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The Home Visit: An Essential Part Of Adopting A Dog

“Hello! I am here for your home visit!” If you’re adopting a dog, you might be greeted by these words from a stranger at your door. Not to worry, he’s not here to sell you anything – this is a home visit and it’s an increasingly common part of pet rescues adoption procedure.

In fact, I may end up on your door step because I do home visits for a local dog rescue. This is my favorite part of volunteering. I love to meet people and feel so special to be part of the final step in a dog’s journey to finding a new home.

Related: Adventures In Fostering: Meet Francis

I understand that people may be nervous about a home visit. Relax – I’m not there to judge your home décor color scheme (but since we’re on the subject… do you think that flashing beer sign goes with the couch?) or make sure you’ve dusted everything with a flat surface. This home visit is to ensure that this adoption is going to be successful. The best way to do this is by having an in-house conversation, as well as a pair of trained eyes that will help you eliminate any potential problems around your house and yard.

Related: A Day In The Life Of Dog Foster Dad

I’ll want to know if you have a vet you’re using. It’s best to have a vet set up before you bring your dog home, rather than rushing to find one in case of an emergency.

Have you ever taken an obedience classes before, and what activities you are looking to do with your dog? What’s your daily routine and how you will include the dog in this? This includes where the dog will eat, sleep, be trained and exercised.

I’m not here to tell you how to do it; I am here to get you to think about it. Some families have a bed already in place and bowls out for meal time. Others are looking for guidance, and we will discuss options and possibilities that will work for you.

What am I looking for?

In general, I am looking to see that the home is safe for the dog. If you have a fenced yard, I will inspect it with fresh eyes for any possible escape routes. Maybe your gate is sagging, or you have a stack of firewood piled against the back corner, which a dog might use as a ladder and escape the yard. These are easy fixes, and it’s my job to point them out to you.

I also look for potential hazards to your new dog. Many dogs just love to eat from the cat litter box, or get confused by kid’s toys vs. dog’s toys. I check to see that household cleaning supplies are stored away safety – products such as laundry soap can be harmful to dogs if ingested.

Most of the homes I visit, the humans have to work outside of the home. Hey, someone has to bring home the bacon for chew toys and food. I understand! I am also looking to see where the dog will be spending time when his owners are out of the house.

When a shelter takes on the commitment of a dog, it’s a huge responsibility. Finding it the right fit for a forever home is part of that responsibility. The home visit is intended to support the adoptive family and to ensure that this will be the right match. Be open with me; ask me whatever questions you want. I’m here to make sure that everyone is happy, and that you and your new dog live happily ever after!

Kevin Roberts lives for adventure. Together with his pack of rescue dogs and his husband, he spends as much time outdoors as possible. Kevin lives by the motto: "Get outside and play with your dogs!

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6 Mistakes to Avoid When Adopting a Dog

You’ve decided to adopt a dog – that’s awesome! Before you rescue a pooch, watch out of these common adoption mistakes. When you adopt a new dog, you could very well be saving a life – literally. No matter where he comes from, bringing home a new dog can be incredibly exciting but there are also some challenges you are likely to encounter. To make sure that you and your adopted friend adjust to your new lives together, avoid these top six mistakes. Rushing into it. When you visit a dog shelter it is easy to be overwhelmed by all of those sad, puppy dog eyes staring at you through the bars. At that moment, it is hard to believe that bringing home one of those needy dogs could be anything less than amazing, but it is a big decision that you should consider carefully before making. Think about whether you are really ready to get a dog and if you have the space, the time, and the money to devote to caring for him for the rest of his life. Related: The Home Visit: An Essential Part Of Adopting A Dog Going only for puppies. There is nothing more adorable than a puppy, that is for sure. But bringing home a new puppy is a major commitment of time and effort – you’ll need to housebreak him, socialize him, and train him, plus you’ll have to deal with puppy problems like chewing and having accidents in the house. Think about bringing home an adult or senior dog who may already be housebroken and trained and who is just as deserving of a home.Not getting to know the dog. The shelter environment can be very scary and stressful for dogs, so the way a dog acts at the shelter may not be the way he acts at home. Do not assume that just because a dog is calm and quiet at the shelter that he will stay that way once he settles in at home. Considering fostering the dog for a week to get to know his personality before you commit, just to make sure that it is the right situation for all involved. Related: Shelter Dogs Strike a Vogue Pose For Their Adoption Profiles Assuming mixed breeds are the only option. Animal shelters around the country are overrun with mixed breed dogs, especially of the Pitbull type. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t find a purebred at a shelter. Dogs are abandoned for all kinds of reasons and if you have a particular breed in mind, give the shelter your name and contact information so they can get ahold of you if one comes in.Thinking it’s going to be easy. Bringing home a new dog is always going to be a challenge. Whether you are adopting a puppy or an older dog, it will take time for your new friend to adjust to his new home life and the two of you may go through some growing pains when it comes to your relationship. Be sure to give your new friend plenty of love but respect his need for space and quiet time if he is having a hard time making the adjustment.Not going to the vet. In many cases, dogs are turned over to the shelter with minimal background information – when you adopt a dog you won’t always know his history. Even though the shelter will give the dog an exam before adopting him out, you should still have him seen by your own veterinarian shortly after bringing him home and then you need to keep up with regular vet visits. There is nothing more noble than giving an abandoned dog a new home, but adopting a dog is not always easy. There are certain challenges involved and you are going to make mistakes. But learning about the most common mistakes adopters make can help you to avoid them.

New Bill Will Eliminate Housing Barriers for Pet Owners In California

California tenants with pets rejoice - a new bill that stops landlords from denying housing to pet owners is in the works!The chair of the California Legislative Renters Caucus, Matt Haney, has introduced legislation that would compel landlords to accept tenants with pets. The bill, AB 2216, will insist that landlords have reasonable reason(s) for not allowing a pet in the rental unit. The biggest change, however, is that the bill prevents property owners from asking about pet ownership before the tenant’s application has been approved.The new bill, which is sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States, aims to solve a big problem in the rental world - a surplus of tenants with pets and a lack of landlords willing to rent to them.California has one of the highest number of tenants in the country, and close to 70% of them are pet owners. Alas, under current law, only around 30% of all rentals are pet-friendly. The lack of pet-friendly housing is causing almost a million tenants to keep pets in their rentals hidden from their landlords. This solves nothing. On one hand, landlords are left without adequate coverage for potential damages. On the other hand, pet owners are left living in constant fear of being kicked out of their homes. Andrea Amavisca, a senior legislative advocate at the California Immigration Policy Center, told the LA Times that she and her partner spent over a month looking for a two-bedroom rental in Sacramento that would allow for a small cattle dog mix.“Landlords that initially liked our application would suddenly stop answering our calls once they found out we had a dog. Or others would require a pet deposit close to $1,000 that would put the unit totally out of our budget.”Amavisca added it felt unfair that almost every landlord had a different pet policy with varying fees they could change as they pleased. Some landlords charged only $20 a month while others asked for four-figure cleaning deposits. The new bill doesn’t address fees and doesn’t prevent landlords from excluding certain types of pets. Haney’s legislation defines a common household pet as a domesticated animal, such as a cat or dog, that is kept in the home for pleasure rather than commercial uses. While pet owners are relieved to hear about the legislation, property owners are already expressing their concerns. The biggest issue is that landlords will be forced to take on pets, and the increased risk of potential property damage that comes with pets, without a pet deposit as a safeguard. Haney explained that exceptions would be made for landlords with reasonable excuses for not allowing pets on their property. “What we see too often is just these blanket prohibitions of pets with no good reason for it, with no required justification for it and no protection of pet owners, who represent the majority of California’s renters, to be able to access housing just like anyone else,” said Haney.According to Jenny Berg, California director for the Humane Society of the United States, extra fees and bans add to the overcrowding crisis in animal shelters nationwide. “One of the reasons why people relinquish their pets is because they can’t find affordable housing or housing at all that can accommodate their pets,” she said. Haney’s bill could make a massive change, as it would remove the barriers tenants face when looking for housing for them and their four-legged companions.“We want a renter to be considered first and decision made about whether they meet the requirements for the apartment,” said Haney. “And then, after that fact, they disclose that they have a pet. And only if there’s a reasonable rationale to deny them, that would be allowed.” Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

PetMeds Makes It Easier To Protect Your Pets

As the sun starts shining brighter and the days get warmer, it's the perfect time to plan some outdoor adventures with your furry companions! Whether you're hitting the slopes, swinging on the golf course, or just soaking up the sunshine on a hiking trail with your loyal sidekick by your side, it's important to ensure your pet is well-protected – and that's where PetMeds steps in to lend a helping paw.One of the biggest concerns for pet owners as the seasons change is dealing with those pesky fleas and ticks. These tiny troublemakers not only make your pet itch and scratch, but can also bring some serious health risks along for the ride. From annoying skin irritations to more severe conditions like anemia, dermatitis, Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, fleas and ticks can cause real problems for our furry friends. And let's not forget the headache of dealing with a full-blown flea infestation in your home – it's a nightmare! But fear not, because PetMeds has all the tools you need to keep your pet safe and happy.To tackle this challenge, PetMeds offers a wide range of highly effective flea and tick prevention products, including NexGard, Seresto collars, Simparica Trio for dogs, and Revolution Plus for our feline companions. These products are specially formulated to zap fleas and ticks on contact, stopping infestations in their tracks and shielding your pet from all kinds of nasty diseases.But fleas and ticks aren't the only villains lurking in the shadows. With warmer weather comes an increase in mosquito activity, and that means the risk of heartworm disease skyrockets. Heartworm disease is a potentially deadly condition transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Once those pesky parasites make their way into your pet's system, they can wreak havoc on their heart, lungs, and other vital organs, leading to serious health issues. Needless to say, protecting your pet from these heart-wrenching parasites is a top priority!Thankfully, PetMeds has you covered with a variety of heartworm prevention products, including Heartgard Plus and Trifexis. These monthly medications are a breeze to administer and are incredibly effective at keeping heartworms at bay. By staying on top of your pet's heartworm prevention, you can give them the gift of year-round protection and ensure peace of mind for yourself.So as you gear up for some fun in the sun, don't forget to arm your pet with the best defense against fleas, ticks, and heartworms with PetMeds. Your furry friend will thank you with plenty of tail wags, purrs, and maybe even a slobbery kiss or two!Why PetMeds?

How Do I Teach My Cat to Play Fetch?

Unlike dogs, cats aren’t exactly known for their love of fetch. If you dream of tossing a toy with your furry best friend for hours, fear note – with a bit of time, patience, and positive reinforcement, you may just inspire a new love for the game in your kitty. This post will discuss why some cats take to fetch so naturally and how play can benefit your cat’s overall health and well-being. Plus, we’ll share how to teach your cat to play fetch step-by-step with tips for success! So, grab your cat’s favorite toy and get ready for a fun game of fetch…Why Do Cats Love Playing Fetch? There are many theories about why cats enjoy this game. The most accepted theory is that the action triggers natural hunting instincts. When an object is thrown, it mimics their prey moving across the room. The cat then chases the toy, stalking and hunting it. Retrieving the toy and bringing it back to you is similar to cats bringing their freshly killed prey to their owners as a gift. Other experts see the game of fetch as an attempt to spend quality time playing together, bonding like we do with our dogs. However, no research confirms either theory. What Toy Do Cats Love Most? Finding the best toy for your fetch-loving cat can be a fun process. Why? There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. Instead, you’ll have to set aside time to play and test which toys your cat connects with most. Think of it as a fun game of trial and error. We have two cats at home, one of whom is absolutely in love with playing fetch. Pippen, our Maine Coon mix, will bring toys to us randomly throughout the day. She drops them at our feet and meows loudly while pawing at our pant legs, begging us to throw whatever she has brought us. Here are a few of her favorite toys to play fetch with: SmartyKat Skitter Critters Catnip Cat Toys: These little mice are not only the perfect size and weight for cats to carry around, but the fact they include catnip makes them even more enticing. If the theory about hunting is correct, they are a great example of mock prey. Catit Eco Cat Toy: Another prey-like toy, this is arguably the top choice in our house. Pippen loves anything with feathers. If you have a tiny kitten, this is a little harder to carry, but Pippen is relatively small, and she has never had a problem. Andiker Cat Crinkle Balls: This is another one I have heard other cat parents raving about. The balls make a fun crinkling sound while the foil-like mylar material reflects the light, making them a fun visual spectacle to hunt down. SPOT Colorful Springs: These toys may not seem special, but the spring design causes them to bounce around the room unpredictably. This keeps your cat on their toes as they hunt them down with each throw. Cat Tube Spring Toys: These toys are made of lightweight mesh material, making them easy to carry around. If you fold them or push down the ends, then let go, they fly through the air. The goal is to find something your cat loves, wants to retrieve, and can comfortably carry back to you to continue the game. Is It Normal for a Cat to Never Play? While you can expect a range of playfulness from cats, with some cats being very playful and others only playing occasionally when they “feel like it,” it’s not normal for a cat to never play at all. A healthy adult cat should get at least 30 to 60 minutes of playtime daily. This can be in one large play session or, ideally, split into shorter play sessions of 10 to 15 minutes. If you have a cat who appears lazy or unmotivated, you should prioritize turning this around and encouraging them to play more. Otherwise, they will be at a higher risk of potential health complications, including obesity, diabetes, urinary tract diseases, arthritis and other joint-related issues, and fatty liver disease.

New Study Shows Surprising Effect of Pet Ownership on Seniors

You’ve probably noticed how your four-legged bestie influences your mood for the better, but did you know that your pet might be beneficial to your brain? That’s right! The latest studies show that your pet and their company could be just the thing to lower the risk of dementia in your golden years. These findings are especially important for single senior pet owners who are at risk of this troubling illness as they reveal that having a pet can make a drastic change. A recent study that involved adults over the age of 50 who lived alone revealed that those living in the company of a loved pet will have considerably less decline in their verbal fluency and verbal memory - compared to those who lived without a pet. This research was published in the  journal JAMA Network Open and was based on data taken from 7,945 people in the mentioned age group.This study, however, only reflects on people who live alone and does not involve participants who lived with other persons in the household. Still, while the results reinforce the fact that loneliness is a major risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia in old age, they also reveal something new – that the company of a pet counts as much as the company of human family members, if not more so.The early signs of cognitive decline can be fluency, verbal issues, cognition, and memory problems, and so on. But if you have the company of a pet, whom you can address and care for, can greatly reduce the feelings of loneliness and keep these cognitive issues at bay. This study and its results are very important in today’s day and age and for many Americans in particular. Recent U.S. Census Bureau insights revealed that almost 28 percent of all households in the United States were “one-person households” in 2020. This is an alarmingly large number and shows us that many people aged 50 and older will face lonely senior years. Of course, even though the results of this study show that older people can maintain their mental health through the company of a pet, the research team emphasized that more advanced studies and clinical trials will be required to fully confirm the results. Yet even so, the lack of an effective therapy that can reverse or slow cognitive decline and treat dementia means that these results are a small but very important benefit for the understanding of these issues. And, needless to say, all those who are entering their senior years and want to spend them in a healthier and more beneficial way now know that their next station should probably be a local pet shelter. Find a pet you can love and cherish - and keep your brain healthy while showering them with affection.

What Age Should You Start Clicker Training?

Clicker training is a popular form of positive reinforcement dog training that uses a small handheld device called a clicker to mark and reinforce desired behaviors. The clicker makes a distinct and consistent sound that signals to the dog that they have performed the desired behavior, followed by a reward such as a treat or praise. The idea is to associate the sound of the clicker with the reward, making it a powerful tool for communication between the owner and the dog.Now, if you want to try clicker training with your dog, you could be wondering at what age should you start. Very early on? Or as your puppy grows a bit older? Let’s find out.What Age Should You Start Clicker Training?Clicker training is versatile and can be used for teaching  basic commands, tricks, and even addressing behavioral issues. It is a humane and positive approach to training that fosters a strong bond between the owner and the dog. Clicker training can be started with dogs at a relatively young age, typically when they are around 8 weeks old. Puppies are capable of learning basic commands and behaviors from a young age, and clicker training can be a positive and effective method for teaching them.However, it's important to keep in mind that very young puppies have shorter attention spans, so training sessions should be kept short and fun. Focus on simple commands and behaviors, and use positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise, in conjunction with the clicker.Consistency and patience are key when training puppies, and it's important to make the training sessions enjoyable for them. Stay consistent and maintain your composure and command. Even if the early training sessions last just a few minutes, keep it up. Of course, if you're unsure about how to start clicker training or have concerns about your puppy's readiness, consulting with a professional dog trainer or attending puppy training classes can be helpful. Always use positive reinforcement methods to create a positive and trusting relationship between you and your dog.Remember that clicker training requires patience and hard work to be successful. The idea is to associate the sound of the clicker with positive reinforcement, making it a powerful tool for communication between the owner and the dog.4 Things to Know About Clicker TrainingTo ensure your training sessions with a clicker are successful no matter when you start implementing them in your pet’s routine, you need to know the basics. These tips will help you optimize your process for maximum efficiency:Timing is KeyClicker training relies on precise timing. The click should occur at the exact moment your dog exhibits the desired behavior. This helps your dog make the connection between the behavior and the reward.Positive Reinforcement

New Tool Detects and Predicts Dog Mobility Issues

Researchers at the University of Liverpool and experts at Dogs Trust have joined forces to create a unique new tool for detecting and predicting dog mobility issues. These veterinary experts have developed the GenPup-M questionnaire. This survey asks dog owners a series of questions to about their dog's mobility. The GenPup-M questionnaire is designed in a way that can help owners determine whether their dog might be experiencing mobility problems, even mild ones. Mobility-related problems are the third most commonly diagnosed disease in dogs. It’s estimated that 200,000 dogs are affected by musculoskeletal disease annually. According to some estimates, 20% of dogs have mobility issues before one year old, but most aren’t diagnosed until they are eight to 13 years old. Current mobility questionnaires are developed for dogs already diagnosed with mobility problems and track their quality of life. This means that many dogs spend the better part of their lives living with a painful condition that negatively impacts their overall health and well-being. A recent study, published in PLOS ONE confirms the validity of the GenPup-M questionnaire. The study involved 62 dogs - 31 with mobility issues and 31 without mobility issues.Scientists obtained the dogs’ clinical history from the owners, and all dogs received an orthopedic exam at the beginning of the study. Next, owners were asked to complete the GenPup-M questionnaire along with a previously validated mobility questionnaire.To determine the survey’s validity and its ability to identify mobility issues in dogs, scientists compared GenPup-M responses with the results of other expert tests, including advanced gait analysis.“Impaired mobility can affect a dog’s ability to engage in daily activities and interactions, move or exercise freely. If an animal is unwilling to or cannot play, exercise, or express normal behavior, this can impact its quality of life,” said Natasha Clark, veterinary surgeon and researcher at the Department of Musculoskeletal & Aging Science at the University of Liverpool. According to Clark, when done over time at regular checkups, the GenPup-M questionnaire can identify subtle changes in a dog’s mobility without the use of expensive and time-consuming gait analysis. This new tool can help vets diagnose and slow the development of mobility problems in dogs. “Our research doesn’t stop here and we will continue to research and develop GenPup-M to refine it as an even more effective tool for vets and dog caregivers,” added Clark.The Deputy Head of Research, Welfare Projects & Grants at Dogs Trust, Dr Jane Murray, said, “We are delighted to work collaboratively with the University of Liverpool on this study which serves to improve the well-being of dogs, as no dog is immune to mobility issues. Generation Pup is a ground-breaking study of the health, welfare, and behavior of our dogs and we hope this research helps more owners detect early signs of mobility issues, leading to veterinary and management interventions that can improve the welfare of the affected dogs.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

The Latest Pet Industry Trends from Global Pet Expo 2024

On March 20-22, 2024, pet industry professionals from across the globe gathered at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, for the Global Pet Expo. Presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) and the Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA), the exhibit floor showcased 1,100+ companies, including 300 first-time exhibitors. This included 1,000+ product launches, the latest pet industry news, a packed New Products Showcase, and more! But what did we discover while attending the show? Here are some of the hottest trends in the industry, as seen at this year’s show: Mind the BudgetIn the last decade, we have seen a growing interest in spoiling our pets regardless of the cost. However, following the events of 2020, many pet parents are feeling the pinch that is society’s current financial state. So, how do we reconcile the two? Many brands came into this year’s show with a focus on providing high-quality pet care with a budget-friendly mindset. This included two distinct approaches. Some companies focused on finding ways to keep the price point low. This included changes to production, simplified designs, and sourcing quality supplies at a fraction of the cost. They then transferred these savings directly to the consumer, allowing you to spoil your pets without breaking the bank. The other trend we saw was to create premium products that, while requiring an upfront investment, are designed to last for years to come. By not having to replace them repeatedly, you will save money over the product's lifespan. Overall, we were excited to see so many ways pet parents can improve their pet’s quality of life, even when finances are tight. Sustainability for the Future A growing understanding of the impact of our pets on the environment has put pressure on the pet industry to find ways to prioritize sustainability. Some experts say that caring for a medium-sized dog can have a similar carbon footprint to driving a large SUV. How do we address this without giving up our pets? We saw several brands rising to the challenge! There was a growing number of companies creating adorable and functional toys from recycled materials. Snugarooz had a wide assortment of brightly colored, crinkly, and squeaky plush toys made from recycled water bottles. WestPaw added more products to their popular Seaflex line of 100% recyclable toys made with recycled ocean-bound plastic. We also saw a focus on sustainability in pet food and treats. One company that really stood out was Arch Pet Food. The company previously demonstrated their commitment to eco-friendly pet ownership by introducing alternative proteins in their food and treats. One product that we found very impressive was the Dehydrated Copi treats, made from an invasive species in our waterways. Other shifts towards sustainability included changes in packaging to reduce unnecessary plastics, the use of hemp-based bedding for small animals, and more sustainable decisions being made during production.

