Bringing a new dog into your life is an exciting and rewarding experience. Whether you’re adopting a puppy, an adult dog, or a foster, thoughtful preparation and a consistent routine are key to helping your new family member settle in and thrive.

Before the Big Day: Pre-Adoption Prep

Before you bring your new dog home, it’s essential to get the entire household on the same page. Hold a family meeting to discuss and agree upon:

• Responsibilities: Who will be in charge of feeding, potty breaks, and vet appointments?
• Schedule: Create a written schedule for daily care to ensure consistency, especially for puppies.
• Vocabulary: Decide on a consistent list of command words. For example, if one person says “down” to mean “get off the couch,” everyone should use the same word. This prevents confusion for your new pet.
• Shopping: Purchase all necessary supplies in advance, including food and water bowls, a collar and leash, identification tags, grooming supplies, bedding, chew toys, a crate, and gates.
• Pet-Proofing: Get down to a dog’s-eye level and puppy-proof the areas where your new pet will spend most of their time. This means taping up loose electrical cords, storing household chemicals and breakables on high shelves, and removing any plants or rugs that could be a hazard.
• Rules for Children: If you have kids, establish rules for how they should interact with the new dog on the first day to avoid overwhelming them.

Bringing a New Pet Home

The first few days are crucial for helping your new dog feel safe and secure. Remember, this is a big change for them, and they may experience some anxiety.

• The Ride Home: Have your dog ride in the back seat, preferably in a crate or carrier. This provides a safe, contained space and minimizes distraction while you’re driving.
• Immediate Routine: Ask the shelter or foster about the dog’s previous feeding schedule and food brand. Stick to this schedule for at least the first few days to prevent stomach upset.
• Creating a Safe Space: Your new dog needs a dedicated, safe space to retreat to that is all their own. A crate is an excellent tool for this, as it provides a den-like feel and can help with separation anxiety.
• Gradual Acclimation: Start with short periods of time away from your new dog and gradually increase the duration.
• Managing Separation Anxiety: To help desensitize your dog to your departure, practice your “leaving routine” (picking up keys, putting on your coat) without actually leaving the house. This helps them learn that these actions don’t always mean you are going away.

Crate Training

Crate training is a valuable tool for house training and providing a safe space for your dog.

• Set Up: A crate should be large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in. For young puppies, you may want to start with a larger crate that has a designated “potty” area with puppy pads.
• Comfort: Make the crate comfortable with blankets and toys. Leaving a radio on can also provide a sense of comfort.
• Feeding and Water: Young puppies (under 16 weeks) cannot go for long without food and water, so it’s a good idea to leave food and water in the crate with them. As they get older, you can reduce this frequency.

House Training and Feeding

Consistency is the most important factor in house training.

• Establish a Routine: A regular schedule for eating, playing, and potty breaks is essential.
• Potty Breaks: A general rule is that a puppy can hold their bladder for one hour for every month of age. Take them out frequently, especially after waking up, playing, and eating.
• Designated Spot: Always take your dog to the same bathroom spot outside on a leash. Use a consistent phrase like “go potty” while they are eliminating.
• Reward Success: Immediately reward your dog with praise or a treat after they have finished eliminating outside. This is how they learn that this is the correct behavior.
• Feeding Schedule: What goes into a dog on a schedule comes out on a schedule. Feeding your dog at the same times each day will help make house training more predictable.
• Handling Accidents: Expect accidents—they are a normal part of the process. If you catch your dog in the act, make a startling noise and immediately take them outside to their spot. Never punish your dog by rubbing their nose in it or scolding them after the fact, as this will only make them afraid of you.
• Dietary Transitions: If you are switching your dog to a new food, do so gradually over a four-day period to avoid stomach upset. Start with 1/4 new food and 3/4 old food on day one, and gradually increase the ratio. Adding a teaspoon of plain yogurt to their food can also help with digestion during the transition.