The First Week Home
You've just adopted a furry family member. Your camera roll is already an archive of pictures of them. You’re officially a pet parent! Now what?
Below is our checklist of to-do’s during your first few weeks with a newly adopted dog. Remember, rescued dogs who have experienced multiple transitions can be stressed and overwhelmed. Set your dog up for success by setting yourself up for success—be risk-averse, have a management plan in place, and establish a support system (a trusted vet, certified dog trainer, and responsible shelter/rescue). Keep everyone safe and sane by taking things easy, slow, and smart.
Avoid risks
Be risk-averse—avoid risky situations where a dog can escape, get frustrated, overwhelmed, or nervous. You can do this by conservatively and thoughtfully introducing your dog to new people, sites, and experiences. The first few weeks with your dog should center around decompression, low stress experiences, and a predictable routine. The first few weeks are not the time to test or challenge your dog’s adaptability. Your dog is already trying to adapt and adjust to a new routine, in a new home, with new people—so, set expectations low. Dogs who have been through multiple transitions can already be stressed out when they go home. It’s an adopter’s responsibility to help alleviate stress and not add to it. Simply put: the lower risk, the better. Slowly and positively introducing your dog to new experiences, while being mindful of their body language, will help safely broaden their world. Here are some examples of low risk set-ups:
Establish a routine. Consistent feeding, walking, and sleeping times will help your dog adjust to their new schedule and builds resiliency.
Double leash your dog on a walk (leash to collar and to harness) if you are any bit concerned they are a flight risk or could wriggle out of their harness.
Put up a baby gate in front of doors with direct access to the outside to prevent your dog from bolting out the door. (Tip: find cheap baby gates on Facebook Marketplace or at HomeGoods).
Feed your dog in their crate or gated off room, as opposed to an open space with another dog or around young children.
Walk your dog in a quiet neighborhood or walking trail during a low-traffic time of day (early morning) and gradually work up to busier routes like state parks or higher-traffic areas. We recommend decompression walks with a 30' leash.
Use baby wipes or a wash cloth instead of a full bath. If your dog needs to be bathed set them up with a lick mat slathered in peanut butter in the tub.
Avoid Petco, PetSmart, dog parks, beaches, house parties, parades, sporting events—anywhere with a lot of people, other dogs, and loud noises is stimulus overload! Although these may seem like fun opportunities, keep in mind that your dog is already adjusting to a new routine, in a new home, with new people. Give them time.
When you venture out into the world, make sure to give yourself (and your dog) an out. If you go to a state park or family gathering and your dog is noticeably stressed, bring them home sooner rather than later.
Polish up house-training and crate-training
Try to set expectations low when it comes to house-training. Take your dog out frequently and reward your dog with treats and praise for relieving him/herself outside. Many dogs don’t generalize well, so even if your dog was house-trained in their foster home, they may need a refresher with you!
House-training and management go hand and hand. Be sure to set your dog up for success by using a crate, baby gates, or other management system. When you aren’t actively supervising your dog, they should be in their crate, exercise pen, or gated off in a dog-proofed space. This will mitigate accidents in the house and unwanted destruction of household items (ahem… custom couch, wooden furniture, remotes, etc.). Help your dog love the safe space you’ve created by feeding them their meals there and giving them a Kong coated with peanut butter, wet dog food, or pureed pumpkin frozen inside. Giving your dog gradual access to more space as opposed to free rein of the house sets your dog up for house-training success!
Book your vet appointment
Yes, your dog was probably just seen by a veterinarian at the shelter or rescue before adoption. However, it’s important to get your dog in to see your vet because Massachusetts has a pet purchase protection law. If an adopter brings their dog to the vet within the first two weeks of adoption and the dog has an undiagnosed/undisclosed congenital disease, the rescue or shelter is responsible for taking the dog back and refunding the adoption fee.
Also, your dog’s next dose of heartworm and flea/tick prevention is likely due within the first month of adoption. Preventatives are often prescriptions that you will need to get from your vet. Always consult your vet and do your research to find the best preventatives for your dog and lifestyle.
Your vet is your go-to person for all questions and concerns related to your dog’s physical health. They should be well versed in your dog’s unique history and needs. So, the sooner you can get in to see them, the better!
Hire a certified, positive reinforcement dog trainer
A dog trainer is an essential part of your support network. Just like a vet is your go-to person for your dog’s physical health, a dog trainer is your go-to person for your dog’s training and behavioral health. There are many wonderful dog trainers who are certified, experienced, and whose training methods are rooted in science.
A credentialed dog trainer will be able to help you and your dog through your transition, give you specific advice to help your dog decompress, recommend management solutions, and create an individual training plan for your unique needs.
Don’t wait for issues to arise! Proactively hire a dog trainer to help you in your adoption journey. As Erika Gonzalez, CCDT says, “Hiring a dog trainer should not be a ‘last resort’ but a first-line, preventative measure.”
If you would like more information or training resources, email us. We have a list of certified dog trainers and a veterinary behaviorist recommended by volunteers and adopters!
Most importantly: reach out if you need help. Contact your shelter, rescue, dog trainer, or vet with questions, concerns, and updates.
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Set your dog up for success by setting yourself up for success—be risk-averse, have a management plan in place, and establish a support system (a trusted vet, certified dog trainer, and responsible shelter/rescue).