Your new dog
Settling in period for your new dog
The time following any adoption is critical – not simply because you and your dog are getting to know each other, but because you are laying the foundation for your dog’s new life with you and your family.
While the transition from a kennel/foster to a new home will always be a considerable change for a dog, there are ways to make the journey more comfortable and soothing.
The following is a guide to help you prepare for your adoption and lay the foundation for a successful transition for your dog.
While the transition from a kennel/foster to a new home will always be a considerable change for a dog, there are ways to make the journey more comfortable and soothing.
The following is a guide to help you prepare for your adoption and lay the foundation for a successful transition for your dog.
Plan ahead
The day you bring home your adopted dog is a big one, as both you and your dog will be under an adjustment period. By planning ahead and readying your home, you will ease the transition.
Make sure you have the essential equipment and supplies for your dog’s first week.
Make sure you have the essential equipment and supplies for your dog’s first week.
House set-up
Think about your home’s floor-plan and where your dog will live. Will he be allowed in all rooms? Where will your dog stay when left alone? Making these decisions ahead of time not only helps you determine where to place beds and gates, but also reduces anxiety for you and your dog on the big day.
Give your dog some “safe spaces” in the home. Provide him with a crate/bed of his own and reward him whenever he goes to this area. This will help your dog settle in and feel more comfortable in his new environment. This will also help reinforce a feeling of security for your dog. Always let a dog eat its meal in peace.
Give your dog some “safe spaces” in the home. Provide him with a crate/bed of his own and reward him whenever he goes to this area. This will help your dog settle in and feel more comfortable in his new environment. This will also help reinforce a feeling of security for your dog. Always let a dog eat its meal in peace.
Set aside time
Your dog will undergo a significant adjustment when you bring him home. If he is coming from a kennel/foster, he will been under environmental and emotional stress, and will need time to adjust to new people and surroundings.
Keep your schedule free for several days after your adoption, and avoid inviting lots of people over to your house. Even though everyone will be excited to meet the new family member, your dog needs time and a calm environment to adjust to his new home.
Keep your schedule free for several days after your adoption, and avoid inviting lots of people over to your house. Even though everyone will be excited to meet the new family member, your dog needs time and a calm environment to adjust to his new home.
Back to basics
Go back to basics with training, take things slow and easy, Dogs generally enjoy training and pleasing their owners so this is a good way of getting to know each other.
Make training fun !
Make training fun !
House training
Your dog may or may not be house trained.
This can be helpful even if your dog has been previously house trained because it establishes a routine and addresses any potential training gaps. If your dog is house trained, be prepared for some accidents. Stress, change in environment and anxiety can all lead to house training lapses.
Set your dog up for success by heavily rewarding (praise and tasty treats) each time he eliminates outside. If you catch your dog in the act, don’t punish, but simply pick him up and immediately take him outside to finish. Reward if he finishes outside. If your dog has an accident and you don't catch him in the act, don’t punish after the fact; your dog will not remember the accident and will not understand why he is being punished.
If your dog continues having accidents, check with your vet for any underlying medical conditions that could be causing incontinence. This is especially important if you have adopted a senior dog.
This can be helpful even if your dog has been previously house trained because it establishes a routine and addresses any potential training gaps. If your dog is house trained, be prepared for some accidents. Stress, change in environment and anxiety can all lead to house training lapses.
Set your dog up for success by heavily rewarding (praise and tasty treats) each time he eliminates outside. If you catch your dog in the act, don’t punish, but simply pick him up and immediately take him outside to finish. Reward if he finishes outside. If your dog has an accident and you don't catch him in the act, don’t punish after the fact; your dog will not remember the accident and will not understand why he is being punished.
If your dog continues having accidents, check with your vet for any underlying medical conditions that could be causing incontinence. This is especially important if you have adopted a senior dog.
Absences & Anxiety
Chances are, your dog might be experiencing some anxiety after the adoption. One common behavioural challenge adopters run into is separation anxiety. This is no surprise, since changes to the environment, the addition of new people or dogs into the home, and past trauma are all triggers for this behaviour.
Practice brief absences during the initial settling-in period. As part of this practice, go through your ritual before leaving the house. Dogs quickly learn that the tip-offs that an absence is coming. Keep good-byes and greetings low key to help manage your dog’s anxiety. Leave the radio on. A human voice is known to comfort some dogs.
If you have taken some days off work, be sure to leave your dog at random periods throughout the day, starting with short increments and mixing in some longer ones of 5-10 minutes. Don’t make your dog’s first absence be an 8-hour workday, as that will be quite stressful for him! Make the whole process very matter of fact. Do not fuss or give your dog any added attention. This can give too big a contrast between you being there and not being there. Sudden isolation after lots of fuss is confusing and worrying for your dog.
When introducing the absences, keep your dog occupied with toys and treats, Kongs stuffed with peanut butter and then placed in the freezer make great long-lasting treats, as do treats balls these can keep a dog amused for short periods of time.