How Can I Prevent My Dog From Barking When They’re Home Alone?

Dogs are very affectionate beings, and can form incredible bonds with their owners – but this also means that they would love to be by their side at all times. Sometimes, however, this is just not possible. Their owners have to  work, go to the store, or finish chores out of home and they can’t always take their pets with them. And when you leave your pooch all by their lonesome, they often think it’s the end of the world – you’ve abandoned them for good, even when you’re away for like 25 minutes. This can result in anxiety, restlessness, and a lot of barking. Some dogs – in fact – just won’t stop barking or howling until you come back. How can you bring an end to this behavior, and prevent all the excess barking? And how can you let your pet know that leaving for a little bit is no big deal? Let’s find out. Battles with Barks: Why Dogs Bark When Alone and How to Stop ItExcessive barking when a dog is home alone can be a common issue for a lot of owners, and addressing it requires a combination of training, environmental management, and sometimes, the help of professionals. Above all, it requires patience. However, there are a number of factors that come into play when such situations occur. To make your dog calmer, quieter, and ready to accept your absence, you should take a closer look at the daily routine the two of you share.First, consider if you're providing enough physical and mental stimulation. Physical exercise is crucial for a dog's well-being. Keep in mind that a tired dog is generally a content and quieter dog. So, before you leave, make sure that they have ample exercise, fun, and outside time. If they “emptied their batteries”, they are more likely to remain calm and just snooze while you are out. Of course, to make sure you always fulfill these exercise requirements, you will have to establish a consistent daily routine. Just like humans, doggos too depend on the routine they can follow. This routine helps them feel secure and understand when to expect certain events like meals and walks. If they get used to a daily chain of events, they will expect you to leave and be okay with it.  Interactive toys that provide mental stimulation or dispense treats are also a great thing to utilize when battling anxiety or boredom-induced barking. They can help your dog stay occupied during your absence. As they get involved in playing with the toy, dogs will tire out, keep themselves busy, and not make such a big deal about your absence. With a toy, alone time can actually be enjoyable for a dog.

Pretty Plants that Will Stop Cats from Pooping in Your Garden

Whether you own a cat or neighboring felines like to frequent your backyard, chances are you have come across half-buried cat poop in your flower beds. Cat lover or not, you probably weren’t thrilled to discover these unsightly deposits in your garden.Although cat poop won’t harm your garden, it also won’t add much to the overall appeal of it either, especially if the cats decide to dig their own toilets in the middle of your flower patch. In addition to preserving the aesthetics of your garden, there are several other reasons you may want to stop cats from pooping in your backyard. Keeping cats away will ensure the garden stays clean and safe for young children to play in. Plus, it will help protect wild birds that visit your garden, especially if you have a bird feeder or two.Besides being unsightly, cat poop in the garden can carry a parasite, called Toxoplasma gondii, which is particularly dangerous to pregnant women and unborn babies. For this reason, it’s super important that you wear gloves when you clean cat poop from your garden. As an added precaution against nasty infections, always use gloves when gardening.Are you sick and tired of cats using your garden as their personal toilet? There are several things you can do to preserve your outdoor oasis that don’t include the use of cruel booby-traps or startling devices.All you have to do is buy the right plant - one that cats hate but will look great in your garden. Although technically a weed, the curry plant is one of the best plants to deter cats from pooping in your garden. Scientifically known as Helichrysum italicum, the curry plant is a small, bushy evergreen shrub with linear-shaped silver-gray leaves. The leaves have a strong odor, reminiscent of curry, that acts as a potent cat deterrent. When a cat brushes against a curry plant, its leaves release a strong odor that attacks a cat’s sense of smell. Plus, the curry plant also has a coarse texture that cats hate. Many gardeners agree that curry plants act as excellent cat deterrents saying that cats stopped pooping in their gardens after they planted curry plants. Since the curry plant is essentially a weed, plant it sparingly so it won’t spread and take up too much space. If, for whatever reason, you don’t want to plant curry plants in your garden, plant lavender instead. A popular ornamental plant, lavender has pretty purple flowers and a delicate and sweet smell with herbal undertones. It’s that delicate smell that will help keep cats away from your garden!Cats have more than 200 million odor sensors in their noses and anything that emits a strong smell, like lavender, will be off-putting. Luckily, lavender is easy to grow and you can plant it in any part of your garden or containers. This gives you the freedom to plant lavender exactly where the cats like to poop to deter them. Many cats also dislike the smell of rosemary, rue, pennyroyal, citronella, oregano, geraniums, lemon thyme, and coffee. Any of these plants can act as a natural barrier and discourage cats from entering your garden and using it as a toilet. Although there are other ways to deter cats from pooping in your backyard, planting plants is an entirely natural and non-toxic option that isn’t harmful to the cats or you. It’s also cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Can Stress or Anxiety Cause Diarrhea in Dogs?

Dogs are no strangers to stress and anxiety. While most pooches are the picture of the tail-wagging, carefree dog whose only stress is that they have to wait for their next meal, some have it a bit more ruff. Anxiety in dogs can vary from mild to severe, triggered by specific and occasional stressors (such as  fireworks, for example) or present on a daily level. Naturally, your pet’s state of mind has a big impact on their overall health, so it doesn’t surprise that dogs with anxiety often have tummy issues. But does that mean that a stressful situation or anxiety can directly cause diarrhea in dogs? Having in mind that, in a way, your pet’s mental health is connected to their digestion, it sounds highly probable.How Stress and Anxiety Can Cause DiarrheaSo how does it work? The connection between the brain and the gut, often referred to as the gut-brain axis, plays a crucial role in the overall health and well-being of dogs. When dogs experience stress or anxiety, it can trigger a cascade of physiological responses, including changes in gut motility, secretion of digestive enzymes, and alterations in the composition of gut microbiota. These disruptions can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea.When stress or anxiety takes hold, it's not just a matter of frazzled nerves. These emotional states can set off a domino effect within your dog's digestive system. Rather than a simple list of effects, think of it as a cascade of events:Picture your dog feeling anxious during a  thunderstorm or while being left alone. This emotional response triggers a surge of adrenaline, part of the body's "fight or flight" response. Blood flow shifts away from the digestive organs and toward the muscles, heart, and lungs, hastening gut motility.Meanwhile, the delicate balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, known as the microbiome, is disrupted by stress. This dysbiosis can lead to inflammation, changes in gut permeability, and an upset stomach.Furthermore, chronic stress weakens the immune system, leaving your dog more susceptible to infections and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.Beyond these physiological effects, stress-related behaviors like excessive chewing,  licking, or ingesting non-food items can irritate the digestive tract, exacerbating diarrhea.How To Deal With Stress-Related Diarrhea in DogsIf your dog is experiencing stress-related diarrhea, there are several things you can do to alleviate their discomfort and ensure a speedier recovery.Before anything else, it’s essential to identify and address stressors. Determine the underlying causes of your dog's stress or anxiety and take steps to minimize or eliminate them where possible. This may involve providing a calm, predictable environment, addressing separation anxiety, or using  desensitization techniques for noise phobias.Next, support their digestion with a mild, nurturing diet and the right supplements. Your pet’s tummy is upset, so you shouldn’t neglect the importance of rebalancing their gut biome and helping their digestion. Instead of their usual kibble, offer them a bit of broth, some cooked rice, or boiled chicken breast. Additionally, a digestive supplement such as  Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Powder can work wonders in managing symptoms of diarrhea. With a combination of special probiotics and antioxidants, this powdered supplement will quickly restore your pet’s GI tract and help their stool get back to its normal consistency. And since it’s packed with live microorganisms to benefit beneficial intestinal microflora, it can also help treat excessive gas and other digestion-related troubles, so it’s good to keep stocked in your pet’s first aid kit, especially if they have a sensitive stomach. 

Rising Pet Care Costs Lead to More Surrenders

Thanks to a rising cost of living, more people are surrendering their pets to animal shelters or abandoning them on the street. According to Shelter Animals Count, the end of 2023 saw a whopping 250,000 more pets in shelters compared to a year prior. They’ve even seen a rise in the number of purebred dogs and puppies who entered shelters, and there aren’t enough animals being adopted.  Overcrowded Shelters Around the U.S.The stats say it all, and this heartbreaking problem is found all over the United States. For example, compared to 2022, Animal Care Centers of NYC saw the number of abandoned dogs they took in go up 41%, and they’d run out of space as of the start of 2024. Tragically, the shelter also euthanized a higher number of dogs (2% more) in 2023 compared to the previous year.     Animal shelters in Kentucky, such as Franklin County Humane Society, are also struggling to keep up as they deal with more surrenders and strays. The state’s shelters are full, and they’re having a hard time because so many people are giving up their pets as a result of rising costs.The Nevada Humane Society is yet another example of a shelter that has seen a rise in pet surrenders because people are finding it harder to afford their animals or they’re finding it difficult to locate housing that will let them keep their pets. In 2023, the shelter saw a 65% increase in the number of dogs that were surrendered to them.Financial Hardship and Housing Issues Are Driving ForcesWhy are so many people giving up their pets? Financial hardship and difficulty finding places to live that are affordable and accept pets are a couple of the big reasons. Many people struggle with the rising cost of living not only for themselves but also for their pets, as everything from pet food and supplies to veterinary care has gotten more expensive.  Shelters across the United States are doing what they can to encourage people to adopt and prevent people from surrendering their pets. For example, Animal Care Centers of NYC offered pet parents help in the form of training assistance, free food, and temporary boarding, and those efforts worked to avoid nearly 3,000 surrenders in 2023.  There Are Ways You Can HelpYou can do your part to support animal shelters and pet parents that are struggling. In addition to monetary donations, you can donate pet food. Or, you can offer to foster one or more animals who are currently waiting for their forever homes. And you can adopt a pet in need of a home—you might even find shelters in your area that have discounted adoption fees as a means to help people afford their new best friend.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Give Your Cat a Purr-fect Treat

A lot of emphasis gets put on treats that help keep your dog’s teeth clean, but it is also an important consideration for your cat.

The Unseen Threat: Dangers of Secondhand Smoke for Your Pet

Most people are well aware of the dangers of smoking. They understand what smoking does to their bodies and know the potential health risks of lighting up a cigarette. But did you know that exposure to secondhand smoke may have serious health consequences for your pets?It’s no secret that smoking is bad for people. In the United States, between 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths are linked to cigarette smoking. Secondhand smoking is also linked with an increased risk of other forms of cancer, such as breast and colorectal cancer, heart and respiratory disease.Studies have shown that more than 50% of bladder cancer cases in humans are caused by cigarette smoking. A recent study involving Scottish terriers found a link between cigarette smoke exposure and bladder cancer. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in dogs, and many pooches are diagnosed with some form of this terrible disease. Although many factors may predispose a pet to cancer, research shows that passive smoking is a main danger.Scientists from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University discovered that Scottish terriers who were exposed to secondhand smoke at home were six times more likely to develop bladder cancer than those who were not routinely exposed to smoke.Passive smoking is also linked with nasal cancer in dogs. This type of cancer is often diagnosed in long-nosed breeds such as collies, greyhounds, and borzois. The increased surface area in their nasal canals traps inhaled particles, allowing carcinogens from tobacco smoke to accumulate in the nasal mucus. As a result, long-nosed dogs are at a greater risk of developing tumors in their snouts. On the other hand, brachycephalic or short-nosed dog breeds, such as pugs and French bulldogs, are more likely to develop lung cancer. Their short noses aren’t as effective at trapping inhaled particles and allow more carcinogens to reach the lungs.Being exposed to smoke increases the risk that your dog will develop cancer, but that’s not all. Pooches that live with smokers are more likely to develop asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems.Dogs aren’t the only pets to suffer the consequences of inhaling secondhand smoke on a daily basis. Cats, birds, and small critters like guinea pigs and rabbits are also at risk.Cats that live with smokers are more likely to develop asthma and lung cancer. Felines that inhale secondhand smoke regularly also have a higher incidence of malignant lymphoma.  Studies have found higher nicotine concentrations in the hair of cats living with smokers than those living in smoke-free homes. The same is true for dogs living with smokers, no matter whether their owners smoked inside or outside. Cats are famous for being fastidious groomers, but licking the fur puts them at risk of ingesting even more toxic particles from secondhand smoke than simply inhaling them. Felines that groom excessively can develop oral tumors from licking toxic particles off their fur.Secondhand smoke alone isn't responsible for all health problems seen in cats and dogs. Diet, genetics, lifestyle, and exposure to other potentially toxic substances in the environment combined affect the pet’s overall health.Owners concerned with the well-being of their four-legged companions should be more aware of the air quality in their homes and make necessary lifestyle changes.Choosing to smoke outside can minimize some risks associated with exposure to secondhand smoke. Improving ventilation, opening the windows, and using air filters can help too. However, it’s important to note that even a low exposure to secondhand smoke can be harmful to your four-legged companion.Quitting smoking is hard, but knowing how secondhand smoke affects your pet’s health may motivate you to put down that cigarette once and for all!Join the PetGuiJoin the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

These Dog Foods Are Recalled Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

Owners should always be careful about the food that they give to their pet – and it’s only natural that every caring owner will naturally want the best for their pet. But sometimes, even getting the best of the best is not a guarantee as accidents can happen anytime. In this case, the issue is that several popular dog food brands got potentially contaminated with salmonellla. Recently, owners had been shocked to find out that three brands of pet food were recalled - having tested positive for salmonella. And in fact, the past year saw at least seven recalls of dog food brands that were either contaminated with this nasty bacteria, or had harmful elevated levels of vitamins. And, to make matters worse, 2019 saw several dogs get seriously ill after consuming the food. And our dear four-legged friends are not the only ones at risk - handling the contaminated dog food, we too are exposed to salmonella. In 2012, up to 49 people in the United States and Canada fell ill after an outbreak of salmonella that was traced to dry dog food. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 10 persons were so ill that hospitalization was required.According to the CDC, the pesky salmonella bacteria causes “an estimated 1.3 million infections in Americans every year, resulting in 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths.”As for the latest recalls, a notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, released on October 30th, includes the following foods: “one by Mid America Pet Food of Mount Pleasant, Texas, involving three lots of Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Select Beef Meal & Brown Rice Formula after random sampling found salmonella, which can sicken pets as well as people who come in contact with it.” Furthermore, it is stated that the food was “Sold by retailers across the U.S., the recalled products come in five-pound, 15-pound and 40-pound bags with a best-by-date of June 12, 2024, and contain one of the following three lot numbers on the back of the products: 1000016890, 1000016891, 1000016892.”The second recall involves TFP Nutrition of Nacogdoches, and their Retriever All Life Stages Mini Chunk Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food, in 50lbs bags, with best-by-dates of October 2024 and production codes of either 3277 TFP or 3278 TFP. Lastly, the third recall in the latest wave is Blue Ridge Beef of Statesville, North Carolina, which is recalling Breeders Choice dog food with the UPC code 8 54298 00193 1 due to possible salmonella contamination.In case you suspect your pet has eaten any potentially infected foods, it is important to know the  symptoms of salmonella poisoning in pets: they can be lethargic, listless, or have diarrhea that is followed by fever and vomiting. If you recognise these in your pet, don’t hesitate to contact your vet. And, if you suspect that the dog food you have is contaminated, make sure to destroy it in a way that children, animals, or people cannot get in contact with it.

What Causes Heartworm in Dogs?

One of the most dangerous threats to the health of dogs around the world is the dreaded  heartworm. Most people are not even aware of the illness, until it is too late for  treatment and the damage has already been done. In fact, many dog owners are not at all familiar with heartworm, how it occurs, how it progresses, and what causes it in the first place. That’s why we’ll go into all of the details every dog owner should know about heartworm. What Is Heartworm Disease in Dogs and What Causes It?Heartworm disease in dogs is caused by a parasitic worm, called Dirofilaria Immitis. These are most simply put, heartworm larvae, and are carried within mosquitos. And that’s how they are transmitted – through the bite of an infected mosquito. When a mosquito, carrying a heartworm larva, bites a dog, it immediately transmits the larvae onto the dog’s skin. This is how the heartworm enters the bloodstream, through the teeny tiny mosquito bite wound – yes, that is how incredibly small these larvae are. After this, over the course of several months, the deposited larvae mature and grow into adult worms that nest and reside within your dog’s heart, blood vessels, and lungs. Once they become adults and enter the animal’s system, these worms can really cause substantial damage to the lungs, heart, and even other organs. This damage is then manifested through visible symptoms, such as fatigue, weight loss, difficulty breathing, coughing, and – in the most extreme cases – heart failure. Heartworm needs to be treated. Otherwise, this disease can be fatal to dogs. Of course, your most common precaution is through regular use of heartworm preventatives, as well as minimizing exposure to mosquitoes or mosquito-dense areas. This can help protect your doggo from contracting a potentially deadly disease. Preventing And Treating Heartworm Disease in DogsThis being said, we need to take into account that heartworm disease won’t be common in all parts of the world equally. The disease is prevalent in parts of the world with warm or humid climates, and high populations of mosquitoes. This is not an exclusive rule, however, and the disease can occur in all parts of the world, including temperate zones. As a diligent dog owner, you should get familiar with your region and if needed, take precautionary measures. If you live in an area where there are a lot of mosquitoes, you can invest in things like mosquito repellents for dogs. 

Are Collagen Chews Good for Dogs?

Are you searching for a tasty treat to keep your pup occupied? Have you heard the warnings made by experts about the potential dangers of rawhide chews and are struggling to find a healthy alternative for your dog? A newer type of dog chew is gaining popularity in the pet world, beloved both by pets and their parents alike. Let’s discuss the benefits of collagen chews and why this would be a great option for your dog. What Are Collagen Chews? Before we get into the benefits, we’ll start with the basics. What exactly is a collagen chew? Like rawhide, a collagen chew is a dried animal product. However, it is made from the inner layer of a cow's skin instead of the hide. This may seem like a minor difference, but it makes the product much easier to digest, making it safer for pet parents concerned about the risk of obstructions associated with rawhide. Collagen chew products are available in various forms, including flat chews, sticks, traditional bone shapes, and rings. Each variation of the chew ranges in size, thickness, and, therefore, chew difficulty level. Do Vets Recommend Collagen Sticks? Yes! Many veterinarians recommend collagen chews as a healthy alternative to rawhide. This healthy and natural chew option offers many health benefits, including joint issues and dry skin. Most collagen chews are made from all-natural ingredients and are free from fillers, artificial colors, and artificial flavors, making them a healthy replacement for your dog’s favorite rawhide bones.Is Collagen Better Than Rawhide? While both collagen chews and rawhides are long-lasting chew options, collagen chews address many of the health concerns related to rawhide. If your dog loves rawhide chews, this is a great alternative. Like rawhides, collagen chews are long-lasting. However, if your dog swallows a portion of the chew, its digestibility makes it less likely that you will find yourself at an emergency vet paying for surgery to remove an obstruction.

