- Plan to bring your new dog home at a time when you have a few days to devote to helping him adjust to his new family and environment.
- Spend at least the first day quietly at home with your new dog, allowing him to become familiar with you and his new home.
- After the first day, begin leaving the new dog alone for very brief periods (a minute or two to start with).
Put the dog in a secure and comfortable place where you want him to stay while you are away. Give him a tasty treat or chew toy
( a Kong filled with peanut butter works well) to keep him occupied and step out of sight for a minute.
Try to return to your dog before you hear sounds of distress like whining, barking or pawing at the door. Keep arrivals and departures relaxed and low-key. Gradually increase the length of time you are away.
- Be alert for signs that the dog needs to go outside. The stress of moving may upset his digestion and he may not know how to communicate his need to go outside in the unfamiliar environment of his new home. Putting outings on an easily maintained schedule can be helpful in preventing accidents.
- Until the dog feels secure and has accepted his new owner and new home, do not leave him alone outside or let him off leash. Letting a dog off-leash too soon is one of the most common mistakes new owners make. Practice recalls indoors first, then in a fenced outdoor area or on a long lead. Some dogs can never be reliably off-lead. For safety, your dog should wear some form of identification at all times so he can be returned to you if he does get away.
- Plan plenty of time for play and exercise. It will help you create a stronger bond with your new dog. A well-exercised dog is also happier, healthier and less prone to behavior problems.
- Even if your new dog is well-behaved, consider taking an obedience class (See Trainers). The time you spend training will improve your communication with your dog and deepen the bond between the two of you. The class environment will give your dog the opportunity to meet other dogs and for you to meet other dog owners.
- If you have a cat, keep the dog leashed during the initial introductions and make sure the cat has access to a safe place the dog can not get to. Especially if your dog is not used to the presence of a cat in the house, give the dog several opportunities to see, smell and hear the cat at a safe distance. Praise and reward the dog for calm, quiet behavior so that he begins to associate the cat with things that he enjoys. Remember that dogs have an instinctual drive to chase moving things, so monitor your dog closely. Separate the two animals when you leave the house and at times when you cannot be attentive to their behavior.
- If you encounter unexpected training or behavior problems, contact Home-to-Home for information or referral to a vet, a trainer or behavior specialist. The sooner you respond to a problem, the less likely it is to jeopardize your relationship with your dog. In fact, solving a problem together can be a good way to improve your understanding of each other and to prevent problems in the future.
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