Many dogs will show some symptoms of discomfort at being left alone immediately following the adoption, including whining, some barking, and waiting at the door. Some of these dogs will overcome this initial anxiety as they settle into their new environment, whereas other dogs will not. If your dog’s symptoms persist or worsen, get in touch with the rescue or a trainer to get further support. Rest assured, separation anxiety is by no means insurmountable, but like any other fear-based behaviour, needs extra attention.
Practice brief absences during the initial settling-in period. As part of this practice, go through your ritual before leaving the house. Dogs quickly learn that the tip-offs that an absence is coming. Keep good-byes and greetings low key to help manage your dog’s anxiety. Leave the radio on. A human voice is known to comfort some dogs.
If you have taken some days off work, be sure to leave your dog at random periods throughout the day, starting with short increments and mixing in some longer ones of 5-10 minutes. Don’t make your dog’s first absence be an 8-hour workday, as that will be quite stressful for him! Make the whole process very matter of fact. Do not fuss or give your dog any added attention. This can give too big a contrast between you being there and not being there. Sudden isolation after lots of fuss is confusing and worrying for your dog.
When introducing the absences, keep your dog occupied with toys and treats, Kongs stuffed with peanut butter and then placed in the freezer make great long-lasting treats, as do treats balls these can keep a dog amused for short periods of time.
Many dogs will show some symptoms of discomfort at being left alone immediately following the adoption, including whining, some barking, and waiting at the door. Some of these dogs will overcome this initial anxiety as they settle into their new environment, whereas other dogs will not. If your dog’s symptoms persist or worsen, get in touch with the rescue or a trainer to get further support. Rest assured, separation anxiety is by no means insurmountable, but like any other fear-based behaviour, needs extra attention.
Communication, Structure & routine
Dogs don’t know inherently how we want them to behave. In fact, many behaviours we identify as “problems” are quite simply dogs acting like dogs. (Think resource guarding, chewing, and marking.) It is our responsibility to teach dogs how we want them to behave, and to teach them in ways they understand.
If your dog does something you love, and you want him to continue doing in the future, reward him! Lavishing with praise and treats immediately after the desired behaviour communicates to your dog that he should do this behaviour again!
If your dog does something you don't want him to repeat, give him a replacement behaviour to do instead. For example, if your dog jumps on you when people come in to your home, keep a lead on him so you can correct his behaviour, teach him to sit as a replacement for jumping. If your dog loves chewing on your shoes, give him a toy or bone to chew on instead. A trainer can help you with this, as well as teach you about positive reinforcement training techniques. Never use pain, fear or force to modify your dog’s behaviour.
Learn to recognize when your dog is afraid. When your dog is afraid, nothing else matters to him. Because fear is such a powerful emotion, he could care less about previously learned obedience behaviours or any commands you may give him. Comforting your dog when he is afraid will not reinforce his fear. On the contrary, when dealing with any type of fear-based behaviour, it is paramount to address the fear first.
If your dog does something you love, and you want him to continue doing in the future, reward him! Lavishing with praise and treats immediately after the desired behaviour communicates to your dog that he should do this behaviour again!
If your dog does something you don't want him to repeat, give him a replacement behaviour to do instead. For example, if your dog jumps on you when people come in to your home, keep a lead on him so you can correct his behaviour, teach him to sit as a replacement for jumping. If your dog loves chewing on your shoes, give him a toy or bone to chew on instead. A trainer can help you with this, as well as teach you about positive reinforcement training techniques. Never use pain, fear or force to modify your dog’s behaviour.
Learn to recognize when your dog is afraid. When your dog is afraid, nothing else matters to him. Because fear is such a powerful emotion, he could care less about previously learned obedience behaviours or any commands you may give him. Comforting your dog when he is afraid will not reinforce his fear. On the contrary, when dealing with any type of fear-based behaviour, it is paramount to address the fear first.
Security
You must keep the dog on a lead when outdoors in unfenced areas, as your dog could suddenly obey instinct and chases a squirrel into the street … tussles with another dog or runs after a cat.
Your new dog has no bond with you and recall is fragile until trust has been built-up and they know the area. If unsure please check with us. Your new dog should also be supervised when out in the garden initially. If there is a way to escape, most dogs will find it – over, under or through! Only time and experience will tell if and when they can be trusted!
Your new dog has no bond with you and recall is fragile until trust has been built-up and they know the area. If unsure please check with us. Your new dog should also be supervised when out in the garden initially. If there is a way to escape, most dogs will find it – over, under or through! Only time and experience will tell if and when they can be trusted!
Training & Socialising
Consider signing for a local dog obedience/training class and you'll learn so much and meet many local owners.
Patience
It can take a shelter dog 6-8 weeks or more to fully adjust to his new home. Don't worry if his behaviour doesn't fall into place after the first week, or if it takes awhile for him to feel like your dog.
Listen to your dog. He will let you know if he’s uncomfortable or if he needs his space. Tell friends and family to let your dog approach them on his own time, and reward him with treats when he does. The same goes for other dogs in the neighbourhood. As much as you might want him to develop a host of new friends right away, he needs time to feel at ease.