Scientists Uncover Secrets of Extinct "Wooly Dog" Breed

Throughout history, dogs have played several key roles in the lives of people globally. They have hunted, worked, and provided for us, forever weaving them into the fabric of human existence. We often use this knowledge to better understand our modern dogs by reflecting on their original purpose as a breed. Unfortunately, not every breed continues to thrive among us today.The Coast Salish wooly dog was a unique breed, kept by the First Nations people throughout the Pacific Northwest, including Vancouver Island, for its fleece-like coat. A new study reveals insights into the history of the now-extinct breed.Unlike most animals at that time in history, the dog was kept in pens and longhouses. This was done to prevent the dogs from mixing with village and hunting dogs, preserving the breed and the fleece it provided.“They were sheared like sheep, and the wool was woven into blankets,” recounted Eliot White-Hill of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. “Blankets were like currency in our economy prior to contact and some of the most important things you could own and give away as gifts.”The dogs were fed a diet of fish and elk and were seen as beloved family members.“It’s not just a dog – it’s a relative. It has enormous spiritual power, conveyed in its wool,” explained Michael Pavel, an elder of the Skokomish-Twana tribe and one of the study's authors. “Imagine being able to receive the gift of wool fiber, being able to learn to weave that into yarn, into an entity, or a blanket or robe that you could wrap yourself in the coldest of winter and feel the warmth of those prayers. That’s how we look at it, and we can now enjoy a scientific view, as well.”Unfortunately, the breed did not survive colonization. It’s not clear exactly what caused the demise of the Coast Salish wooly dog – the introduction of European dog breeds, rules enforced on First Nations people during assimilation and displacement, or smallpox epidemics being a few of the hypothesized factors.But thanks to the preserved pelt of a wooly dog named Mutton, who died in 1859, researchers can now learn a little more about the unique DNA of the dog, its lineage, and insight into the breeding practices of local Indigenous communities.Researchers compared DNA from Mutton’s pelt to that of a separate non-wooly village dog that lived and died in the same region at approximately the same time.While the information gathered from the study did not offer any conclusive answers about the disappearance of the breed, it did hypothesize that the Indian Act of 1876 played a critical role as it would have directly impacted the ability of Indigenous women to pass on valuable knowledge about caring for the dogs and weaving necessary to its survival.On a positive note, the study did support historical facts shared by First Nations people in that area – a valuable piece of the puzzle as many work to reclaim the traditions of their ancestors.“It brought a large group of people together that reaffirmed for us the history we know,” stated Violet Elliott, also of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. “It was a gift of collaboration with other nations.”

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Bringing Your Adopted Dog Home – The Critical First 7 Days

Bringing home your newly adopted rescue dog is super exciting. You are starting a new life journey with your dog, he is now forever part of your family! Let’s ensure the first week goes well and without issues.

The first few days and even weeks can be confusing for you and your rescue puppy . Learning what to expect this first week can help ease your worries.

As a foster family we get to experience the joy of bringing home a new dog several times a year. Even though we only have our fosters for an average of a month at a time, the first seven days goes the same each and every time!

What to Expect When  Adopting and  Bringing Home a Rescue Dog 

You have just adopted your new pup and he is now in his forever home, but your dog does NOT understand that yet. Your dog may have been in a shelter, foster home or bounced from shelter to foster home several times. He is most likely confused, stressed out, and unclear of his future.

Hopefully, you prepared before bringing your new dog home, but now is a good time to review to make sure you didn’t forget anything.

Each experience with each dog is different. Every dog is unique! I’ve learned something new with every new dog we’ve fostered and adopted. I hope my experiences can help you make your dogs transition to his new home as smooth as possible.

Recommend Reading Just For You : Bringing Your New Dog Home and the 3-3-3 Rule

Day 1: Bringing Your Adopted Dog Home

Let your newly adopted dog decompress.

• Before you bring your dog inside your home, take him outside to where you want him to go potty and take him for a long walk.
• The first day your adopted dog comes home should be uneventful. Keep things quiet and calm, as tempting as it may feel, don’t invite all your friends to meet him.
• It’s important to give your new dog space to decompress. Set up an area of your home that he can chill out for a while. A crate with a bed or blankets in the room is a great start. You don’t need to shut the door to the crate, just have it as space for him to retreat if he wants.
• Sit back and observe your new best friend. Let him come to you, if you have kids, don’t allow them to hang on the dog, hug him, put their faces to the dogs face, etc. In other words, explain to your kids they need to give the new dog some space for a little while.
• Learn to read your dogs body language . It will help you bond and understand your dog so much better!
• When we first bring in a new foster dog, she is on a leash next to me, in my home office while I work, or in their crate. I never give a foster dog free roam of our house. I learned my lesson pretty quickly on this… too many potty accidents and personal items chewed upon.

Bringing Home a Shelter Dog and Other Pets

If you have other pets in the home, keep them separated for the first 24 hours. Remember, your new dog is stressed; meeting another dog just ads another layer of stress and can result in a dogfight. This goes for even if your dog is the most friendly dog ever or if the dogs have met before. Bringing another dog into your home is different than a casual meeting and dogs reactive differently when it is in their territory.

Whenever we bring in a new foster dog, they are separated from our dogs for a full 24 hours. The 24-hour rule is actually required by the rescue I work with. I will admit, the first few times we brought in a foster, this was very hard.

It’s so tempting to want to bring the dog in and let everyone play. Our home is an open concept and it’s hard to divide any spaces, but I use a baby gate and a room divider to block off our kitchen. This is where our foster dogs stay the first day in our home.

Recommend Reading Just For You : The Best Way to Introduce a Second Dog Into Your Pack

Your Rescue Dog May or May Not Want to Eat

Don’t worry if your dog doesn’t want to eat the first few days, this is completely normal. Try to feed the same food he was eating in his foster home or shelter, to alleviate any belly aches. You can wean him to a new food next week, but the first week keep things simple. Make sure he is drinking water; you don’t want him to get dehydrated.

This is a little gross but look at his poop for the next few weeks. Even if the shelter or foster home gave him a clean bill of health, sometimes worms and parasites can creep up under time and stress. Any signs of abnormal poop warrants a visit to your vet.

Which reminds me, you should make an appointment to have your vet take a look at your new dog. Again, even if he’s gotten a clean bill of health through a rescue or shelter, I recommend having your own vet take a look at your new dog and give them a copy of his health records.

Your Rescue Dogs First Night

Your new dog is most likely going to be exhausted the first few nights. If at all possible, I recommend having your dog sleep in his crate at night.  A crate will keep them safe and out of trouble when you are sleeping. We put a crate in our bedroom for our new foster dogs to sleep, this helps the dogs feel more comfortable in the crate if they are not already crate trained.

Day 2: Getting Your Dog Comfortable

The second day your dog may want to explore his surrounds more. Every dog is different; so don’t be concerned if your newly adopted dog prefers to hide under the table or in his crate. This is perfectly normal and part of the decompression processes.

But if your dog wants more attention, then give it to him slowly. Do not give your newly adopted dog full access to your home. Keeping his freedom to a minimum will help keep unwanted behaviors at bay.

I know, you look into those puppy eyes and wonder what could he possibly do that would be unwanted! Well, when a dog is stressed and in a new environment, there is a lot of trouble to be found. Potty accidents, chewing, male dogs may mark, trying to claim their territory, and who knows what else! Learn more about How to Potty Train a Dog Fast & Easy.

If you have other pets, you may introduce them now. If it is another dog, make the meeting outside in a neutral area. Take them both for a long walk together before entering the home again. If you have a cat, then I suggest keeping the introduction on the cat’s terms. Using a baby gate to give the cat a space to escape if desired.

Remember, your new dog may have never seen or experienced things you take for granted . Stairs, television, kids, bicycles, etc. can all be strange to a new dog. It’s always interesting to me with every foster dog we bring in, each one has some sort of quirk. A many of our fosters have never been on a structured walk, so when we walked by a big boulder, or a someone riding a bike, the dog would jump back out of fear. It’s important to keep all this in mind when introducing and exposing your dog to new experiences. Always be patient, positive and reassuring. Don’t avoid the things that make him fearful, but slowly show him there is nothing to be afraid of.

Days 3-7: Creating a Routine for Your Adopted Dog

Slowly add activities throughout the first week. Simply going for daily walks to explore the neighborhood is enough. Every dog will be different and each dog will need its own amount of time to adjust to his new home. So learn to read your dog’s body language and take it slow.

If you thought your dog was potty trained but is having accidents in the house, don’t be too alarmed… this is pretty normal. Just go back to basics of potty training. If he is marking in the house, keep your dog on a leash or crated until you can trust him. This could be days, weeks or months.

Create a routine. Dogs and people alike strive on a schedule. Feed your dog twice a day, walk every day, etc.

Don’t allow behaviors just because you feel sorry for your dog. If you allow it now, it makes it more difficult to change in the future. Lay the rules down now. If you don’t want your dog on the couch, never allow him on the couch. If you don’t want your dog to beg at the kitchen table, don’t allow it this week just because he’s new to your home.

Do you need to take a dog training class? Every dog is different. You may get lucky and your dog was already trained in his previous life. But 9 out of 10 times, your dog was surrendered or abandoned because he wasn’t trained.

Read about the different type of dog trainers and decide what is best for you and your dog .

Does Your Adopted Dog Have Doggy Baggage?

We all come with a history (baggage), and a rescue dog is no different. You may not know much about your dogs past, or maybe you do. Either way, don’t feel sorry for your dog. Your dog needs a strong leader that he can trust and lean on when needed, not someone to feel sorry for him.

Show your dog he can trust you to protect him when he needs it most. The first week, month and 3 months are critical times for you and your dog.

Recommended just for you:

• The Ultimate Guide on How To Adopt A Dog
• Bringing Home a Rescue Dog and the 3-3-3 Rule
• What are the First Things I Need to Teach My New Puppy?

About the Author

Debi McKee is the expert behind Rescue Dogs 101 where she guides you in your journey of adopting and raising a rescue dog every step of the way. She is a mom of 3 human kids and 4 dogs and volunteers for a local dog rescue and Humane Society. Click here for more about Debi and her passion for helping you and your dog.

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Hi Debbie. This article in new rescues was really helpful. I was hoping you had more info on my first rescue. He was fine with two other dogs. We brought home a new rescue. Maybe golden and beagle. She is sweet and smart. Just wants to play. Has some training. Dylan the first rescue has been jealous and barking at her and attacking her. Help!!!

Please read The Best Way to Introduce a Second Dog Into Your Pack

We’ve have a 5 mo old rescue pup 2 weeks who is lunging and barking aggressively at dogs on walks, in the car and from the front door. He’s fine with our 11 y old dog and very sweet meeting people and kids. Is this something that the spirit dog class on reactivity might help me with or should I continue to reward good behavior as I anticipate problems and just try to redirect? Thanks!

At 2 weeks you are still very early in your relationship together, but the lunging and barking is definitely a sign of reactivity. The Spirit Dog Reactivity class will help you get a good start on building trust with your new dog and give you the tools you need to help him.

I recently adopted a shelter pet and I had her for almost 2 weeks now. I have 7 cat's that get along great with her, but my problem I'm having is the potty issues. The first time I brought her home I took her outside and showed her where she needs to go potty. But when she comes back in the house she's peeing and pooping what should I do

It’s very common for the first few weeks to have accidents. Read https://www.rescuedogs101.com/potty-training-rescue-dog/ . Hang in there, and give her time and patience.

Very nice article. Thanks for sharing it. I have a question concerning the best way to bring a dog into the home. I am getting a dog, now being fostered, in a week. I'm curious if my picking the dog up and bringing it to my home is better than having the dog brought to my home by the foster person and left. My fear for the dog is a feeling of abandonment if he's brought and left. Do you think it would it make a difference to the dog? Thanks

I personally don’t think it makes a difference to the dog. Either way the dog will go through a transition period, did you read the 3-3-3 rule article?

Thanks so much for your prompt reply. Guess the idea of feeling abandoned is just in my head.

This will be the third dog I bring into my home and each one I brought here rather than having them 'delivered' for the reason I stated above.

Yes, I read the article. It's very well written and I thank you for it. Good to have a refresher.

Thanks again,

Thank you so much for this article. I am about to receive my third foster dog in a couple of months. Each dog has been wonderful and lived out their full natural life, but mistakes on my part resultingng in marking on furniture. destroying belongings etc. because they had free roam. Your advice this time will alleviate that I think.

The important thing is that we learn from our mistakes. I never stop learning from each and every dog we foster or own. They are all so unique and teach me something new every time.

I just adopted a 4year old husky yesterday. He is very sweet and seems like he’s comfortable. I bought a crate because I heard that’s what you do with new dogs in new environments, however at times it’s hard to get him in there so I don’t force him in. He will whine and howl especially when I need to step out. I think it could be PTSD because he was always in a crate at the shelter. Anyways, I have him on a leash with me in the apartment and he goes with me. But I’m curious what he would do if he wasn’t cringed to me and he did just fine. Perhaps because there’s no attachment yet? No destruction happened and he didn’t pee on anything. Today, I went to the store for 20 mins and I left the crate open and had him roam free to see what he does, he whined but very minimal. He wasn’t panting or pacing. He might have been potty trained and house trained. I don’t know if this can cause confusion to him? I don’t know how many times to keep in the crate when I am home? Can I leave him without or with the leash and have him just hangout with me? What do you think is the best plan for him? Sorry for the many questions, I’m a fresh time dog owner. Any advice will be highly appreciated!

Every dog is unique so go with what feels right. He is still so new to you so there is no way to tell how he’d do alone with free roam. You can always try to give hime just one room. Watch him if you have a security camera to see how he does. 5, 10, 20 minutes at a time. Study up on Husky behavior, they have some unique personalities 🙂 Good luck and take it one day at a time. Have you read the 3-3-3 rule yet?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading your article on the first seven days of bringing an adopted dog home. Adopting a new furry friend is an exciting and transformative experience, and your insights and guidance are incredibly valuable for new pet parents.

Your article provides a comprehensive and practical roadmap for navigating those crucial initial days with an adopted dog. From setting up a safe and comfortable space to establishing routines, your advice on creating a nurturing environment sets new pet parents up for success.

I appreciate the emphasis on patience, consistency, and understanding during this transitional period. Recognizing that each dog is unique and may require different amounts of time to adjust and feel comfortable is crucial. Your article serves as a reminder to approach the process with empathy and flexibility, allowing the dog to settle in at their own pace.

The tips you provide on positive reinforcement training, socialization, and building trust are invaluable. Your guidance not only helps new pet parents establish a strong foundation for a healthy and loving relationship but also ensures the well-being and happiness of the newly adopted dog.

Furthermore, I want to commend Rescue Dogs 101 for highlighting the importance of seeking professional help when needed. Recognizing that some dogs may have specific needs or past traumas that require additional support is essential. Your encouragement to consult with trainers, behaviorists, or veterinarians demonstrates a commitment to the overall well-being and success of both the dog and the adoptive family.

I want to express my gratitude to Rescue Dogs 101 for providing such an informative and comprehensive guide for new pet parents. Your article not only equips them with the knowledge and tools to navigate the initial days but also instills confidence and empathy during this critical time.

Thank you for your dedication to promoting responsible pet ownership and providing valuable resources to support both dogs and their adoptive families. I look forward to reading more from Rescue Dogs 101 and continuing to learn and grow as a pet parent.

Glad to have you as part of the Rescue Dogs 101 community!

I JUST ADOPTED A RESCUE DOG WE HAVE HAD HER HOME FOR 3 DAYS. SHE IS 2 YEARS OLD AND DOING WELL EXCEPT FOR SHE IS NOT GETTING ALONG WITH OTHER DOGS, SHE BARKS AGGRESSIVELY WHEN THEY WALK BY OUR HOUSE. WHAT DO IDO?

Separate the dogs for a few days. Read https://www.rescuedogs101.com/best-way-introduce-second-dog-into-your-pack/

I was wondering how often a rescue dog should poop on the first day.

Thank you for this great article. I will recommend it to anyone who adopts a new dog. I have one rescue right now but we always adopted. The current one is the first dog that was already 1 year old when she came to us and all you write pretty much applied to her. Before we always adopted young pups and that is different.

Having patience, lots of love and understanding, and following the rules you describe helps to make adoption a smashing success.

Hi, I have just adopted(fostering for now with intentions to adopt) a little rescue female dog(romanian rescue)…it's our fourth day together and she's still a bit unsure of me…won't take food from my hand and doesn't come close to me, won't let me touch her…I know it's probably only early days but my concern is that she sleeps mostly during the day and won't sleep at night(I can't take her on walks yet because she doesn't let me touch her her to even possibly try to put a harness on her)…I've tried white noise and calming music for dogs from YouTube playlist…tried to feed her at different times also to see if she slept better with a full belly or after hours of digestion…nothing worked…trying classical music for dogs tonight and lavender incense tonight, wish me luck! Could dog a barking noise playlist possibly help help her at night to settle down?I've been sleeping downstairs with her(in the kitchen in her crate with door open) but she comes into the room and then runs back into her cage and does this all night if I don't get up…only sleeps if I am in the kitchen sat on the floor…I don't know what to do..please help! Any ideas?!

I am adopting a foster, shepherd mix. He’s a year old. I stay at home and it’s just my husband and myself. The environment will be quiet and calm, no other pets. My concern is that I already had a couple of appointments set up and will be out of the house for a few hours. I’ve got a crate for him. Will that interfere with the decompression period. I want to make his adjustment as uneventful as possible.

Actually allowing the dog to spend some time alone in the crate will be a good thing. Don’t over think it. Just allow the dog to go at it’s own pace. Good luck and congrats!

I adopted a 2 year old terrier mix and am very lucky to have him. He is sweet and gentle, house trained, behaves when commanded, and doesn't bark. Someone obviously spent so.e time training this adorable guy. The only thing is he does not engage in play. He gets excited about walks and being fed, wags his tail when you rub his belly. Other than that he spends the day sleeping and doesn't seem interested in playing with toys or people. Is this just his disposition and I leave him be? Does he just need more time ? He's only been with me a week. Is there a certain way I should engage him to make him safe but encourage playfulness?

Hi. I am planning to adopt this bull terrier mix. He’s very sweet and submissive. But he has a tendency not to listen should I get a trainer? First dog on my own, he follows us everywhere we go.

He’s had his first accident today, peed in his dog bed. I am going to crate train him but i feel he’ll be nervous due to his past.

He also seems very tired on the second day with us. We took him for a walk this morning and it was difficult to keep him focused. He’s 9 months old so he’s still a puppy.

Finding a trainer could be a great idea, especially since it’s your first dog. Read How to Find the Perfect Dog Trainer

We love been fostering a four year old golden retriever for a week and he has a very calm, sweet temperament. Unfortunately we have a trip planned for five days and we’re worried about leaving him so soon. He’ll be staying with another foster family but I’m afraid we’ll confuse him. We want to adopt this guy – any tips for asking him feel comfortable and reassured when we return?

Send him with a blanket or something with your smell. Even though he’s been with you only a short time, your scent will help comfort him. You may have to start from scratch when he returns to you. But just take one day at a time. Dogs are very resilient. Just be patient with him and I’m sure he will be okay.

Hi! I just adopted a 1 year old (approximately) pit bull male 4 days ago. He is so so sweet. I’ve only had 1 incident where he pooped in his kennel and then busted out of it. He doesn’t bark , he only whines and it’s only when he is in his kennel. I sorry about him having separation anxiety. He also has some allergies and has a cough right now, mucus in his nose, and he’s itchy. Other than that, he’s a great dog and I love him so much.

Congrats on your new adoption! Take one day at a time. I would have him checked out by your vet to make sure nothing serious is going on with the cough/mucus. Could be kennel cough.

