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, training and vet appointments?
- Daily schedule: Create a consistent routine, especially for puppies.
- Training vocabulary: Agree on consistent command words. For example, everyone uses “off” instead of mixing “down” and “off”.
- Pet-proofing: Secure cords, remove hazards, store chemicals out of reach, and put away fragile items.
- Rules for kids: Help your children understand how to be calm and respectful so your new dog feels safe.
- Supplies: Purchase essentials in advance, including:
- Food and water bowls
- Collar, leash, and ID tags
- Crate, bedding, and baby gates
- Toys, chews, and grooming supplies
Bringing your dog 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. Patience and structure will help your dog feel safe.
- The ride home: Transport your dog in a crate or secured in the back seat for safety.
- Stick to familiar food: Use the same food and feeding schedule recommended by the shelter or foster for the first few days.
- Creating a safe space: Provide a quiet, designated area—ideally a crate—where your dog can retreat and relax.
- Gradual alone time: Start with short periods of time away from your new dog and gradually increase the duration.
- Managing separation anxiety: Practice your “leaving routine” (picking up keys, putting on your coat and shoes) without actually leaving the house. This helps reduce stress cues.
Crate training basics
Crates provide security and help with house training when used correctly.
- Proper size: Large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
- Comfort: Add blankets, safe toys, and optional background noise like a radio.
- Puppies: Young puppies may need food and water in the crate. This can be phased out as they mature.
House training and feeding
Consistency is the foundation of successful house training.
- Establish a routine: Regular times for meals, play, and potty breaks.
- Potty frequency: Puppies can typically hold their bladder one hour per month of age.
- Same potty spot: Always go to the same area and use a consistent cue (e.g., “go potty”).
- Reward immediately: Praise or treat right after successful outdoor elimination.
- Feeding schedule: Feeding at the same time daily helps make potty needs predictable.
- Accidents happen: Calmly interrupt and take your dog outside if caught in the act. Never punish after the fact.
- Food transitions: Switch foods gradually over 4 days:
- Day 1: 75% old / 25% new
- Day 2: 50% old / 50% new
- Day 3: 25% old / 75% new
- Day 4: 100% new if things have been going well
Pro Tip: A teaspoon of plain yogurt may help digestion during the change.
Why an adult dog might be right for you
- Adult dogs often:
- Are already house-trained
- Have established personalities
- Require less constant supervision
- Adapt quickly to new routines
- You’ll have a clearer idea of their size, energy level, and temperament from the start.
Why you should consider fostering
- Fostering saves lives by giving dogs a break from the shelter environment.
- It helps shelter pets decompress, learn how to live in a home environment, and become more adoptable.
- It’s a temporary commitment that makes a profound difference in a dog’s life and can even lead to a “foster failure,” where you decide to adopt your foster!
10 things to consider before adopting a pet:
- Landlord approval: Confirm pet policies, breed or size restrictions, and lease length.
- Time commitment: Pets need daily care, attention, and companionship.
- No more privacy: Expect a loyal bathroom buddy.
- Financial responsibility: Budget for food, vet care, grooming, and emergencies.
- Adoption is a lifetime commitment: Pets can live 10–20+ years.
- Mess happens: Accidents, hair, and cleanup are part of pet ownership.
- Pet hair is everywhere: Even “non-shedding” pets shed.
- Adult & senior pets are amazing: Often calmer, trained, and deeply affectionate.
- Plan ahead: Prepare your home and schedule before adoption.
- Keep an open mind: Ask questions and choose a pet that fits your lifestyle.
For more tips, visit Adopt-A-Pet’s Adoption Checklist.
Ready to begin?