Make it your goal to help your dog form positive associations to everything in his new environment. Have treats and praise at the ready. If you're taking out the vacuum cleaner for the first time, praise and treat. If the noisy garbage truck drives by, praise and treat. If a kid crosses the street on a skateboard, praise and treat. And so forth. These socialization techniques can help ease anxiety.
Listen to your dog. He will let you know if he’s uncomfortable or if he needs his space. Tell friends and family to let your dog approach them on his own time, and reward him with treats when he does. The same goes for other dogs in the neighbourhood. As much as you might want him to develop a host of new friends right away, he needs time to feel at ease.
Make it your goal to help your dog form positive associations to everything in his new environment. Have treats and praise at the ready. If you're taking out the vacuum cleaner for the first time, praise and treat. If the noisy garbage truck drives by, praise and treat. If a kid crosses the street on a skateboard, praise and treat. And so forth. These socialization techniques can help ease anxiety.
Dogs & Children
Never leave children alone with your new dog, teach your own and visiting children
Teach your child to interact appropriately with dogs and not to play-fight or play tug-of-war games with them.
If they are afraid they will growl, this is dog speak, this isn't aggressive!
Put your dog out of the way in a safe place when children are playing loud games and running around. Dogs can sometimes get overexcited or frightened if there is a lot of noise or if other children are visiting.
Teach your dog to sit before you allow visitors to stroke it. Allowing it to jump up may frighten people, and children may feel very intimidated by the behaviour. Encourage them to ignore the dog until it has calmed down.
Never allow a child to walk a dog alone – your dog may be OK, but how will they manage if the dog chases a cat across the road or meets an over zealous dog off the lead.
- Children should be taught how to be calm and respectful around dogs.
- How to approach a dog i.e. not to rush up, scream at, or pester a dog, never harass or mistreat a dog.
Teach your child to interact appropriately with dogs and not to play-fight or play tug-of-war games with them.
If they are afraid they will growl, this is dog speak, this isn't aggressive!
Put your dog out of the way in a safe place when children are playing loud games and running around. Dogs can sometimes get overexcited or frightened if there is a lot of noise or if other children are visiting.
Teach your dog to sit before you allow visitors to stroke it. Allowing it to jump up may frighten people, and children may feel very intimidated by the behaviour. Encourage them to ignore the dog until it has calmed down.
Never allow a child to walk a dog alone – your dog may be OK, but how will they manage if the dog chases a cat across the road or meets an over zealous dog off the lead.
Dog introductions
Remember to remain calm during the introduction process. Your dog will feed off of your energy, so by remaining in a calm state of mind will help allow for your dog to do the same. If you are anxious, nervous, jumpy, etc., your dog will sense that and he too will become anxious, nervous, jumpy.
Some dogs simply will not get along with other dogs. Others may only get along with dogs of the opposite sex or may get along with a few, select dogs. There are some dogs who have poor greeting behaviour but when carefully introduced, end up doing fine with other dogs. And then there are dogs who are very dog-friendly. It is important to recognize what level of tolerance your dog has around other dogs.
Parallel leash-walking, on neutral territory with two handlers, is a great way to introduce dogs. Neutral territory means an area where neither dog has been or where neither dog resides. An unfamiliar, neutral territory is best to avoid territorial behaviour in either dog. Both dogs should be wearing properly fitted collars.
Avoid face-face, head-on introductions between dogs. Instead, walk parallel to each other, a few feet apart, and alternate which dog is ahead of the other. Also, do not allow a dog to greet another dog if he/she is dragging you towards the other dog or is misbehaving in any way (pulling, jumping, or lunging). Doing so will result in training the dog to misbehave to gain access to other dogs! The dog does not make the decision as to whom he will meet and when. You do!
Another way to socialize your dog is to take an obedience class, search for one local to you or ask your vet to recommend one.
Some dogs simply will not get along with other dogs. Others may only get along with dogs of the opposite sex or may get along with a few, select dogs. There are some dogs who have poor greeting behaviour but when carefully introduced, end up doing fine with other dogs. And then there are dogs who are very dog-friendly. It is important to recognize what level of tolerance your dog has around other dogs.
Parallel leash-walking, on neutral territory with two handlers, is a great way to introduce dogs. Neutral territory means an area where neither dog has been or where neither dog resides. An unfamiliar, neutral territory is best to avoid territorial behaviour in either dog. Both dogs should be wearing properly fitted collars.
Avoid face-face, head-on introductions between dogs. Instead, walk parallel to each other, a few feet apart, and alternate which dog is ahead of the other. Also, do not allow a dog to greet another dog if he/she is dragging you towards the other dog or is misbehaving in any way (pulling, jumping, or lunging). Doing so will result in training the dog to misbehave to gain access to other dogs! The dog does not make the decision as to whom he will meet and when. You do!
Another way to socialize your dog is to take an obedience class, search for one local to you or ask your vet to recommend one.
*Information taken from other web sources.