Key things to remind your children:

Always leave the dog alone when he is eating, chewing or sleeping. 

Never climb on, hug or put your face in a dogs face.

Don’t take away a toy or prized possession from the dog.

Don’t tease the dog.

Don’t chase the dog or run quickly around the dog; it may scare him.

Pick up all kids toys. Dogs don’t know the difference between your toys and theirs.

For more information about kids and dogs please check out this link https://livingwithkidsanddogs.com

With Covid and the holidays approaching so many families are deciding that now is the time to add a new dog to the family. We hope the information we provided is helpful. Don’t forget to sign your new furry friend up for training classes. Our class sizes are small and fill up quickly, so don’t wait to enroll. We can’t wait to be part of your journey!

If you have additional questions about adding a new dog to your family and how we can help, please email us.

Parts of this blog are from Granite State Paw Rescuers, “Your new rescue dog…What to Expect.”

Enjoy!

Kim

Please excuse any grammatical errors and typos. This blog is an informal way for You and Your Dog Training and Services to share information. Consider any typos our gift to you!