3 Steps for Bringing Home a New Dog
A Natural Animal Behaviorist’s Guide for Introducing a New Dog to Your Home
Bringing a new dog into your life is a very exciting time. You want to set him up for success, so it’s crucial to introduce the new dog into your house so he can easily acclimate to you, his new home, and your routines. It’s important to remember that the dog you chose will need time to adjust on its own timeline.
Each dog is different and your new dog’s personality may change as he gets used to you and his new environment. What you do now sets the tone for your relationship. It allows your new dog to feel safe and comfortable, knowing that you will take care of him and not the other way around. It’s very stressful for a dog to have that responsibility.
It’s best to have everything set up and ready before you bring your new dog home. First, you’ll want to have a crate for him. This will become his den — a special place to relax and take in his new people and environment. Then, you’ll also want to have a lead, food and bowls ready for him. Check with the rescue about what he eats because you’ll want to continue with the same food. If you want to change it, it’s important to do it slowly so you don’t upset his digestion and possibly cause diarrhea.
Now that you have the crate, lead, food, and bowls ready, it’s time to bring home your new best friend.
Step One: The Bonding Walk
Before you bring the new dog inside your home, take him for a long walk — this is assuming your dog is properly vaccinated. This starts the bonding process and gives him a feel for you as a leader. This is not a meandering, stop-and-smell-the-roses type of walk — this is a walk with purpose. You set the pace and don’t let your new dog stop unless you say it’s ok. At the beginning, walk for a bit ( walk for a block, or so ) and then have your dog sit. (If he doesn’t know the command just have him stop and wait until you release him.) Siting will come later when you start to work on obedience training in the home. Then once again, walk a bit and stop. Don’t let the new dog go onto the grass to relieve himself just yet. Count to five and then say “go” and lead him onto the grass with a hand gesture towards the grass because body language is key in training a dog. If he has to pee, he will go right then.
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Once your new dog has relieved himself the rest will be marking, so no need to stop at every moment. For male dogs, you can tell the difference between relieving themselves and marking by the amount of urine that they release. Continue to walk with purpose without stopping. When you want him to stop and sniff, have him sit (or stop and wait), count to five, and then release him with the “go” command. Continue walking for at least 30 minutes.
Step Two: Entering The New Home
Since your crate is all setup and ready for your new dog, that’s where he’ll go. Enter your home, walk over to the crate, and introduce him to his new cozy den. Guide him in with his lead. You should keep the lead on him at all times for now. This will make it easier for you to control his behavior and it will keep him safe should something happen. If he doesn’t want to go in his crate, you can throw in a small treat. This is very important: Don’t put any toys or bones in with your new dog. This is the time for him to decompress and take in his surroundings without any distractions. So they can start using their nose to get to know their new environment. You’re setting up the house rules and giving him boundaries for success. Dogs are like young children, they need structure. They need to know what is expected of them, so they can become acclimated to you and your home.
First 2 weeks:
Your new dog will stay in his den. Don’t worry! This is a very comfortable place for him and will let him learn about his new surroundings at his own pace — with less stress and that will give him comfort. The only time he comes out will be to relieve himself, to eat and to go on walks. This process will further the human/canine bond. Your new dog needs to know that you will supply him with Everything he needs in life. This is a tremendous relief to canines. Once your new dog learns that you have his back, so to speak, he can just relax, be the family pet and enjoy his new life with you.
Step Three: A Typical Day
A typical day might look like this: Wake up and go for his morning walk. Open the den door, tell him to wait, and then release him. You can say the word “go”. Using the same word is a good way to solidify when you’re permitting him to do something. On the walk, go for a bit before he relieves himself. Then, have him sit, count to five, and then say “go” and lead him to the grass with the hand gesture. Once the walk is over, back to his den.
Your new dog’s morning meal should be fed at the same time every day. Dogs like routine and it’s healthier for them. For the first 3 days, feed him in his den. Put the food inside and let him eat. If he doesn’t eat within 10 minutes, remove the food. Don’t worry! He will not starve. Many dogs are too stressed to eat when they’re in a new environment, they need time to decompress. Usually after a day or two, the new dog will be adjusted, and their appetite will return. The same rules apply to water but only after the walk so that he is drinking water on an empty stomach. Put it in his den, give him 10 minutes, and remove it.
Week 3:
You can now feed your new dog outside his den. At first, prepare the bowl while he’s in the den. Then, bring him out, hold the lead, have him sit, and put the food and water down. Release him and say “eat”. Don’t let him just go for the food without telling him it’s OK. These actions are furthering the connection your new dog will have with you. Again, the 10-minute rule applies. After he eats, back into his den he goes.
As you can see, preparation and patience for both you and your new dog are key during this adjustment period. In time, you’ll be amply rewarded with a best friend for life.