I am considering adopting a 5, almost 6 year old pit bull terrier. She is very gentle and appears to be very well behaved. They told me she would be shy at first and may not even come to me but just the opposite happened. She comes with a not so good of a past. But to everyone's surprise, she took to me right away. She warmed up to me fairly quickly. She put her paws on my shoulders and gave me a bunch of kisses. I fed her snacks and she patiently waited as I broke up the pieces to feed her. She ate so gently right out of my hand. I instantly fell in love with her. The attendant was in shock that she took to me so fast. She said that has never happened before. Apparently she really liked me. They were wanting me to return a few more times so she could get used to me. But after she seen how the dog acted over me, she feels that that may not even be necessary. She may have just adopted me instead of me adopting her. But still, I want to continue to visit her up until the adoption. Even as I was leaving, she acted as though, she wanted to go with me. My heart melted. And I have to admit, I missed her as I sat in my car pondering on my next move. Their still needs to be a home visit to ensure she was going to a good home that didn't have any other dogs or children in the home. No problem. Next week, I'm having fencing put in so she'll have her own yard. But I am a little worried because she does come with a past where her previous owners allowed her and another dog to fight. She sustained several injuries and has noticeable scars. And unfortunately, the other dog didn't survive. It angers me as to why the owners allowed this.

I can provide her with a quite, stable and peaceful environment. It's just me. I can give her all the love and attention she needs. But is that enough? Do I have legitimate concerns? What should I do? What shouldn't I do? I REALLY want her and feel I can make a difference in her world. I want her to be happy. I want to give her her best years. I'm pretty much decided but I would still like your input and advise. Thank you so much.

I am beyond happy that you are weighing out the entire situation, your words show here show me that you are ready to do what it takes to help this pup. Things you should consider before adopting, I know you said it’s just you, but what does the next 5 or so years look for you? Do you have plans to have kids, get married, dream of. having another dog? Adopting a dog with this history will take work and patients. Is this your first dog? I’d recommend getting advice from a trainer that has experience with dogs with her history. She may be the sweetest dog with you, but do you know how she will react in other situations, when you have friends or family over to your house? Or on walks? Or when you have to leave her home alone? I’m not saying any of this to scare you, just to prepare you for your future together.

Every dog I've ever had has been a rescue. My new baby is a 3 year old Dutch Shepherd. I've been researching like crazy because I've never had this breed. There's so much conflicting info about how to make the introduction into our home, that I'm confused about what is best for him. I would really appreciate any advice!!! I just want him to be happy and know he's loved and cherished!

Every dog is different so you need to just take it slow, read the dogs body language and adjust accordingly. Give the dog space and time.

We absolutely love Dutch Shepherds! They are so easy to work with and train. They are cuddly yet great protectors. Their physical abilities are astounding. Our dutchie was amazingly docile. He LOVED to literally cuddle with our other dogs! Sadly he had Lupus and cancer- passed away just 3 weeks ago. I’m trying to find a male dutchie to adopt- our female German Shepherd/Mastiff mix is so depressed without him I hope you and your Dutch Shepherd are having a beautiful life!!

Is it normal or typical that a newly adopted dog is happy and playful the first 5 days and then suddenly turn lethargic and/or sad?? Trying to decide if she is sad or sick…….she is estimated to be 8 months old

The word lethargic scars me a bit… are there any other symptoms of illness? Is she drinking and eating? Happy, then sad is completely normal. But if you are concerned I would talk to your vet just to be sure.

I just brought home my second pup yesterday. She’s almost 1, and this was her 2nd time to be adopted from a shelter. She has special needs. One foot never fully developed and has an open wound. I didn’t expect my anxiety to be so high. I don’t want to fail her, but I also feel like my first pup is resentful that I brought another dog home. They get along really well, but I’m nervous. Your articles have been extremely helpful with calming my nerves.

I just adopted a 1.5 year old collie/retriever mix. He is very at ease and is already really comfortable. I am concerned because he has not gone number 1 or number 2 yet. I only just picked him up 6 hours ago, but he has already had at least 64 oz of water to drink, and we went on 2 very long walks, but it’s like he wasn’t even thinking of peeing. It wasn’t like he was trying to go to the bathroom but nothing was happening; it’s that he hasn’t tried to go to the bathroom at all. He was so excited during both of the walks, so he didn’t seem nervous to go to the bathroom or anything. Is this normal at all?

I also have a separate question. I eventually want him to sleep in the bed with me, but should I make him sleep in his crate for the first few days?

Thanks for sharing all of your knowledge!!

Totally normal for a new dog not to potty… I’ve heard some dogs hold it for days! Just keep an eye on him inside the house so he doesn’t have an accident inside. And yes I would recommend a crate for a few months. Until you both get to know each other better it’s best to keep life simple at first.

I just adopted a 2yr old Male chiwawa.. pardon the spelling. He is about 8 pounds. Brought him home today. So far so good, quite day. He is sleeping alot today. He did eat some, drank little tho. He seems to be exhausted. He was a stray, only in shelter 8 days. He seems to be sneezing abit. And he was covered in fleas when shelter got him. His skin is a bit raw and itchy. I will be taking him to the vet just to get him rechecked. Basically , starting from scratch with lease, potty training etc. Seems to have some anxiety in car and when he dosent see me. Not barking. Whining kinda loud. I'm hoping to nip this in the butt. Allowing him to settle in. Think this is first real home he has had. Praying for the best, this little guy has been thru alot.

Should I put him in crate at night? what if he whines.

Congrats on your new adoption. Sneezing could be kennel cough, make sure to mention it to your vet. I 100% believe crates to be a good tool to use during adjustment period. If he whines, put the crate near you so he feels the comfort knowing someone is near.

I’m adopting a rescue this week but am going on holiday in a month and would have to put him back in a kennel as the house we’re going to won’t take pets.

The rescue centre has a kennel and all the staff adore him but I’m worried it may be too disruptive after such a short time in our home.

Should I cancel the trip ?

I tend to think it could be disruptive to his adjustment period, and could set him back a little. But dogs are resilient. This is a decision you need to make based on your situation. Are you able to postpone the holiday? Or maybe can you find a sitter to come to your house to stay with the dog while you are away?

Just spent the day looking for a dog to rescue. My Milo died in January but I believe he would want me to love and spoil and give a wonderful life to another dog. We found one and we pick him up tomorrow. We are so excited but stressed because of the possible problems that may arise. Hadn’t thought about all of that so I’m greatful for the information. I will be more prepared for his homecoming. I am sure I will be referencing your articles as we move forward. Laura

So sorry for your loss Laura. I know how hard it is to loose a dog. Good luck in your search for your next dog to love.

I've just adopted a greyhound and she spent the first night constantly crying. Today she won't leave my side. I've put up stair gates but she sits and cries if I leave the room. Obviously I have to shower, sleep etc. I'm trying short periods of time leaving the room. I have a camera that allows me to speak to her. I don't really want her upstairs in my house due to the difficulty with stairs. Do you have any advice please on how to solve her stressing? I'm a single person so can't even tag team things

Here are a couple resources for you to read that may help: Rescue Dog Separation Anxiety Help and Adopting a fearful dog and how to help

I'm having this problem atm too, I got my rescue dog on Sunday and she is exactly the same. I've slept in the room she sleeps in fir the last nights as she was just crying and she has settled both nights (my other half isn't t thrilled about the arrangement ) but she's been a lot more settled altogether from it. Although I am hoping to sleep in my bed tonight as I'm exhausted. How long did your dog take to settle down?

Hi – hoping you can help/advise me on an issue that I am having with my rescue dog Ivy. She’s been with me almost a month now and things are going well, few bumps here and there, but she’s settling in, likes our routine, has basic commands down. My major problem is my 2 cats. I’ve been paying attention to Ivy’s behavior, and she wants to see the cats like she wants to see my neighbors dog, who is now her best friend. She gets very excited, they see each other and then in seconds, all is calm. No prey drive really outside with wild animals or birds, so I don’t think she wants to hurt the cats – she just wants to see her new friends. I have baby gates set up, so Ivy cant go certain places that the cats can, and I have Ivy on one side while I distract/redirect her with hot dog pieces and one of the cats on the other – doing the typical cat thing, hissing fluffing, but not running until they’ve had enough of the barking whining thing. – Ivy is getting very good at the sit, stay, pay attention and leave it (especially if a hot dog is involved)- I also have Ivy on 40 foot line inside the house so she can go where ever she wants on the main floor, but only half way up or down for the other 2. Wanted to make sure the cats have escape routes & are safe. Should I take down the gates at this point and just let it “happen” or should I put the cats in a carrier and Ivy in her crate and introduce them that way?? I’m so confused!

Thanks so much

The crate and carrier may add stress. I’d keep the gates up if that is the cats only safety. They should always have an escape route. Did you read the Best way to introduce a dog to a cat so they become best friends ? It sounds like you are doing everything right, just remain patient. I would almost wait until the cats decide it’s safe to be with the dog.

Hi – I adopted a 2 year old rescue dog a week and a half ago, she is very chill and sweet – she doesn’t mind being in crate, I have a very large one in my bedroom for night and we created another large one in an under kitchen wine bar nook, that she chose herself as her spot – so I put a bed, her food bowl and just added a baby gate with a door that I can close to use as a crate. She loves it, its her spot – she doesn’t even want to leave it sometimes – the problems we are having are: 1) my cats, my place is big enough that they don’t even need to be near each other, but I would like them to be able to be in the same room – the dog doesn’t seem to want to hurt them, more excited to see them, which, the cats are not thrilled about. The cats were here first .. 2) most important – she no longer wants to go out in walks – or even go outside – she was doing so well until the other day, we live in a complex next to a golf course, someone was teeing off and that sound freaked her out, tail between the legs, ran home – glad that she knows home is a safe place, but she has not wanted to walk since. Is there anything I can do to help her, I’ve tried treats, and cheese – and she just puts the brakes on and wont budge. I got her knowing she was a very fearful and shut down dog – but she is coming out if her shell very well with me, but I feel like we went backward. Thanks for your help

First, she is still very new to you at 1-1/2 weeks so you are doing well considering. Read the 3-3-3 rule post . For the cat, read this article: Best way to introduce a dog to a cat so they become best friends . Then for the outside issue, have you tried just sitting outside your door on a patio or something to just hang out? On leash, play or just sit and be together. Make it a very positive experience. She will soon understand outside is not so scary. Also read, Adopting a fearful dog and how to help.

Thanks so much!! – I’m doing just that with Ivy (the rescue dog) I do not pull her, I give her lots of reassurance, if she just wants to sit on the porch and just have me pet her, that’s what we do. I’m doing my best to go at her pace. She keeps herself mainly in the kitchen, whether in her nook or not – the cats have plenty of places to go that she does not, so they are safe. I was not aware however until reading the article that its not unusual for it to be months until they get used to each other – – which is a relief because I was stressing so much about that. Thank you again for your input.

Hi. We just adopted a 2.5 year old dog. In October she was pulled from a shelter into a rescue group. Since then she was with the rescue woman and her family along with other dogs and cats. It’s just my husband and I. When my husband leaves for work (I currently work at home due to COVID but will return to an office full time sometime this summer) our dog paces back and forth. She comes to me to be pet and then looks out the window then goes back to pacing. This goes on for hours. Though I take her out and pet her she still paces. She does wag her tail though. I’m just worried about how to make her be more relaxed. I have a crate set up but she hasn’t been in there for a safe place. Any suggestions? Thanks

I’m adopting an adult dog tomorrow (estimated 1-3yrs) and the shelter I’m getting him from isn’t the cleanliest of facilities. When I first met him, he was a bit stinky. Would it be too stressful to take him directly to a groomer before bringing him home?

It may be stressful for him, but if you can find a good groomer that is experienced working with rescue dogs they can take things slow and keep it positive. Congrats on. your new pup!

I brought home a rescue dog 4 days ago and it is not easy. The dog was very scared from the beginning and although he started to trust me and my partner (coming towards us, licking us,… etc.) he doesn’t want to move a lot/come to us when we call for him. He doesn’t know how to walk on a leash, it’s not possible when we try. Consequently, we don’t get the dog outside and he is peeing and shitting inside in the night. We have no idea how we will ever get this dog outside cause at the moment it feels like this could last a looooooooong time! Also we don’t sleep with the dog, but he cries at night and we wonder if that it is bad that we don’t keep him company.. due to the shitting and peeing thing we don’t feel really comfortable with this idea though. Do you have any suggestions/advice for me? Thanks in advance.

Crate train him. It takes time for any dog to adjust. If he’s never learned how to be an inside dog, then yeah it could be a long road, but always worth it in the end. If you aren’t part of our FB community group, I suggest joining. It helps to hear about others stories and how they persevered.

Is it too soon to take my Rescue dog to the Dog groomer? She has only been here a week, but from day one was very friendly and excited and confident. She seems very comfortable with us and everyone / every dog she meets. She sleeps through the night downstairs (only cries for 5 minutes and then settles at the base of the stairs until we come down at 7) when she is very happy to see us. She has never shown any aggression or fear. I have given her one bath (as it is VERY wet and muddy here atm) and she didn’t love it, but didn’t freak out either. And she is OK with me brushing her, but again, isn’t a huge fan especially around her legs and tail – so we don’t do those area’s. However, she is quite long haired so I do want a professional to look at her and groom her, and I want someone to look at her nails to and ensure they are a good length. Is it too soon?

I have recently adopted a dog and on day 3 she is already VERY friendly, comfortable, confident. After a little bit of crying (10 mins max) she settled OK at night, slept through until 6.30-7 the last 2 nights. I gave her a quick bath today as its rainy and muddy so she needed it. She was OK with it but didnt love it. And she is OK when I brush her, but not if I go near near legs or tail when she lets me know she doesn’t like it. My Q is, as she is fairly long haired I want to take her to a groomer to make sure she has a good going over, any Mats and nails are dealt with properly etc. And although I want to do it moving forward I know they will do a better job than me especially first off. Is this too soon to book for her first week? She generally seems very trusting and happy…

It’s not too soon. BUT research for the right groomer. A groomer that understands the needs of a rescue dog, that will take the time to help the dog feel comfortable before rushing into just trimming. You want to make sure it’s a positive experience no matter what.

I have recently adopted an Australian Shepherd who has been through quite a bit of trauma …I’m adopting her from a club that rehomes who got her from a shelter and they found her living on the streets… beyond that we don’t know much more about her other than she has all the symptoms of PTSD & probably abuse… We Believe she is about 3 years-old…my question is what are some things I can do to the room that she will be in that will make her less afraid of everything for the first few weeks and upon her arrival… I don’t want anything I may not be aware of to cause her any extra anxiety or fear… thank you very much

The best thing to do is give her a room that is quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the household. Give her a crate (open door) with a blanket she is familiar with if possible. Give her time and space. Make sure to read our 3-3-3 post.

My husband and I just rescued an abused chihuahua yesturday and this helped so much, thank you for the great advice

You are very welcome. And congrats on your new adoption.

Thank you for the great advice and tips!

I appreciate the advice you shared about giving attention slowly to a dog when you are helping them become comfortable with your home. My sister is planning on adopting a puppy that she would like to turn into an emotional support pet eventually. I’ll be sure to share these tips with her so that she can help the dog get adjusted to her apartment quickly.

My new rescue bonded with my granddaughter the day. She has gone home and I am hoping this pup will feel the same of me

I adore and treasure all animals. Am blessed to have our precious rescue mix breed Coali here with us and our 13 year old rescue tabby Brina ( who now lives with our oldest son . We also have Isabella our senior (6 + yr) guinea pig. My husband our two sons and myself could not be happier. ✨????????????????????

Hello and thank you for sharing your fostering information. My husband and I have owned 6 dogs over our 40 years together. After loosing both our dogs to cancer last fall, we decided to adopt a rescue and start fresh. We have a gorgeous Mexican pup who is 7 months old. She came to Canada July 11 along with her mom and sister who were both adopted. Our girl is wonderful is many ways and we have had her for one week, (just my husband and I live in our home) but introducing her to new people is stressful for her. We have kept it to a minimum but as we enter week 2, I would appreciate any advise you have with regard to introducing her to our other family members. Presently, she will have her hackle up and she growls low and steady when introduced. We try not to react but stand close to her to let her know we have her back. She is not viscious, just shy and scared. She will recoil into us, defer to us so she is starting to trust us. Do I reprimand her when she growls at my adult son who is ignoring her? Do I remover her from the situation? Her crate is open but she prefers to stand back and observe, with concern. Should I put her out in the back yard when she behaves this way? How do we move forward to ensure that she is calm around our friends? Thanks in advance.

Hello. About over a week ago we got a 8 month old PitChow. She came from the countryside of Florida. We live in Massachusetts. We took her in because we were told that she is sweet, playful, and energetic, loves kids and people. But she hasn’t fully shown that side of her. She’s actually a fearful dog. And any noise scares her. We live in a somewhat busy city. People scare her, trash barrels, kids, music, anything scares her. She is not too fond of my wife. She growls and barks at her which scares me. But she’s super attached to me. Will follow me anywhere. Plays with me on the yard. Her growling is actually getting worst and my wife tries her best to not look at her or she softly walks by her or she has a treat ready to distract her. She will go to my wife at her own time to sniff her and maybe lick her but that’s not too often. Im a bit discouraged because my wife is so great with dogs. Not sure why our dog doesn’t trust her.

Good advice , thank you

We have a rescue dog it will be a week tomorrow. He is extremely nervous of everything does not know words, toys, walks and has been growling at my son although he is coming round to him slowly. All he wants to do is sleep. I really don’t know what to do. I’ve spoken to the rescue place but they don’t see to work. Have you any suggestions. Also he won’t stay with my son he’s 25 by the way when I go out and I’ve got to go back to work soon. I’m desperate. I don’t want to send him back. Help!

Please be patient with him. Did you read https://www.rescuedogs101.com/bringing-new-dog-home-3-3-3-rule/ ? He needs time to decompress, adjust to his new home and learn to trust you and your son. If you are on FB, join our community group. It’s a great source of encouragement and advice from others that have gone through similar issues.

Hi! Just adopted a wonder Shepherd two days ago. When I met him at the rescue we spent a few hours playing and I even took him for a walk. He was originally from Philadelphia, where he was trained pretty well. Knows a ton of commands and is potty and crate trained. The first day I allowed him to decompress. My boyfriend came over that night and I decided to have it be on neutral grounds. As soon as he saw him he lunged and snapped. I assumed it was due to my boyfriend’s height and the reaction to just walk up and say hi. Once he bent down and the dog knew he was safe he was fine and has been with him. I took him for his first small walk yesterday. That did not go well! He lunged at two very tall men, on different occasions, both wearing masks due to COVID-19. I thought it was due to men and him being protective, but this morning on our walk he did the same thing to a woman. Which, has me incredibly worried. I have him on a regular leash, but ordered a harness for him. I’m reading as much as I can for this behavior. I have family and friends with children and I’m worried for their safety. As for me, he follows me around everywhere. Does not leave my side. I’ve established boundaries with the bathroom and even leaving him alone while I garden. Any helpful tips? I know he’s scared and fearful and this is him acting out, I just don’t want this to become a bigger problem than it already is.

I’d like you to first read https://www.rescuedogs101.com/bringing-new-dog-home-3-3-3-rule/ . He needs time to decompress more than just two days and learn to trust you before he can trust others. Do not introduce him to kids or others just yet. The lunging and snapping is very concerning and should not be ignored. I know the prong collar is controversal, but it could be a life saver for you and your dog right now. Please read https://www.rescuedogs101.com/the-prong-collar-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/

Hi, We just adopted a 5 year old terrier mix. She unfortunately lost her male owner when he passed away and the body wasn’t discovered for 4 days. (I’m trying not to think too hard about all that could have occurred during those 4 days ????). She’s super sweet, and did amazing on the meet and greet as well as the entire hour ride home. My husband held her and she cuddled him and licked his had. Once home, we introduced her to our fenced back yard which she enjoyed running full speed in. Then I bathed her. Here’s where it gets weird (to me). After the bath, I set her in her new bed along with a toy the shelter said she was VERY attached to. Plus 3 more I bought on the way home. My husband walked out of the bedroom and past her and me sitting on the couch with her in the little bed. All of a sudden she started growling, snarling, and lunging at my husband for no apparent reason. We think possibly she’s had puppies in the past and decided maybe she was being protective of those toys thinking they were puppies? I settled her, took her outside to run around some more, and she was great the rest of this first day…until 7 hours later. Keep in mind, she prefers to be with my husband if possible so again I’m surprised. He again walked out of the bedroom towards where she was laying next to me in her bed. We’ve removed those toys from sight, but she still reacted to his walking by. Not as bad as the first time, but it has us concerned. What am I missing? She isn’t our first rescue, but she is currently the only pet in the home. How do I make her feel safe and loved?

