8 Rules For Bringing Home Your New Dog Or Puppy

Lately, I've had a lot on my mind in regards to bringing a new dog or puppy home.  When preparing for our new companion, it's simple to remember the traditional things: bowls, leash and collar, bed, food, toys, treats.  What about some of the less visible preparations? 

1) Basic acclimation is at least 2-4 weeks.  Whether you have a new puppy or dog, standard adjustment time is going to take about a month.  Keep in mind that acclimation is your dog adjusting to their new environment, and you'll see them acclimate to many more environments as time goes on with you.  It's important to give your new puppy or dog time to simply breathe as they learn about their new home and family.  Imagine if we invited in an exchange student from a country that didn't speak the native language.  Would we expect them to learn their way around instantly, to understand what we're saying, to get along with everyone else without concern - while, constantly hugging them, waving food in their face, and expecting their full attention?  It seems crazy!  And yet, that is often the environment and expectations simulated for dogs in their new homes.  Give them time.  Work patiently, closely examine their choices, analyze hiccups, and engineer their environment for success for all.  

2) Observe, observe, observe. Closely monitor and note the choices that your new dog or puppy is making.  They can be simple, from a favorite toy - or, more serious such as evaluating and interpreting their body language with humans and other pets.  Observe them in the yard - NEVER leave a new dog or puppy unattended!  Observe how they assess strangers, new animals, and children.  If you spend the acclimation period observing, you will learn so much about your dog and what they need.

3) Reward good choices. While you want to take the time to observe and give your dog a chance to acclimate, reward their solid choices!  This helps give your new dog/puppy a clear idea of what behaviors are desired, and also helps to bring your relationship together. 

4) House trained doesn't mean no accidents.  House training a puppy is a given.  But an adult dog?  Many adopters or owners hope that their recently acquired adult dog is potty trained and ready to be a secure canine citizen.  Acclimation also includes the important facets of house training.  Your new adult dog may be house trained, but it takes time for them to learn where to signal and how to signal.  Be mindful of signs in adults that you would address for puppies: sniffing, circling, looking lost, etc.  Keep them on a schedule, monitoring food and drink.  

5) There may be squabbles.  Dogs communicate in a multitude of ways, and in new and unfamiliar situations they may react with a stronger display than will become typical.  It's not uncommon for the new AND existing dogs to exhibit concerned body language, issue some growls, and display uncertainty.  Just as people take some time to get to know each other, dogs do as well; and, it takes some time for them to learn each other's individual personalities and communication styles.  This is where your keen observation will help to diffuse, as careful monitoring of space, communication, and resources can make for a calmer acclimation environment. 

6) Confine when unable to monitor.  With puppies, this is a bit more of a given.  But even with adults, crate or confine them when unattended.  Avoid destruction, and improve potty training.  Confining mitigates issues arising from adjustment or anxiety, and offers your new dog/puppy a quiet space in which to relax. 

7) Be prepared to minimize the toys or treats.  Imagine you are at a restaurant, and a stranger walks up and takes food off your plate.  Would you be angry? Horrified? Absolutely!  Would you tell them so?  For sure.  And I would bet it wouldn't be very accommodating.  BUT.  If you were out to dinner with your best friend, and they take a french fry?  It's likely a whole other story.  Dogs are the same, they have to build relationships with the humans and other animals in their home to feel comfortable sharing.  Too often, we hear of dogs who were pressurized into defending what they felt was theirs to enjoy, and the resulting reaction (typically uncomfortable) can feel alarming or concerning.  If you have multiple dogs, be prepared to pick up certain toys and to keep the edible chews to a minimum.  Feed all animals separately, and do not bother them while eating.  Resource guarding stems from fear, and it's vital to give your new dog or puppy the space to feel secure while enjoying meals or chews. 

8) Keep all things in mind but enjoy!  Don't forget to enjoy having your new dog or puppy in your home, and to set them up for positive success!  Be mindful in your socialization, clear in your rewards, and love your new family member. 

There are more things - but, I should put them in a new post before this one gets too long!  Having a new dog or puppy join your life is an amazing and enriching experience for all.