Adopting a new Dog
A common mistake adopters make is giving the new dog too much freedom too soon. Freedom should be
earned slowly as the new dog becomes more reliable with housetraining and the new owners have some basic
control of the new dog. Investing in a crate is the fastest and safest way to housetrain the new dog/puppy.
Even if the dog was reliable in a previous home, accidents happen. Use the crate to get your dog in a routine
and stick with it until you know he is reliable.
The crate will also give the dog/puppy a safe place to get used to the new surroundings. After a long walk or
play time let him rest in his crate and observe his new family as they go about their business. Let him sleep,
chew on a toy or just hang out. This will help him learn to chill out while the family is in hectic mode and that he
doesn’t have to be involved in every activity.
Try not to go overboard with the doting on the new dog/puppy. It is best for his development to give him some
space and time alone. Ignore him occasionally. We want to create a dog that can handle being left alone when
the owners are out and not a dog that is over anxious, destructive, or is tearing up the front door to get out and
find his people. Do your little dog (this goes for puppies too) a favor and put them on the floor. Let them be a
dog and experience the world at their own eye level most of the time. You can cuddle when he’s sleeping.
Make sure children in the home understand how to properly interact with a new dog/puppy before bringing it
home. No tail grabbing, ear pulling, and no big bear hugs around the neck. Play games with puppies that don’t
encourage grabbing at hands or chasing after pant legs. Even most adult dogs like a good game of fetch. Toss
one toy and have another ready so you can get her to drop the first toy as you toss the second one. Have the
family or the kids stand 10 feet apart and encourage the dog/puppy to come to each person in turn and reward
with a tiny treat. Check out the internet or book stores for more games to play.
Introduce the new dog to a resident dog on neutral territory like a park or even down the street. If possible take
your dog with you when choosing a second dog. Make sure the dogs are compatible in energy levels if you are
looking for a playmate for your dog.
If you are looking to get a second dog with a senior dog in the home don’t leave it up to the old kid to show the
new kid the ropes. You don’t want to pass on any bad habits. Seek out a dog trainer to help with questions and
concerns before you adopt, to help you pick out the right dog for your situation, help transition the new dog,
and to get you started on training your new dog to prevent misbehavior in the future.