First thing to do is read the 3-3-3 rule on our site. She needs time to decompress and learn to trust you both. I know it feels like she may have settled in already, but trust me, she’s still trying to figure things out. It’s very natural for dogs to “protect” toys, food, bones, etc. it has nothing to do with if she had puppies or not. I’d just give her the time and space she needs. Read https://www.rescuedogs101.com/bringing-new-dog-home-3-3-3-rule/ and also https://www.rescuedogs101.com/resource-guarding-food-aggression-dog/

I have had my1st rescue dog for 5 days and I feel I’ve made quite a few mistakes so have decided to go back to basics again. So today has been day 1 but his fine around me and my husband but I have a very shy and quiet 10yr old daughter who is fearful of dogs and I think he is picking up on this and he keeps barking at her every time she enters the room and has growled a couple of times from a distance he has been told off for it but I cannot get my daughter back into the house properly because she is frightened of him now I know it’s very early days do we just ignore this behaviour or do we keep him separated so she can move around the house he has had a very abusive past he is a street dog from Romania

Keep them separated for now. Ignoring the barking will only make it worse and is reinforcing the behavior. The goal right now is to make both the dog and your daughter feel safe and the only way to do so is separation. Use baby gates and keep the dog in an area your daughter doesn’t frequent. All the dog to decompress in a safe place without having to worry about interactions that are going to stress him out.

My family is going to meet a 5yr old Cane Corso at a local shelter this weekend. If she is a good fit the shelter is prepared to have us adopt her on the spot. Problem is we leave for a 1 week trip two weeks after we would be adopting her. Due to the short notice we have nobody to house sit with her so she would likely have to go to a local kennel for a week. How stressful would this be for her and should we try to postpone adoption until we get back to make it easier on her? Thank you!

The best option would be to hold off on adoption until you return from vacation if it possible. But if she is at a shelter, I’m guessing they won’t hold her. Would it be possible to bring her with you? I’m not going to lie, a kennel would be stressful, she will be in the beginning of transitioning to your home. But she will bounce back, just may take a little longer.

Hi – thank you for any advise. I adopted a 2 years old Shepard mix from a relative that didn’t have time as she was caring for a sick husband for the last year. Cody was raised since 6 months old with her other dog. He actually loves all dogs is not aggressive – doesn’t bark- no accidents except peed cause was scared at first. He is and crate trained . I walk him twice a day approx. a total of 4 miles. My 3 problems are he won’t play ball or with his toys (have bought all kinds), he won’t go into my backyard and per or poop( that’s why so many walks) and he is skittish every time I move about. He will retreat into his crate or spend hours in it. How do I get him to use the backyard if need be and get him to actually play or chew his toys. I have had him about 4 weeks . I know a little of his background that his puppy time was stressful 2 moves and babysat by relatives. Was I assume told to go into crate often. PS if he is eating and I walk by he runs even with food in his mouth and won’t enter my kitchen( maybe taught this?) Thank you for any advice

All great questions. Some dogs are more particular on where they potty. Keep trying and anytime he does potty in the backyard, give him lots of praise, even treats. Try walking around your backyard?

Toys – not all dogs like to play with toys. I wouldn’t worry about this too much. He may open up and want to play more as he becomes more comfortable in his new home.

Overall It sounds like he needs more time to adjust to his new surroundings and learn to trust you. It doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient.

Just rescued a 18 month old Dorkie. She has been through 4 or 5 homes and has already been bred. We will get ahold of the vet on Monday for her exam, vaccinations and setting her up for spay. We are keeping her on leash at all times and sayin her name a 100 times a day, she did not come with a name. Thank you for the information.

Determine where your dog will be spending most of his time. Because he will be under a lot of stress with the change of environment (from shelter or foster home to your house), he may forget any housebreaking (if any) he s learned. Often a kitchen will work best for easy clean-up. If you plan on crate training your dog, be sure to have a crate set-up and ready to go for when you bring your new dog home. Find out more about crate training your dog .

My husband and I adopted a 14 week old hound mix from a local shelter 4 days ago. I have a couple of things that I could use some advice on…

1. For the last 2 days, he’s been very difficult to settle at night. When it’s time to go to sleep, he becomes crazed and insistent that he needs his special bone (an especially delicious treat that he can only have in his cage). He cannot be distracted. He cannot be calmed. He just screams and tries to get away from us (we have him tethered to us any time he’s not in the crate) until he gets what he wants. When he’s in his crate, he has no interest in his bone. His behavior when he’s in his crate ranges from quiet and content to crying, and barking. What’s the best way to get him to settle at night? Note: We know that he’s new to our home and there’s going to be an adjustment period. I’m just trying to help him feel secure and comfortable. The advice I’m seeking his for his benefit.

2. What are some good ways to bond with our new puppy and how long will it typically take to do so? Obviously right now he has no loyalty to us and doesn’t see us as his owners. We just want for him to like us 🙂

Thanks in advance for the advice and support. We are doing our best to make this little guy as happy as he can be! We also want to get a handle on him while he’s small enough for us to pick up (he’s expected to be between 60 and 80 lbs).

Congrats on your new adoption. 1. is he getting enough physical and mental exercise? Sounds like he’s still full of energy at the end of the day. Read How Often Should I Walk My Dog and Why? For #2, read How to Bond with Your Dog (and Why It Matters ). You should join our Facebook community group.

It’s been 3 days since we brought pepper home from Bahrain Animal Rescue Centre. She will only pee and pop on the floor. Today she ate for the first time both her meals. Our main problem beside the potty training is the nights. When we put her into her crate around 10pm she barks and growls all the time. It is keeping us all up and scaring my 4 year old daughter. When we let he out in the morning around 6 she is frenzied. It takes ages to calm her down.

Is there something we are doing wrong? Can you recommend something else? We would love to hear any tips you have.

ThNks so much.

Have you read the 3-3-3 rule post yet? It takes time for any dog to adjust. Also read How to Potty Train a Puppy Fast & Easy and How and Why Crate Train Your Dog in 3 Easy Steps . It’s only been 3 days, give her time.

Hello, and thanks for this website. lots of information that is helpful for me here. I just Adopted my first dog and she is a Husky-German Shephard mix. Beautiful dog she is. I have an issue keeping her in my yard right now but Im hoping i can teach her not to hop over my fence and run off (I have a fully fenced house). What would you recommend to teach her not to jump the fence and run away, because i would prefer to never use a chain or kennel her while im at work so she doesnt run off and get into trouble or ran over by a vehicle. I want this to be her forever home, just like my Cat I have had for his whole life of 13 years so far.

Congrats on your new adoption. It takes time for a dog to create a bond with a new family. Right now she has no idea you are going to be her forever family. So be patient. Both breeds can be high-drive, meaning you will need to keep her busy with a job. Takes walks outside of your yard, teach her tricks, train basic training techniques, puzzles, etc. There are many resources here on the blog that will help you.

Hello ???? thank you for sharing your experiences and tips with the first week of fostering! We took in a German shepherd/lab lady a week ago and are still getting to know each other quite a bit! We’ve had to start training her to avoid our cats right away but she’s smart so I have hope ???? I know we’ll need to be patient as we learn each other’s languages and patterns and It would be nice to keep her but I’m just hoping that if we aren’t able to that we learn enough to be able to properly equip her forever home ❤️

Thanks for fostering her Erin! Whatever you decide she will be lucky to have you in her life, even if it’s for a short time.

My son’s birthday is coming up next month, and he has been asking me to get him a new puppy. I appreciate the advice about keeping things quiet and uneventful during the first day home with the new pet. These tips you shared will help us know how to help the puppy adjust to being in a new environment.

Thank you for writing this article! I just took in a beautiful chihuahua/terrier mix from a rescue and he is now on his second day with us and our current dog. I want to make sure I give him the space he needs and not overwhelm him with my eagerness to train him and get him on board with the routine.

We just adopted a beautiful 2y old yellow lab. We brought her home yesterday from Kootenai animal shelter. 1/28/2020. She’s really timid and has slept almost 24 hours straight. She was recently fixed. I know this is probably completely normal, however I’m so worried.

Do not worry! Please read our 3-3-3 rule post , it will put things into perspective. Be patient.

We just adopted 2 mixed Labs from a Local Shelter (litter mates Male and female) We have had 25 -30 dogs during our 51 years of marriage . Every one of these dogs responded to kindness and caring . Also forgot to explain these guys are 8 years old and have been in a shelter their entire lives. My question is how long before they begin to respond to normal commands We know only a small amount of history. they are not aggressive but very skittish of even slight noise or movement Any suggestion or advice 1-5-2020

Congrats on your new adoptions! Please read this article – https://www.rescuedogs101.com/bringing-new-dog-home-3-3-3-rule/ – it will help you understand the stages of adjustment. As for responding to normal commands, they will learn as soon as you teach them.

I just adopted my new pup last night. After my Dad and I saw him with a volunteer on Saturday at the front doors of the Humane Society. I couldn’t get my mind off him. (My dad jokingly told my mom we almost didn’t walk in the door. So my mind was on him the entire weekend and I decided yesterday he would be my new baby boy! Hey did great our first night together (12/10/19) My boyfriend visited him in the shelter on Monday and was in love. How do I help “Leo” adjust? He had an upset tummy on my rug last night (no big deal I didn’t fuss or yell; just cleaned it up) I am worried I am going to baby him to much and no be a strong leader as I did my last pup. We walked last night and this morning I have noticed last night him being in the car he was scared I doubt he has been in a car beside switching shelters. He pee peed on me lol on the way home. He was scared of the cars and smells and loud noises. How can I help him adjust properly?

Congrats on your new baby boy Ellison! There are lots of resources on our adoption page . I recommend reading the 3-3-3 rule first and keep reading from there. I also recommend joining our free Facebook community group .

We just got a 5 month old pitbull last week. He’s sweet and loves being on top of you like a lap dog. We’re trying to house train him but he still has accidents when we’re not hawking him. It’s as if he waits for the moment we let our guard down and goes somewhere he’s not in eye sight then pees. Mind you, we had just taken him out 30 minutes ago or less. He also has spurts of over-excitement and nips at us when we tell him no. When we tell him no, he just gets more aggressive. We have a 1 year old. Please give me some tips. thank you.

Trust me I know how frustrating it can be, but you need to be patient. He’s been through a lot and needs time to get to know you and adjust. A few articles I want you to read:

• Bringing Home a Rescue Dog and the 3-3-3 Rule How to Potty Train a Puppy Fast & Easy How Do I Get My Puppy to Stop Nipping or Biting Me?

Next, please join us in our Facebook community . It helps to be among others that are going through similar issues.

Hi ! I just rescued a 6 month old lab mix . They didn’t have any history on him they said he was transferred from another shelter . He’s super sweet and playful but he’s very nervous which is to be expected . He nervous pees a lot and he barks a lot at my boyfriend . He also refuses to come back inside after I take him out . Any tips ? I also tried to leave him in the crate and he was screaming crying and digging in the cage , I thought he would have been used to cages being in shelters. What do I do ? How do I leave the house ?

Hi Nikki, if you just brought the dog home, then he needs time to decompress and adjust. Please read this article first: https://www.rescuedogs101.com/bringing-new-dog-home-3-3-3-rule/ We also have many resources on the blog about crate training and potty training.

Hi, thank you for the download it’s full of excellent advice. I have a 2yr old Romainian rescue Heinz 57 for all of 2 days, she eats drinks and toilets perfectly, she is already playing playing with us, but I do have 2 issues, 1 she chases the cat and 2 she will bark excessively at whoever is in the house if the come down from upstairs or through the front door. She has full access through the house except the bedrooms, she has her own bed but jumps on the couch there are no stair gates and no crate as I felt she had been caged long enough plus the foster didnt cage, but she was with 2 other dogs is this where I’ve gone wrong Kind regards Lorraine

Lorraine, two days is much too soon to suspect any behavior issues. Please read about the 3-3-3 rule.

I appreciate the advice on learning how to read the body language of your dog when you first bring it home. I want to adopt a new dog soon. These tips will be very helpful when I find one to adopt.

Just adopted a 3 month pound pup- mastiff mix. It’s been 2 weeks, and he’s coming around. Still very scared but there’s moments of energy play! My question is when I can introduce my siblings eight-month-old puppy to him? I don’t want to add any more stress to him. Also when should I give him his first bath, since he’s so scared and getting to know me I don’t want to stress him out even more 🙂 thank you!

I’m assuming the other puppy doesn’t live with you? I’d start by taking walks together and see how they react. Once they are comfortable walking, then let them play in a backyard for short periods. If either of them start to get stressed, separate. Watch both puppies body language for any calming signals. As for a bath, if he doesn’t stink, then no rush. If he does stink from being in the shelter, then just give him a quick bath and a lot of comfort afterwards.

We just brought home our 1 yr old pup yesterday. She was fostered for 5 days after being with a family since she was a puppy. She will not lay down unless she is in her crate. Is there a max amount of time dogs should be crated? Or is it better for her to be crated during this transition time if it’s the only time she will relax? Otherwise she walks around the first floor constantly, following me if I am walking around. But if I’m sitting she won’t stay near me, just keeps walking. Thanks!

One day… way too soon to speculate any behavior. You can crate her for as long as you need, but I wouldn’t for more than 8 hours at a stretch. And when she is not in the crate, make sure she gets enough exercise. Read this article next: https://www.rescuedogs101.com/bringing-new-dog-home-3-3-3-rule/ .

I’d just like to thank you for this informative article!

About 3 days ago I adopted an 8 month old pit/terrier mix.She came from a high kill shelter in TX while I live in MI.

All I can say is this poor girl is afraid of her own shadow. She won’t even come out of her crate to go potty. I have tried to entice her with treats but she puts her head down. So I gently have to get her out of the crate to go outside. Once outside she’s terrified of every sound. I just act like it’s no big deal and praise her when she does her business. I fully intend on taking to her to classes or having a private trainer for her in the future.

She was obviously abused or had very poor socialization. But she is the sweetest and cutest girl I’ve ever seen.

My question would be, do you have any tips or suggestions moving forward? I hate that I have to pick her up out of the crate to go outside. I don’t want to traumatize her. But it seems to be the only thing that works!?

Again thank you!

Emily B. MI

Congrats on your new adoption Emily! Three days is still very early in the process of adjusting. I’d give her more time and continue to take her out of her crate to go outside to potty. Does she eat meals on her own? Maybe the treats aren’t high-value enough to make her want to come out? Find something that she loves so much she will do anything for. But with all that said, at this point, I’d give her more time to adjust and learn to trust you. Her world has just been turned upside down.

We brought Bella (I’m thinking lab/pit mix) home tonight from the AZ Humane Society. She immediately knew what to do for potty and riding in the car. She sat perfectly the whole ride home. She has been sweet and calm and going potty outside. She isnt super into eating but drinking a lot. She does have loose bowels but I’m thinking all the change? We drove over to a friends to pick up something and it was dark. Same friends who went with is to shelter and played with her and drove home with us. As they approached the car, it was dark. That was the first time she growled and barked. Definitely a protector but made me nervous. Maybe bc it was dark and she is just been with us for a few hours? But shes been great! She sits and shakes. As soon as we told her kennel for bed she went in. When we walked away she cried so hard. But as soon as my daughter laid by her on the couch she went to bed.

Congrats on your new family member! I wouldn’t worry about the nighttime barking incident. My dogs still get spooked in the dark, even if they know the person.

My husband and i just received our 1 year old Lhasa Apso poodle mix. He was a rescue from TJ Mexico. We are completely in love with him and he seems completely in love with us. We couldn’t be happier, he’s sleeping a lot! We figure the two day road trip from Mexico to the Bay Area has taken a toll on him. If anyone out there is thinking about rescuing and is clear about the responsibility you won’t be disappointed! My husband has said he’s never seen me this fulfilled and happy, it’s a different type of happiness that only fur babies can provide!

Congratulations Leticia on your new adoption! Feel free to join us in our free Facebook group for other rescue dog parents! https://www.facebook.com/groups/690535831406635/

We have just brought a 4 yr old french bulldog home. Our problem is she gets up to go outside 2 or 3 times a night, always has to go to the bathroom. Any suggestions on getting her to control bowels and bladder thru the night? We take her for a good walk before bed and she pees.

My first recommendation is to see a vet to make sure she doesn’t have a UTI or something else medically wrong. If she is cleared health wise, then it may be just a habit she formed. If you don’t let her out will she have an accident inside?

We just brought home a 3 year old rescue pit bull. I have a 9 year old Yorkie. The pit is already a little aggressive if the Yorkie comes near her cage or her toys. She is fine we when walk them together or if the interact when she is leashed in the house. Any suggestions on how we can help her with the aggression towards “her” spaces when she is not leashed?

Please read The Best Way to Introduce a Second Dog Into Your Pack . That should give you a lot of ideas on introducing the two the right way. Take things slow.

He is a five year old beagle mix. He seems to be adjusting fast and appears to be trained, he is very smart but he wants nothing to do with food, I think he would eat tablefood given the chance but I do not want him eating unhealthy foods and begging. I just got him last evening so it has just now been 24 hours. He already is adjusting to me being out of sight for short times

Be patient. It’s very common for dogs to not want to eat during transition. Please read Bringing Home a Rescue Dog and the 3-3-3 Rule

We just brought Dahlia home last night. Lab/pit/terrier mix, 2 years old. After reading some of the stories here, I think we are quite lucky! I didnt find your site until after we had brought her home, and we did end up with a couple accidents after giving her the run of the house straight away, but thats been the worst of it. She took to us quickly at the shelter, was more than ready to hop in the car to leave and already seems very comfortable with my husband, daughter (7) and I and being in her new home! She seems to be joined at my hip most of the time, it appears that Im her person ???? Im sure there could be setbacks, but for now we’re enjoying her calm and sweet disposition ???? Thanks so much for having a great site for newbies like me to get help, advice, and peace of mind!

Congrats on the new adoption. I’m glad you found the site, if you haven’t already, sign up for the free resource library.

I have a 16yo staffie-pit. She is 86 lbs. The calmest and sweet dog. Likes dogs. I am between yes and no to adopt. My dog is also a rescue I am going to adopt a pit again. Is my dog too old at this point and should l wait?

Only you can answer this question. You know your dog best and how she will react. If you do decide to adopt a second dog, please read The Best Way to Introduce a Second Dog Into Your Pack

My husband&i have just adopted a two year old Lurcher he’s been a ex working dog so as not had a good start in life so hence him being in a shelter my husband&i saw him a few times before adopting him and didn’t see any signs of distress whilst in pen so that’s one reasons we chose him he’s such a calm loving dog doesn’t chew,soil etc but we’ve found out when we leave him he’s barking,howling, pacing really anxious so he’s obviously got separation issues which is understandable the life he’s had but as we both work he’s going to be left on his own or when we go out at times we’re looking for advice on how we can reassure him we will be back, we’ve took advice from lots people including vets,rspca but nothing works, radio on duvets over crate, toys, treats nothing seems to work we was wondering if anyone can give us some advice as this is desperately needed Thankyou.

Hi Julie, Please read Rescue Dog Separation Anxiety Solutions . I have loads of suggestions in that post.

My mom just brought a new rescue dog into her home, and she already has one other dog. We have contacted a dog trainer to come help us, but with the trainer’s schedule, we have 2 more days before she can see us.

Question is, what do we with the dogs until then? Currently, the new dog is penned in the mud room next to the kitchen with a baby gate. Should we keep her in there until the trainer comes to see us? Can we allow her some short time outside of the room now and then, or is that a bad thing?

Also her resident dog seems kind of unsure or even resentful about the new dog, he’s become somewhat aloof all of the sudden and isn’t really bouncing around the house like he used to? Is he just adjusting to the new situation and it will pass? or do we have reason to be concerned? (There has been no aggression between the two dogs)

Please read The Best Way to Introduce a Second Dog Into Your Pack . This should answer all your questions. I would recommend keeping them separate for now, slow introductions will be key for a smooth transition. Glad to hear you have enlisted the help of a trainer.

My mother in law is fostering a 1 year old German Short Haired Pointer. My fiance and I have a Weimaraner and 2 kitties. We have always wanted another dog for Archie (weim) to play with and we have always wanted a GSP. We brought him home 3 days ago to have him stay with us for a few days to see if its a good fit with us and the other animals. He and Archie get alond great and play well together. He is a super sweet dog and they cuddle together at night and in the morning.

The one issue is that he is whining basically 24/7 unless he is playing, on a walk or sleeping. He paces and whines and goes to the door so we let him outside and go with him. Then he paces and whines outside nonstop. Is this anxiety from moving to a new home? What can I do to stop his whining and make him more comfortable? OR is this just his personality?

I have some questions. My sister adopted a dog about 7 months ago. I wasn’t with her. She called ” it going on an errand”. She calls me and tells me about him. I said bring him home. He bonded with her right away.

I live with her she bought a house last year. I have tried talking to and playing with Tuffy (his name). But he hasn’t bonded to me. For first 6 months she had him, he would run away from me when I try to be near him.

He is in dog training classes and doing well. Trainer suggested I feed him until he would get use to me. So he is ok. I did that and it worked. He doesn’t run away anymore. Sometimes he will let me pet him. Sometimes he runs away. I am being gentle.

When she first got him I had a cat. I haven’t had one in months it ran away. I was wondering if maybe he isn’t bonding with me, because I wasn’t there when she got him? She thinks it could be because I had a cat when she got him, my focus was more on my cat then. But I did interact with Tuffy daily.

He was an owner surrender. Owner had health issues. I know my sister said on his paperwork that he was left alone for up to 10 hours a day. I am on disability so I am home, while my sister works.

Tuffy comes alive when she comes home. He just lays on the couch and mostly ignores me when I am home, which I find frustrating.

We didn’t have cats or dogs growing up. This was my first time with living with a dog. She has lived with people who have had dogs in the past.

She is interested in adopting another dog. I told her I wanted to be there when she does. She is fine with that. I admit it took me 4 months to even like her dog. Do you have any advice on how to adjust? To get to the point where he is fine with me around. I am frustrated. My sister is interested in adopting another dog. Maybe a puppy. Then they can bond to me and my sister. They won’t have trauma from living in another house or two.

It’s not uncommon for a dog to bond more with one person. But with that said, there are things you can do to strengthen your relationship. Feeding him is a good start. But also consider taking him for walks, playing ball or tug of war, training him even for a few minutes a day. What are things that your sister does with him that you do not? Consider doing those things while your sister is at work.

I just picked my rescue dog up. Myself and the shelter believe she was abused by a male because she tends to take to females better. She seems like she is afraid to explore the rest of the house. I want her to do it when she feels ready. She is only 3 years. However she has been lying next to the front door and sleeping next to it and sometimes even whining. We take her out to let her do her business and seems to be happy outside but once we bring her in she goes to the door/window and scratches then sleeps. Could this be a sign of homesickness and maybe we should just give her some time to adjust?

Hi Austin, Congrats on your new adoption! She needs more time to become comfortable in her new home and with you.

Some insecure dogs feel more comfortable with women then men, not because they’ve been abused by a male, but because females have a softer voice and way of being, which can be more comforting to dogs.

Give her the space she wants, and I’m sure she will start to come to you as time passes. Read Bringing Home a Rescue Dog and the 3-3-3 Rule . That will help you understand the process your dog is going through. Good luck and just be patient with her.

Thank you very much ma’am for your help! I will be sure to read the information provided!

We have a rescue dog for the first time. She is adjusting well but does. not bark. We were told. She was three then five and now by our vet ten. We’re very sad about her age but love her dearly, She smellsand I don’t. know what to do about it .she has had two haircuts and after a few day the smell is back again. She has had diarreia constantly but has been to the vet many times in the two months we had her. She is on another medicine now and we hope it works. We love her so and willl never give her up.

Deanna, so sorry you are struggling with her age and health. Many times rescues have to guess about the age and they have no background information to go by. Read this, it may help shed some light on the question of age: https://www.rescuedogs101.com/3-big-clues-to-how-old-is-my-dog/ .

As for the smell, it sounds like maybe a yeast infection? I recommend getting her on a good probiotic. This is the one we use and recommend.

Also, find a shampoo such as Jax and Daisy shampoo and lotion

My dog has been sneezing and I fed him raspberries one day and through up the next day but I think he’s sick and it’s my first time having a dog I don’t know if it’s bring he’s sick or because he’s getting adjusted to his new home. He’s also coughing then gags as if he need to throw up or has something stuck in his throat. Lmk what to do

Take him to the vet! It sounds like kennel cough to me, but your vet can tell you for sure and get him on meds to make him feel better. If it is kennel cough it’s contagious, so keep him away from other dogs. As for the raspberries, it’s possible it upset his stomach, or he could be allergic to them.

I adopted two potcakes that did not have a good start in life. They are so loving. Wish I had this a few months ago!!

Sounds like they found their perfect forever home! Thanks for adopting!

Hi there, love your page btw!! My boyfriend and I own a 1 year old miniature dachshund named Benny, he is the most loveable fun little guy. We rescued a 4.5 year old miniature dachshund named diesel just 2 nights ago. He is so sweet, but he is very sad. He seems to only want to sleep and is very snappy with Benny. For the most part they get along but if Benny wants to play or gets too close to him he’ll snap and bite at him. He’s been okay with myself and my boyfriend and loves to cuddle but if he’s laying on the bed/couch and we try to pick him up he’ll bite at us. We want to make it work so bad because he so deserves it. Any and all advice would be so appreciated!! He’s doing very well for just 3 days but I don’t want my Benny getting hurt and we are sometimes scared to touch him worried he’ll try and bite us.

Thank you Ashley! That means so much to me. So there are a lot of things to consider here. Where did you adopt Benny from? I’m surprised he was not assessed before being adopted, they should have seen some of this behavior and let you know before bringing him home. With that said, 2 days is a very short time. I have a two articles I want you to read that I think will help: Bringing Home a Rescue Dog and the 3-3-3 Rule and The Best Way to Introduce a Second Dog Into Your Pack . Oh and reading his body language could help a lot too: How to Talk to Dogs

I adopted a 12 year old westie/yorkie mix, Lucky. We have had him for a week with my 12 year old mini schnauzer, Max. They have been living in harmony and the transition was remarkably easy. Last night Max stepped in Lucky’s cage and Lucky attacked him. Now today, we had them both outside and there were no issues. When we had Lucky outside and wanted him to come in and put Max outside, he lunged again and bit Max. I tried to separate them and Lucky bit me. I’m sure Lucky was just being protective of his space but I’m not quite sure what to do next. I do not want to give him back but I don’t know what would be an appropriate timeline for improvement with training.

Wow… okay, let’s start at the beginning. How did you first introduce the two dogs? Not that we can turn back time, but I always recommend keeping the dogs separate for the first 24-48 hours. I’m guessing that at first Max figured Lucky was just visiting, but now that he seems to be staying, Max feels the need to protect his territory. I would keep them separated now for a while, basically starting over. Keep introductions short and supervised. Do not allow Lucky to have free roam of the house for now. Keep him on a leash if you need, or separated by baby gates. Read this article for more information: https://www.rescuedogs101.com/best-way-introduce-second-dog-into-your-pack/

It’s been just a week now that Abbey has been with us, and we have some questions— just wondering what “normal behavior “ is for a rescue dog ???? and if you have any advice.

She is a very sweet and gentle girl. She has begun following us around to different rooms we are in and laying down near us.

She will let us pet her if we approach her in her bed, but she will never come to any of us. If we approach her while she’s wandering the house she will look at us and run away.

Also, we cannot even coax her to go outside to potty, we just must leave the back door wide open and allow her to go out on her own but she only does this twice a day. She must have an amazing bladder!

And she seems very afraid of a leash when we bring it out, so we have not even attempted a walk.

Can you give us some feedback or any more information to help us out. we can’t tell if she seems to be thriving yet.

I recommend reading The 3 Days, 3 Weeks, 3 Month Rule . You didn’t mention how old Abbey is, or what her situation was before coming to you. I’m going to guess that she was in a shelter and not a foster home when you adopted her. A week is still very new and I would continue to give her the space she is asking for. Every dog and every situation is different, so you’ll need to read her body language and take it as slow as she needs. To get her use to the leash, you can try using treats to get her comfortable with its presence. It sounds like you’ll need to work on her confidence, but again, take it slow.

We have just rescued 1 year old bull mastiff x argentine dogo on Saturday January 12th. He is HUGE and we are learning leash manners. I take him out for walks and let him loose in our fenced horse pasture for free time. So far so good. He comes when I call him….eventually…he pauses for a minute and cocks his head as if trying to decide whether to come or not and then he bounces/bounds to me with his tail wagging. When I am in the living room – he lies on the blanket in front of me When I am in the bedroom – he lies on the mat beside the bed When I am in the kitchen – he lies on the mat at the back door When I am in the shower – he lies on the mat and waits for me When I sit on the couch – he puts his head on my lap and just sits there as I pet him I am using lots of positive reinforcement as he learns to walk at my speed on leash (this was a definite training requirement as he is HUGE and when we picked him up he just pulled his owner all over – so he’s used to just pulling – I have a bad knee so it is critical that he learns to walk at my pace – so far so good – he no longer drags me – I am getting lots of exercise walking him at this point! My husband has bad knees and back, so it’s me doing all the training so far. We play fetch and he brings me the ball – he tends to want to play tug of war but due to his size – I patiently wait for him to quit head butting me with toy/ball until he drops it – which he does eventually – then I throw it. I am hoping that he bonds to us quickly as I would like to be able to open the door and let him out to do his business, knowing that he will come to be let in when he’s done – considering my husbands knees and back situation – more for him than me! I take him for a walk at this time on leash, or let him loose in the field and walk – stay with him – he heads off exploring and comes back when I call him – and when he’s done being outside – he starts to walk in front of you as if to say “that’s enough let’s go back”. In the field he stays right with me – looking forward to the day that I can take him out for a walk off leash through the bush. My question is – when will I know that we are bonded enough that I can just open the door and let him out? My husband works nights and I work days so he is never home alone for any length of time. My husband is wondering when he will be able to just let him out to relieve himself etc. Looking forward to your feedback. Thank you

Wow for only having him for two days, sounds like you have adopted a wonderful dog! I recommend reading The 3 Days, 3 Weeks, 3 Month Rule to get more details. But in short, 3 weeks is when you’ll start noticing him bond with you, and at 3 months he will be completely comfortable in his home and should be bonded with you 100%. Every dog and every situation is different. I believe you will know in your heart when he’s ready to go outside by himself.

You can also train him to come inside on command using a bell or whistle. We just moved out to the country and taught our dogs once we ring the bell, it’s time to come inside. It’s super easy to train. Simply ring the bell, give a treat. Start this inside the house, just randomly. Bell, treat. Bell, treat. Then try it at distances, so if he’s in another room, ring the bell and when he comes running to you, give him a treat. These treats should be high-value, meaning something he doesn’t normally get and really loves. Once he comes when you ring the bell inside, move outside and do the same thing. Bell, treat. My dogs now come bolting from the other end of our 5 acres, just to come inside.

We just brought home a 2yr old pit mix from the shelter. The first night we crated him in our guest room where he was baby gated during the day to decompress. We also crate him when we go to work or leave the house. I was reading in your article it might be better to have the crate in our bedroom when we sleep, but we have a 4yr old lab mix who sleeps on our bed at night. Do you suggest having him in the crate and her on the bed at night in our room or continue to keep him crated in the separate guest room?

If he’s doing well in the guest room, there is no need to bring him in your room. If he’s struggling with being by himself, then I suggest it could help him feel more comfortable being in the same room as you.

I rescued a chihuahua/whippet mix . Carmen is 3 years old. What we know about her is she came from a bad hoarding situation and had 3 litters. She is afraid of men and doesn’t like to be put on a leash. We have had her for almost one month. She runs when my husband and son try to pet her but more when our son who is 20 does. She seems comfortable with my husband when being fed and when she is tired and snuggles with him. She has a lovable side especially when she is tired and when she wants to play. She has bitten me when trying to put her leash on which than became a nightmare trying to get it on her and put in our truck . . She ran around the house pooping like crazy and was growling at us. She will not allow my son to go near her and will run away. She goes to my husband but sometimes she backs away. I want to give her a fair chance but I really don’t know how to help her. I don’t know what to do to change her behavior and I am torn between deciding if I should return her. If you can help me out I would appreciate any advice you have. I have decided to keep her for another couple a weeks hoping I will see a change. I don’t want to give her up because see she has potential but I don’t know how to help with her fear of men

Carmen is going to need a lot of time to adjust. I know you may not want to hear it, but take it extremely slow with her. Dogs that have come from situations like this need time to earn trust. Have your husband and son not pet her unless she comes to them. Never confront her face to face, always allow her to come to you for attention. A slip lead may help to get it on her without having to touch her. Honestly, you may want to consult a local behavior trainer. Good luck and I hope you don’t give you on her!

Thank you for the advise. That is what we are doing now. She has no problem coming to me. She has been coming up to my husband especially when she wants to cuddle on the couch . She for some reason prefers to lay with him at night time and when we go to bed she has to sleep between the both us of and wants to be petted and cuddle before she falls asleep. She always makes sure she is sleeping on the pillow next to my husband. As far as our son she is still standoffish and we have told him just let her get comfortable coming to him. We want to work with her because she is a good dog and very lovable .

My new baby is coming home this weekend and blogs like yours help me feel a little more confident in rescue adoption

Congratulations Ashley! I bet you just can’t wait!!! Glad the Rescue Dogs 101 blog could be of help, and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email me.

Hello! I liked the point you made of letting your rescue dog decompress in the in the beginning stages of bringing them home- it goes without saying that it is a major transition moving from a shelter to a home and your new friend will definitely need time to adjust accordingly. This is also a good time to get a routine established, which can ultimately make them feel more comfortable as well.

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How to Prepare for an Adoption Home Visit

7 tips for acing your inspection and bringing your new pup home.

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So you’ve found a pet to bring into your family and filled out the  adoption application opens in a new tab . Many people don’t realize that when adopting from a rescue or shelter, there is often another step before you bring your pup home: The dog adoption home visit, where a representative from the rescue or shelter visits your house or apartment. Learn all about how to prepare for this step in the adoption process and what to expect from a home visit.

What is a home visit for adopting a dog?

You may be wondering why this step is necessary after you’ve already filled out an application. Shelters and rescues want to find the right home for each animal and ensure you will be a good pet parent. A home visit is their opportunity to make sure your home is suitable for a pet and remind you of the commitment and responsibility you’re accepting. In most cases, a home visit for dog adoption is just confirmation that your new pet will be safe, loved, and cared for as a member of your family.

Why do shelters do home visits?

Rescues and shelters often schedule a home visit to help them determine if your living environment and lifestyle are  ideal fits opens in a new tab  for the particular dog you want to adopt. It’s important that new pet parents have the time, resources, and knowledge to provide for their pet’s needs, and a home visit allows the shelter to make sure that the dog will have the loving home they deserve.

Why is preparing for an adoption home visit important?

Your adoption home visit is your opportunity to demonstrate that you can properly care for a rescue pet. Think of the apartment pet interview like a job interview — if you don’t prepare ahead of time, you likely won’t put your best foot forward.

Preparing for an Adoption Home Visit

Everyone in your household, whether other family members or roommates, should be involved in preparing for a home visit and new pet. You should talk to children about how to help take care of the dog and how to behave kindly toward animals.

To make a good impression on the adoption agency representative, you should also come prepared with your own questions to ask to show how invested you are in the process and how much thought you’ve given to taking care of a pet.

What should I do to prepare my home?

You want to show the shelter representative that you understand the responsibility of caring for a pet and will provide your new family member with everything they need to be happy and healthy. Take time to learn how to prepare for a dog and purchase all the  required supplies opens in a new tab , like a crate, water and food bowls, a collar and leash, and plenty of fun toys.

What questions will a shelter ask me during adoption?

When asked, “Why do you want to adopt a dog?” answer truthfully and openly. A home visit is often more of a conversation than a formal interview, and while your answers may not determine the shelter’s final decision, the shelter representative will still ask you multiple questions to gauge your ability to care for a dog. Be prepared for the following dog adoption interview questions and answers:

Have you had experience with this particular type of animal before?

Does everyone in your household agree to get a new pet?

Do you have children? Are they comfortable and responsible with pets?

Do you currently have any pets? Are they compatible with other animals?

Do you rent or are you a homeowner?

Do you have a yard? Is it fenced in? If not, how do you plan to provide exercise, and how often?

Where will your pet be kept during the daytime? And at night?

How do you plan to care for your pet if you need to leave town?

No matter how much you prepare, you may receive some questions during the home visit that you aren’t sure how to answer. Give an honest response, and if you don’t know the answer, admit it. The shelter representative won’t expect you to know everything, and it’s better to admit your lack of knowledge than to make up an answer.

What can I do after the home visit to further support the adoption process?

An adoption home visit is also a chance for you to ask questions of the shelter representative about your potential new pet’s history and temperament. Below are some common questions to ask when getting a dog that can help you prepare for your newest family member:

What is the dog’s history?

Are there any health issues or concerns that I should be aware of?

Do you know what breed(s) the dog is?

What have you noticed about the dog’s personality?

Is the dog house-trained? Do they already know any basic commands?

Does the dog get along with children? With dogs? Other animals?

Knowing the questions to ask before adopting a dog shows that you are engaged in the adoption process and lets the shelter know that you care about providing a proper home for the dog as much as they do.

What are some common mistakes to avoid during an adoption home visit?

Like any other kind of interview, one of the worst things you can do during an adoption home visit is to give the shelter representative the answers you think they want to hear. Be honest and open with your answers — and with your home. That means giving the representative a full tour of the house, including where your pet will eat and sleep. You should also already have supplies for your dog before the home visit to show your preparedness and commitment.

What to Expect During a Home Visit

Your adoption home visit is a chance to show that you can and will provide your new pet with a safe and loving home. We asked Melissa Giordano, Adoption Coordinator of the  Sato Project opens in a new tab , to fill us in on what to expect during this step of the adoption process, so you can better prepare to make the best possible impression.

1. It’s all about state of mind

Giordano emphasizes that shelters and rescues are looking for people who want to do best by their animals.

“We’re not looking for you to have a spotless home with perfect everything because that doesn’t exist,” Giordano says. “We just want to make sure that the dog is going to be safe and that the people are open to suggestions and are going to be thinking through things that could potentially cause a problem.”

So the first thing you can do is take a deep breath and frame the visit in your mind as a chance to have a better and  safer environment for a pet opens in a new tab .

How to Puppy Proof Your Home opens in a new tab

Is your home a danger zone for a new dog? Follow these pro tips.

2. Think like a nervous dog

Giordano emphasized that a major part of her organization’s work is making sure there are no easy ways for a pet to escape their adopter’s home because animals may try and make a break for it if they’re in a new space and spooked. That means making sure that all windows and doors close securely and that you’re not relying on a screen for preventing escape; that any air conditioning units are properly anchored and the soft closures around them held firmly in place; that fences and gates (if present) are fully secure; and that there are no easily accessible tables or chairs for them to get high enough to jump over.

Your space doesn’t need to be spotless, but you need to do a decent clean-up. You want the shelter to know that you’re capable of keeping your home clean and that there’s not anything dangerous for the dog to easily get into. That means securing any garbage containers so they’re not easy to knock over and rifle through; making sure  any plants you have around are pet-safe opens in a new tab ; and, if you have cat litter, making sure the dog can’t get into it. Giordano points out that things you might not even think of could be a problem: “Kids’ toys — sometimes you don’t even think about it, but puppies will chew those apart and could potentially get injured or swallow something that could get stuck.”

4. But don’t be too precious with your belongings

Animals, unfortunately, can be destructive — even if they don’t mean to be. A newly introduced dog may make messes regardless of  how house-trained they are opens in a new tab  as they struggle to get used to a new place. And  they may chew or scratch opens in a new tab  if they’re particularly nervous. So go into the adoption process with the knowledge that there might be some damage around your home, and if you have any rugs, furniture, or extremely precious belongings that you can’t stand to see possibly hurt, put them away until the animal is totally settled and you know how they’ll behave.

10 Questions to Ask a Shelter About an Adoptable Dog opens in a new tab

From exercise needs to medical history to compatibility with kids, here is everything you need to know.

5. Introductions, please

The agency will also want to meet whoever currently lives in your house — people and animals. Not every animal is suited to every living situation, so this helps them ensure that the pet is going into an environment where they will be comfortable. They’ll probably want an introduction to your family members, roommates, and  any other animals onsite opens in a new tab .

6. Be prepared for in-person or over video

In large part because of the pandemic, you may be asked to do a video home visit rather than one in person. This entails dialing into a video chat where a staff member can talk to you as you walk around the house and reveal anything they need a closer look at. Or they might just want you to video a home tour on your own and send it in, which can be easier to coordinate with everyone’s schedules.

7. Be open to change

Above all else, remember that this isn’t an adversarial visit. The shelter wants you and the animal to be the best possible match so that everyone can be happy and fulfilled with one another. Any suggestions they give are so that an animal you adopt will be safer and happier — so go into the process with an open mind and a willingness to adapt, and you’ll be fine.

“The people that are coming to do the home visits are not going to judge them,” Giordano says. “We are not looking for a perfect house. We are just getting a sense for the person or the family to make sure that it’s a match for our dog and that they’re able to give our dog the best, safest, and most loving home.”

What are the reasons for denying pet adoption?

Not every pet adoption application is accepted, and shelters have a number of reasons for denying an adopter. For example, if you work long hours, the shelter may be worried that the dog will spend too much time alone and won’t get the love and care they need.

Some other reasons for denying pet adoption include:

Your home doesn’t have a fenced yard or is too small for the dog

You already own several pets

You are too young (in college or younger) and may not have time to commit to a pet

You are too old and may not be able to properly care for a pet

You have young children in the home

Your current pets are not up-to-date on vaccinations and care

None of your current pets are spayed or neutered

Remember that every pet and every situation is different. The shelter just wants to find the best possible home for each dog in their care, and reasons for denying an adoption are in the pet’s best interests.

FAQs (People Also Ask)

Preparing for your home visit shows that you are ready for the commitment of caring for a pet.

Prepare your home by purchasing the  supplies opens in a new tab  you need to make your home safe and comfortable for your dog. Get rid of  anything  opens in a new tab that could be  dangerous opens in a new tab  to a pet.

How can I make a good impression on the adoption agency representative?

Be enthusiastic about the process, answer questions honestly and openly, and ask your own questions.

Should I involve my family members in the preparation process?

Family members should be involved because everyone in the household should be on the same page when bringing a pet into the home and should know what to expect.

Avoid giving answers you think the representative wants to hear. Instead, give accurate and honest answers.

How can I handle any unexpected questions or situations during the visit?

If you don’t have an answer to a question or are unsure, admit it. The representative will appreciate your honesty.

After your home visit, continue to prepare your home for a new dog by purchasing supplies and asking the shelter questions about your new pet.

There are multiple reasons for denying pet adoption, including a lack of space, too many current pets, young children, and pets that are not spayed or neutered.

References:

How to Adopt a Dog opens in a new tab

Muttville – How to Adopt a Dog opens in a new tab

Korean K9 Rescue – Adoption Process opens in a new tab

Rescue Dogs Rock NYC – Application Process opens in a new tab

Sample Interview Question for Screening opens in a new tab

Guidelines for Screening Potential Adopters opens in a new tab

Home Visit Check List opens in a new tab

• dog opens in a new tab
• dog adoption opens in a new tab
• new dog opens in a new tab
• cat adoption opens in a new tab
• cat opens in a new tab
• cat safety opens in a new tab
• dog safety opens in a new tab
• new cat opens in a new tab
• puppy opens in a new tab
• rescue opens in a new tab

Tim Barribeau

Tim Barribeau is a freelance writer, editor, cat dad, and “help your boyfriend buy a suit that actually fits for once” consultant. He was previously the Style and Pets editor at  Wirecutter , and has bylines at a bunch of publications that don't exist anymore (and a couple that still do).

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Adopting A Rescue Dog, The First Seven Days

Welcoming a rescue dog into your home is an incredible experience.

These pups have so much love to give, and adopting a rescue will ensure an amazing companion to come.

While this is an exciting time that you should certainly look forward to, there are many ways in which you need to prepare.

By understanding what to expect during your first week together, you can ensure a smooth transition for your rescued canine friend.

Let’s discuss a day by day guide on how to care for your adopted pup, and some of the best ways that you can help them adjust to being in your home.

What Should I Know About Adopting A Rescue Dog?

The choice of adoption is always an incredible one.

These pups deserve a loving family like yours, and they will reward you tenfold with love and companionship.

Find A Local Dog Rescue To Adopt From

While the experience of adopting a rescue dog will always be worth any struggles and adjustments along the way, there are a few things you should expect and understand from the start.

First, you should always understand that no matter how amazing of a home you are offering, it will still be an adjustment for your rescue dog .

These pups often come from an unstable past before they made it to the shelter or rescue, and this can make it hard for them to immediately trust in their new family.

It takes 3 days for a rescue dog to no longer be afraid of their new home, 3 weeks for them to finally feel comfortable in their new home, and 3 months for their true personality to shine. 

You should also expect to practice patience and understanding with your rescue dog until they get used to being a part of your family.

This means being patient about their potty training , sleep schedule, barking, triggers, and any other bumps in the road that come along.

They will adjust, but it will take time.

If you are choosing to adopt a canine friend from a rescue or shelter, we already know that you have the patience and understanding to care for these incredible pups.

Now, let’s go into the best ways to prepare for their arrival, and what you can expect for the first 7 days .

How To Prepare For Your New Rescue Dog

Before you welcome your new canine friend into your home, there are a few ways in which you should prepare.

Ranging from having dog supplies to an introduction plan in place, let’s list a few of the best ways to prepare.

Find A Veterinarian

Make sure you find a veterinarian ahead of time, as it could take weeks to get them seen once you adopt them.

Clinics are booked out 1-2 months in advance for new patients, so finding a vet and setting an appointment the moment you agree to adoption will decrease any waiting periods.

Dog Proof Your Home

Make sure your home is dog proof.

This means making sure all trash is secured, removing poisonous plants, covering any dangerous wires, securing any cleaning supplies or chemicals, and removing any other items that could be dangerous.

Stock Up On Dog Supplies

You will want to have a leash and collar, food and water bowls, a cozy dog bed, toys, treats, and a veterinary approved diet.

Have An Introduction Plan For Other Pets In The Home

Develop an introduction plan if you have any other pets in the home.

You will want to keep them separate for the first week they are in your home to allow for proper adjustment, then slowly begin to introduce the furry friends.

A typical introduction process typically involves:

• Initial separation
• Sniffing each other through a door
• Meeting through a gate
• Interacting on a leash
• and finally interacting freely

Every timeline will vary, so always allow your animals to take their time. 

The First Seven Days With Your Rescue Dog

Now that you are all prepared for your rescue dog’s arrival, it’s time to enjoy your first week together.

Let’s break it down from day 1 to 7 on what to expect during your first week with a rescue dog.

On day one of bringing your rescue dog home, there should be no major expectations.

You should simply allow your new pup to explore their new surroundings at their own pace, and show them that you will not force any interactions or experiences.

By doing this, you will be setting a sturdy foundation for the week to come.

If your rescue dog is especially nervous, they may do well with only having one room to explore.

Having an entire home to explore can be scary for some dogs, so confining them to one small space may allow them to calm their nerves during the first 24 hours in your home.

If you do offer your rescue dog any new snacks or toys, be sure to set them on the ground if they are too afraid to grab them from you.

Once they learn that you can be trusted, they will feel more comfortable with taking treats out of your hand.

Your rescue dog will still be getting used to your home on day 2, but they may feel a bit more comfortable after their first night.

You may notice them exploring more and more of the house when given the chance, and some may even welcome interactions with you and other members of the home.

While this is wonderful, you should still remember to give your dog as much space as they need.

Having a calm and quiet home is essential for these first few days, so simply relaxing and allowing them to explore is always best.

By day 2, you should also begin to implement some structure that you will follow moving forward.

This means establishing meal times, potty breaks, walks, and any other routines you may want to implement.

Your pup may not catch on immediately, but it’s a good idea to start now.

Dogs thrive on a structured routine, so this can even help them settle into their new life. 

By day 3, you will notice that your rescue dog is much less fearful of their new environment.

Their nerves have likely settled enough to let their guard down, so they will begin to feel a lot more comfortable with you and your home.

You may notice your rescue dog being eager to be next to you, go on walks, eat treats, and explore their new surroundings.

You really want to focus on building trust at this point, so we encourage you to spend as much time with your new pup as possible.

Now that they know they are not in danger in your home, you will want to encourage bonding as much as possible.

Simple things like going on walks, playing fetch, and welcomed cuddle sessions will go a long way.

Also be sure that you are sticking to your established routine.

They will be more receptive to this structure now that they are not so afraid, so these rules will really begin to stick.

Not much will change from day 3 to 4, but you will notice your new rescue dog getting more and more comfortable as each day passes.

While you will begin to bond with your pup and start making memories, you may also begin to notice a few bad habits.

If this is the case, it’s important to refrain from any negative reinforcement, as this is a crucial time for your pup to feel safe with you.

Any bad habits should be addressed with basic obedience training (if they know any), positive reinforcement for good behavior, and plenty of patience.

You wont fix these issues overnight, but you can help your pup understand that they do not have to fear you if they do something wrong.

Also keep in mind that your adopted dog is still learning the ropes, so try not to be too hard on them for things like potty training issues or crying at night.

They will grasp these concepts soon. 

When day 5 rolls around, your pup should be well integrated into the family.

They are typically comfortable in the home, at your side, and even catching on to some of your routines.

You may even feel comfortable enough to take your new rescue pup on new adventures, whether this is on a long walk in your neighborhood or your favorite spot at the park.

Your pup should also be acclimated enough to have them assessed by a veterinarian at this point.

Most rescue dogs will be fully vaccinated and vetted at the time of adoption, but it is still important to have them assessed by your veterinarian of choice.

This not only establishes a veterinary relationship for the future, but it can also spot any underlying conditions that could have been missing in a shelter setting.

Similar to day 5, you can typically begin to explore more of the world with your new rescue dog.

You are starting to really get to know each other and what your pup enjoys, as well as any triggers they may encounter along the way.

By taking note of these things as you see them, you can better help your pup address these issues in the near future.

As you wrap up your first week with your beloved rescue dog, the two of you will be on the way to building a beautiful friendship moving forward.

At this point you may have a general idea of what they enjoy, what scares them , and any behavioral issues they may struggle with.

You can then confront these issues as the weeks go on, especially now that your rescue dog understands that they can trust you.

If you do have any other pets in your home, you can typically begin the process of introducing them at this point.

Just be sure to follow recommended socialization rules, as simply putting them together can be extremely dangerous.

Just remember that every dog is different, so you will need to cater your introduction plan to fit your pet’s needs.

Moving Forward With Your New Rescue Pup

As we mentioned above, it can still take up to 3 months for your rescue dog’s true personality to shine.

As long as you continue to strengthen the bond between you and your pup, follow a structured routine, and address any behavioral concerns in a positive way, your rescue dog will feel comfortable with coming out of their shell.

A beautiful future lies ahead for you and your rescued pup!

Final Thoughts

Adopting a rescue dog will require patience and understanding, but you will be rewarded with a loyal and loving companion in the long run.

Be sure to take this time to really get to know your pup and show them that they are safe in your home, and it will make all the difference for your future together.

Peter Schoeman

Our mission at CharityPaws is to advocate for the saving of animals from shelters and rescues. Peter has been an avid dog lover his whole life. He currently has a rescue labradoodle and two adorable children. His focus is dog adoptions and partnering with local rescues.

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Bringing Home a Rescue Dog: 8 critical things you must know

I heard something about bringing home a rescue dog this week that made me pause and think. An animal behaviorist I was meeting with said that when a rescue dog arrives in a new home, they need to be protected not tested. 

“They need to be protected, not tested.”  

I thought back to every rescue and foster dog I have brought home.  

Had I tested them those first few days, right off the bat? Or had I protected them, giving them relief from outside stimuli and time to decompress and start to feel safe? 

I like to think that I have done an OK job at helping the dog feel safe in my home by not doing things I shouldn’t. But let’s face it. We learn by making mistakes. 

I  thought  I was doing the right thing when I took one of my first fosters to a soccer game during her first month with me. What it actually did was freak the poor dog out. As in to this day, loud giggling girls make her cringe. And that’s just one example of mistakes I have made – and learned from – on my journey. 

Knowing what to do, and what not to do, when I bring home a rescue dog took a lot of trial and error.

Hopefully this article will shorten your learning curve and empower you with information I didn’t have when I brought my first rescue dog home. 

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How to Help a Rescue Dog Adjust  

There are so many small things you can do that help your rescue dog feel safe and allow them to adjust to their new surroundings. They aren’t hard or inconvenient; they are things that may seem insignificant to you but which can have a big impact . 

Follow a Routine  from  Day 1  

When your dog arrives, her whole life has been turned upside down. She doesn’t know you, your house, your yard, or your other pets. She doesn’t know when her next meal will be or if she will get one. She doesn’t know where to go to the bathroom, or how to tell you she needs to go.  

Routines create comfort and security. The sooner your dog knows when she will be fed, when she will get let out, where to go if she needs to relieve herself – the less she has to worry about. 

Create routines for your new dog by:

• Consistently going outside for potty breaks 
• Feeding your dog at set times each day, and in the same spot
• Taking walks at the same time every day 
• Going to bed/getting up at the same time each day 
• Observing a routine when leaving the house and when arriving home 

If your dog knows what to expect and when, it will create an environment of comfort and security. 

A Note About Potty Breaks  

Do not expect your new dog to tell you when she needs to go outside. Set up a good potty routine by: 

• Choose a signal. If you want your dog to ring a bell, hang it in the appropriate spot. 
• Set a timer. I’m serious. Get a kitchen timer and put it next to you. Take your dog outside every hour at first (more often if the dog is refusing to go potty because it’s nervous). When the timer goes off to remind  you to take the dog outside (yes – YOU. This is on YOU until the dog learns how to let you know she has to go. ‘nuff said), call the dog up to the door where the bell is, ring the bell gently, and then go outside with your dog. Praise her when she goes. When you get back in, start the timer again! 

Set up One or Two Quiet Spots for Your Dog  

No matter how wonderful you are, your dog is going to feel overwhelmed at first – wondering why he’s at your house, how long he will stay, what all the strange noises and smells are…it’s just plain hard for him. 

Put crates or beds in out-of-the-way areas. I would have one where they can see you, but from a safe distance where it’s quieter and less busy. Put the other around the corner in a quieter room for those dogs who want to escape for a while.  

If you plan to crate the dog when you leave the house, have at least one of these safe spots be a crate with the door propped open. If the dog can come and go at will and the crate provides a soft, quiet space for them to rest, it will help the dog to establish a positive association with the crate. 

Transition Their Food SLOWLY  

If at all possible, find out what kind of food the dog has been eating and buy more, even if it’s gross quality food. For the first week, feed the food your dog has been eating and is used to.  

The stress of a new home, by itself, can cause intestinal upset and diarrhea. Any food switch can cause it as well, so it’s best not to change their food that first week. 

If your dog is not eating, mix a little cooked chicken & rice in with their food. If they have diarrhea, try a few meals of chicken and rice then slowly start transitioning back to their food if the diarrhea subsides. 

Starting the second week (and only if they don’t have diarrhea), start mixing a higher quality food into their old food, about ¼ new and ¾ old. After 4 or 5 days, go to ½ and ½, then in 4 more days ¾ new and ¼ old, then finally switch to the new food. 

Put Toys and Bones Away to Prevent Resource Guarding

If you have other animals or small children, it’s best to put away toys and bones for the first few months as many times you will see resource guarding in dogs when they first come to your house.

It’s not hard to understand why your rescue dog resource guards – imagine you had never had a toy or a bone to call your own, you would be afraid to share it and might assume another dog or child won’t give it back to you!

Stay Home and Minimize Visitors  

When you get a new dog, you want to invite everyone over to meet them. I get it – it’s EXCITING news and you want all your family and friends to see what a great dog you adopted! 

You have waited so long to find the right dog, and dreamed of all the adventures you would have together. So of course you want to start NOW and take her everywhere with you.  

Not so fast. Stop, pause, and put your dog first. 

As hard as it will be – and if you’re like me it will KILL you to do this – give the dog a few weeks to adjust before starting the field trips and meet-and-greets. 

Think of it this way: the first few weeks are for the dog to adjust and bond to YOU. To learn that they can trust  you . That  you  will consistently provide food at meal times,  you  will   consistently walk them each day,  you  will give them attention when they want to snuggle.  

Take your dog on a decompression walk to help them de-stress. Practice intentional dog walks to help you get to know your dog better.

All of those things will bond them to you, and the predictability and low stress environment will help their adjustment go smoothly and (hopefully) a little more quickly. 

As your dog begins to adjust and relax, mix in new people and new places sparingly.  

Be Patient  

Don’t expect the world from your new dog. If the dog’s behavior is stressing you out, many times you may be part of the problem, or at least can be part of the solution.  

If they have an accident in the house, set your timer for a shorter time period. If they chew something up, chew-proof the room as much as possible and add some chew toys to their toy basket. 

If they bark when your partner gets home from work, start a new routine where you go to the treat cupboard when the back door opens. If the dog is toy motivated, throw their squeaky toy. Many dogs will forget about barking and play or sit for treats instead. 

Use Positive Reinforcement – LOTS of it  

You are going to be teaching your dog a lot of new information about how to live at your house. When they listen, or when you catch them doing good things, mark it with praise and treats.  

Reward small and big accomplishments alike. If they like to jump when you are getting their dinner, reward four feet on the floor. If they took something inappropriate to chew, trade them for toy and a treat. 

Getting angry, impatient, or yelling at your dog will slow your progress and create potential issues. Positive reinforcement is the way to go. 

Have Realistic Expectations  

When I bring a new dog home, I expect the first week or two to be hard.  

In fact, if I’m totally honest, each time I bring a new dog or foster dog into our house there is at least one time in the first week where I burst into tears, wondering what the hell I was thinking when I decided I wanted to add a new dog family member. 

I don’t worry about the meltdown, or act on it, because I have realistic expectations. I know there will be some “moments.” So when the “moments” happen, I don’t freak out. I don’t try and return the dog. I simply check off that I’ve gotten through my expected meltdown of feeling completely overwhelmed, and know it’s going to slowly but surely get better. 

In her blog post  Three Things to Remember When Bringing a New Dog into Your Home  Patricia McConnell advises us to use the saying “three days, three weeks, three months” to help remember what our new dog is going through.  

She explains that most dogs are in shock the first three days in a new home, need three weeks to start to show you their true personalities, and need three months to begin to understand the family rules and fit into the routine at your home. 

If you adjust your expectations to reflect this slow pace of adjustment, it will help you understand what your dog is going through. 

Brush Up on Dog Body Language  

Dr. Sophia Yin discusses the importance of new owners being able to recognize subtle signs of fear in her article  Adopting a Dog: Some Dogs are Easier Than Others . 

You will be amazed at the signs you may be missing because you aren’t aware of, or observing, your dog’s body language. The dog in the article didn’t show reactivity her first few weeks after being adopted – but, unbeknownst to the new owners, she was showing subtle signs of fear. She barked while backing away when someone new arrived. When people pet her, she did not lean into it, and would lick her lips, avert her gaze, and yawn. 

The owners didn’t know that these were signs of fear. Had they known, they could have started her on a training program to associate unfamiliar people with positive experiences. 

This  Canine Body Language  article by Victoria Stillwell of  Positively.com  gives an excellent rundown of your dog’s body language and what it means. 

Bringing Home a Rescue Dog   

Adopting a dog is a big commitment. By adopting a rescue, you are already showing your commitment to turning a dog’s life around. You want to do whatever it takes to help them recover from past trauma, and grow into a confident, happy dog that knows they are loved. 

Here is the big takeaway: love alone will not help them adjust, nor improve on any of their behavioral issues. 

But, if you take the time to learn how to help a rescue dog adjust, you will have the tools and wisdom needed to make your dog’s transition into your home smooth and successful. 

Help Others Learn New Ways to Help a Rescue Dog Adjust to a New Home  

Do you have other tips that helped your dog adjust to its new home? Share them in the comments below; your story could help countless dogs have smoother adjustments by empowering their owners. 

Here’s to adopting rescues! 

Naturally, 

Karen 

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Karen is an independent copywriter who loves dogs and everything about them. She is married to Scott, has 4 kids, and likes to take a natural and holistic approach to living and pet ownership.

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Dog Adoption Guide Part 2: The First 24 Hours (Bringing Your Dog Home)

Dog Adoption

WRITTEN BY:

Kayla Fratt

December 5, 2017

K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. Here’s how it works .

Picture this: you’re on your way to the shelter to pick up a new dog. You’ve done all the prep that we covered in part 1 , and are confident that you’re ready for your new family member.

As you arrive at the shelter and sit in a waiting room, you may realize that you still feel underprepared. You may be wondering:

• Are you ready for the car ride home?
• What should you expect for the first night?
• How do you set your new best buddy up for success once you cross the threshold?

The first 24 hours of your relationship with your pet are hard and pretty overwhelming. You’ve got to balance excitement, anticipation, and stress. You want everything to be perfect, but it’s important to understand that there will be an adjustment period.

You’re only human and are bound to make some missteps, but with this guide, we’ll help you cover all your bases to ensure you and your pooch put your best foot (and paw) forward for your new life together.

Let’s go over how to set your dog up for a lifetime of success by doing the first 24 hours right.

Your First 24 Hours a With New Dog Guide

We’re going to get pretty granular here, but keep in mind that this piece serves as a guideline – your experience may vary.

Dogs that are in foster-based rescues or were only in the shelter for a day or two will have an easier time re-adjusting to a home life than dogs that were in the shelter for weeks, come from hoarding situations, or are puppy mill survivors.

Throughout this guide, try your best to join me in your new dog’s head. You may already adore your new four-legged pal, but your new pooch doesn’t really know you yet. She doesn’t know you’re keeping her forever – you’re just another stranger.

She’s probably had a lot of change in her life lately, and she’ll be stressed. That stress may show as lethargy, fear, or over-excitement.

Brush up on your dog calming signals and remember to take it slow – the first night is at huge risk to trigger stack your dog in a bad way.

Trigger stacking is when a lot of minor stressors cause a dog to cross that red line treshold, and become fearful or aggressive (shout out to Woof Like to Meet. for inspiring our own trigger stacking diagram).

The Very Beginnings: What to Do Before Heading Home

You’ve picked out your new pal (whether found through a dog adoption website like Petfinder, a reputable breeder, or at a local animal shelter) and today is the big day – time to go home!

Part 1: Meeting the Whole Family (Including the Furry Members)

Be sure to bring your whole family to meet your new dog.

If you came by alone, most shelters will hold the dog for you while you go collect the family members. Even if the dog is going to be “your” dog, it’s always a good idea to ensure that the dog and your whole family have good chemistry.

Even more importantly, bring your other dog(s) with you. Introduce your dogs on leash in an open, outdoor area. This can help reduce the stress for your first dog, as he’ll already be familiar with your new dog before they enter “his” home.

How to Introduce Your New Dog to Your Existing Dog

Ideally, this will proceed in several steps:

• Step 1 : Get two handlers. Each person will have one dog on leash.
• Step 2 : Walk the two dogs parallel to each other with some stationary obstacles between them. I love walking the dogs on opposite sides of a row of parked cars. The visual breaks will help reduce the tension for the dogs.
• Step 3 : Let one dog follow the other dog into a fenced play yard area. Be sure that there are no toys or treats on the ground that could cause a fight!
• Step 4: Circle the dogs around each other, trying to keep their leashes loose.
• Step 5: With loose leashes, let the dogs meet. The handlers might need to circle in order to reduce tension on the leashes as the dogs sniff rears.
• Step 6: If all is going well, drop both of the leashes on the count of 3 and let the dogs do their thing.

If there is any sign of tension (a stiff dog with a high tail, a growl, or a snap), call the dogs apart and try again in a few minutes. Keep the dogs moving to reduce tension.

Be sure to have an air horn or hose handy in case things go really wrong – this is the safest way to break up a dog fight !

Part 2: Start Dispensing Treats ASAP

Once your new dog has met your family and the resident dog, you are ready to fill out paperwork.

Take some treats with you or ask the adoption counselor for some – be sure to start giving your new dog lots of treats right away. 

Do this even if you want your dog to lose some pounds in the long run – it’s worth it to start out on the right paw.

This generous treat-dispensing behavior helps solidify your relationship right away. Remember, this isn’t bribery – it’s just showing your dog how incredibly cool and awesome you are!

Your new dog doesn’t know you, and giving her treats is a way of showing her that you’re a great person to be around, as food seems to magically come out of you!

Part 3: Play 20 Questions  (If You Haven’t Already)

If you haven’t already met the dog (ideally you will have already met a few times), this is a good time to ask a lot of questions about your new pooch.

Remember that the shelter might not know much about this dog’s history, but it’s still good to ask.

To recap from our post on what to do before bringing a shelter dog home, some good questions include:

• Has any medical work been done on the dog? Ask for a copy of the medical and vaccine records.
• Has the dog shown any concerning behaviors from its history or while under the care of the rescue?
• Does this dog have a history with kids?  If the dog has no known history with kids but you have kids or are planning on starting a family, I’d pass on that dog for your child’s safety.
• How is she with other dogs? What age and sex dogs has she met and done well with? Have there been any issues with other dogs while at the shelter? What about when she’s on leash with other dogs?
• Has she ever met a cat?
• How does she do with people of different ages , genders, sizes, or shapes?
• Has she ever escaped from the shelter or the home? If so, under what circumstances?
• Was she destructive in her last home? If so, under what circumstances?
• Where was this dog kept? Where was she from? This is very important. Knowing that your dog was rescued from a puppy mill or hoarding situation will help adjust your expectations as far as training and socialization. Again, some rescues or shelters might not know – my own border collie was left in an overnight kennel at the shelter with very little information. He’s turned out as good as they get!
• Has she ever barked, growled, snapped, lunged, bitten , or bared teeth at another dog or human? Under what circumstances?

A dog with a “bite record” doesn’t need to be passed over if he’s otherwise lovely.

It’s important to gather as much info as possible on the circumstances of the incident. A dog that bit and broke skin when she missed the tug toy, or bit when she was in severe pain, is very different from a dog that lunged and bit a stranger in the middle of a walk.

Once you’re satisfied with your dog’s history, it’s time to head out.

Many big shelters have a store, so you can pick up any last-minute things like enzymatic pet cleaner, a leash, or a bed before you head home. Once you’ve paid for everything, it’s time for the car ride!

Heading Home & Initial Welcome

Part 4: the car ride home.

For the first 24 hours with your new dog, reducing stress and avoiding triggers will be the name of the game.

That said, there are certain stressful situations that can’t be avoided. Your initial car ride home is one of them.

Some shelter dogs have never been in a car except for the day they were brought to the shelter, so they might not be thrilled to try it again.

Your new dog might jump right into the car, totally ready to go. That’s what Barley did when I brought him home. Other dogs will stop dead, thrash on leash, or lie down when encountering the car.

We had three dogs escape from the shelter last month alone as their owners tried to get them into the car!

Use a combination of treats and gentle leash pressure to coax your dog into the car. Be careful to keep an eye on your dog’s body language before you pick them up or push them into the car – if they are scared enough, they might bite. Ideally, use a crate or carrier designed for car travel .

Remember, it’s always a good idea to test out a new product on a small patch of skin, as some dogs may be allergic to certain ingredients!

Once in the car, continue to give your dog a lot of treats like they’re raining from the sky! If your dog is really scared enough, they might not eat – don’t worry, it’s fairly common. Just keep offering them – she might start to eat eventually.

The number one rule for the car ride home is to go straight home.

Many new owners are tempted by PetCo, PetSmart, or the local natural pet food store. Don’t succumb! We are trying to reduce stress and triggers.

Even if your dog looks fine, remember that she’s probably still stressed . You can go to PetCo next week — it will still be there. If you still need supplies, ask a friend or family member to watch the dog or run errands for you.

The only place your dog should be on d-day is at the shelter/breeder or at home.

At the shelter, we get countless calls from new adopters who want to know why their dog growled or hid at PetSmart . They insist the dog was fine and having fun while picking out a new toy, and then “snapped.” This is the definition of trigger stacking.

If you’ve ever tried to go grocery shopping at the end of a day where you were late for work and got yelled at by your boss, you know how even mundane routine processes can become overwhelming. Don’t put your dog into that kind of situation!

Besides, your dog might have kennel cough or not be done with her vaccines, in which case it’s not physically safe to be taking her out and about! It’s best for everyone if you take Fifi straight home.

Part 5: The First Few Hours at Home

You’ve made it home, hurrah! It’s been an ordeal, so you collapse on the couch and pull out your phone to post some photos of Fifi in the shelter, in the car, or on your lap.

Immediately, you’re getting texts from friends who want to come meet her! How should you referee the first few hours? It’s all so exciting.

No Guests Allowed!

I know I’m starting to sound really lame here, but please don’t bring over guests during your dog’s first few days home. Your dog has already had a huge day!

These first days should be used to help your pooch bond to you – this will make future introductions easier as she has you to lean on for emotional support. Your friends will have to make do with the photos and videos on Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram!

Activities & Giving Your Pooch The Grand Tour

The first few hours of your dog’s arrival should focus on relaxing.

Introduce her to the rest of the house and her sleeping area. Take her to the back yard on leash, or go for quiet, easy walks around the block. You can introduce her to some games like fetch or tug as well.

Look Out For Stress and Calming Signals

Keep an eye out for calming signals like panting, whale eye, sweaty paws, lip licking, and excessively licking your hand.

If you see these, take a step back and consider if there’s anything that your dog could be interpreting as scary or stressful.

If a certain object is causing anxiety, try to remove it or associate if with something awesome. For example, Barley was initially very stressed by my boyfriend’s speakers. I started giving him a treat every time he looked at the speakers. He quickly learned that the speakers are pretty great!

Introduce Fun Crate Games

If you plan on using a dog crate for your new pooch , start working on some crate games right away. You want to be sure that your dog is familiar and comfortable with the crate before she spends the night sleeping there!

This is a great way to feed your pupper her dinner – she’ll earn it by playing the crate games, and eating out of your hand is a great way to build trust and a bond.

Pro Tip: It’s not for everyone, but I personally don’t ever feed my dogs out of food bowls. Barley only ever eats out of his Kong Wobber or my hand as we do training! Hand feeding can be a great way to build a bond with your new pooch.

Prep Some Kongs & Puzzle Toys For Your Pup

If you haven’t already, stuff some Kongs with wet dog food, peanut butter, or cream cheese and freeze them (or see our collection of Kong meal recipes here ).

I use them in the crate, while I’m working if Barley is being annoying, or whenever I leave the house. Licking is soothing for dogs, so Kongs are a great stepping stone to calming your dog, especially during those first few days.

Some products like Rescue Remedy in your dog’s water is another food-based way to reduce stress for your new dog!

Expect Some Accidents – They’re Normal

Your dog might have been potty trained a year ago, a month ago, or just yesterday. Regardless, a new environment is bound to result in some housebreaking setbacks.

According to his previous owner, Barley was potty trained and only spent 18 hours in the shelter. He still had two accidents in the house his first night!

Many dogs will need potty practice as they get acquainted to their new home. Some dogs have never been potty trained, and others have been in the shelter for so long that they’ve lost the habit! Many shelters simply can’t get their dogs out of the kennel often enough to accommodate potty schedules for dogs.

Take your new dog outside on leash (even if you have a yard) every hour or two at first – even more often if your new fur buddy is a puppy. Then reward her lavishly for pottying outside!

When you’re indoors, keep an eye out for circling, sniffing, or other common pre-potty behaviors. Take your dog out if you see those.

Depending on your dog’s background, you may have to make some concessions. Some dogs might refuse to pee on leash if they’ve never been strapped to a leash before. For these dogs, consider setting up an x-pen or a small enclosed space in your yard where they can safely relieve themselves comfortably while you work on desensitizing the dog to wearing a leash.

I don’t recommend letting your pooch have full run of the house unsupervised for the first week or so. Make sure she’s trustworthy as far as potty and chewing goes before you take that leap of faith!

Remember (And Stay True To) Your Rules

At your family meeting before adopting, what did you decide as far as expectations for your dog? If she’s going to sleep in the crate long-term, then it’s best to start with the crate on night one (no exceptions)!

If she’s not allowed to be on the couch long-term, don’t let her on the couch on night one. These rules might be hard to enforce during the first days and weeks of your pup’s arrival, but keeping your pup’s expectations consistent will make her life easier in the long run!

Getting Settled & Beginning Routines

Part 6: the first (and longest) night.

You’ve taken your new fur baby out for her last potty break and are ready to turn in. The first night can be hard for you and her both.

She’s starting to get settled in, but is likely still stressed and scared.

Take your pup to her new sleeping space, which should be set up with a Kong, your old sweatshirt, and a bed for her.

If she’s not in a crate, I’d recommend putting up some dog gates to keep her in the general sleeping area. If she’s sleeping in your bed, just close your bedroom door.

Crying: It’s Gonna Happen

Expect a lot of crying from your new pup on night one. She might cry in the crate for hours or have accidents in the middle of the night, or even both. This will try your patience and might have you wondering if you’ve just made a huge mistake.

Barley cried so much that Andrew and I both used earplugs. We didn’t just go get him and let him out because that teaches him that crying is how he gets out of the crate.

We toughed it out, and it totally sucked.

The next night, though, he cried for two minutes. The third night, he went right to bed. It was worth it!

If you let your dog cry for three hours and finally cave, you’ll regret it in the long run! You just taught your dog that she has to cry for three hours, and then she’ll get to run free. Not a good lesson for your dog to learn – trust me, you’ll end up paying the price!

This may sound callous, but if you’ve done your crate training right your dog will settle down eventually.

You can try to move the crate into the bedroom – that helped Barley a lot. If you don’t think you can handle a crying dog for several hours on night one, then maybe your dog shouldn’t be crated overnight. But trust me – after the horrific temper tantrum of night one, Barley now runs right into his crate with a wagging tail. He knows the crate means treats!

Plan on Plenty of Late Night Potty Breaks

If your dog is under a year old, plan on doing a late-night potty run or two. Try to just set an alarm and take your pup out – don’t wait for her to cry to wake you.

Puppies can hold their potty for their months of age in hours. In other words, a four month old puppy should be able to hold their potty for about four hours. Set your alarms accordingly.

Make Those Potty Breaks Mind-Numbingly Boring

Make your potty breaks extremely boring.

Take your dog out on leash and go outside, and stand still. If your dog doesn’t go within a few minutes, take her back in and give her a cookie in the crate. If she does go, quietly praise her and give her a treat.

Don’t turn the late-night potty breaks into late-night parties with tons of treats, praise, or play . If you make it too fun, she’ll associate the late night trips with play instead of potty! Soon you’ll be running canine raves at 2am, and I doubt you want that.

Part 7: The First Full Day Together

Ideally, you will have brought your dog home on a Friday or Saturday so that you won’t have work on your first day of having her. That’s not always the case, though.

Regardless, start the day by waking up early to take your new pooch outside. Play a game and do some crate games or other training to feed her breakfast.

If she doesn’t want to do training in exchange for kibble, then put her kibble into a dog puzzle toy. That’s fine! Some dogs don’t think kibble is worth working very hard for.

J ust like your first few hours together, your first full day together should be quiet. Aim to replicate your long-term routine in a watered-down way.

If eventually you want to leave your dog loose in the house during your 8 hour work day, today you might baby gate her into the kitchen. That way she’s loose, but is in a safely puppy-proofed space.

If you’re a weekend warrior, take your pup out on a quiet walk. Don’t head out to hike the mountains or the brewery just yet! Mimic your normal routine without stressing her out too much. This will look different for every dog and every family.

Some dogs will have a harder time adjusting to your home. These dogs might just hide under your bed or run hyperactive laps around the house.

Try to use treats and training to encourage better behavior, but don’t punish or force your dog to stop using her coping mechanisms!

Common First-Day Issues

Your first 24 hours likely won’t be all sunshine and roses. My boyfriend and I seriously questioned our own judgement every time we brought home a foster, and I’ve heard some true horror stories of the first 24 hours from clients at the shelter I work for.

Here are the five most common ones to look out for, in no particular order:

• Barking . Your dog might bark at you, might bark at cars, might bark at nothing at all. Just be patient and try to redirect your dog to something more appropriate to do, like playing a game or chewing a chew toy. You’re not rewarding her for barking – you’re showing her something better to do instead! Barking in the crate is a particularly common problem on day one.
• Excessive Fear . Some shelter dogs come from a pretty rough background. Be patient with them. They might hide, whine, try to escape, pee out of fear, or avoid being touched. Be gentle and consider calling a positive-reinforcement based trainer to help work through your dog’s fear issues.
• Chewing. Dogs chew. They topple trash cans and try to eat the carpet. Just like with barking, try to redirect your dog to doing something better. Spray bitter apple or something else that tastes bad (hair spray or vinegar works) onto the tempting item you want them to leave alone. If your dog’s a super tough chewer, opt for an indestructible dog chew toy to occupy them!
• Accidents. We’ve already covered accidents a bit, but let’s say it again. Expect a few. The best thing to do is supervise and confine your dog. Using indoor dog gates or x-pens will make it harder for Fifi to sneak off and potty behind the sofa. You may even resort to just tieing her leash to your belt! Take her out every few hours. Take her out if she’s sniffing and circling, after she plays, after she eats, and after she drinks. Give her some treats and reward her bathroom break with a game or a walk. Don’t end your walk with potty – this teaches her that the fun ends when she pees!
• Aggression . Many dogs that show aggression are coming from a place of fear. They might feel cornered. You might have unwittingly ignored their other warning signs. If your new dog shows any signs of aggression towards you or your family, take some steps back. Try to deescalate the situation and call a trainer when you feel ready, if you’re willing to work through that aggression.

If the aggression is a deal-breaker, that’s ok. You need to do what’s best for you and your family. Call the rescue and ask them what your options are.

Again, remember not to judge too quickly. Try to identify what caused the aggression and think through whether or not the dog gave you fair warnings.

If a dog growls when someone tries to pull her out from under the bed (where she feels safe), that’s different from a dog that bit their owner when they tried to put the leash on her.

If you find yourself facing one or all of these frustrating behaviors, it’s ok to be frustrated.

Victoria Stillwell, dog training extraordinaire, has a great post on her blog called “ 14 Things to Do Instead of Being Frustrated with Your Dog .” It’s so good that I printed it out to hang on my fridge. We all get frustrated, and dogs can be major pains at times. We still love them, and it’s important to make sure we deal with our frustration without harming our relationship with our dog.

Ready for more? Continue on to part 3 of our dog adoption series , where we’ll discuss your first week with your new pooch and how to set up a successful, life-long companionship!

How did your new dog adjust to the first night at home? Did you try any tips or tricks that seemed to work wonders? Let’s hear it!

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I just adopted a dog from a rescue and since he’s gotten home he’s been regurgitating his water and not eating. Is this normal and what can I do about it?

Hey, DaVina. Dogs do vomit water at times, but that sounds concerning and we’d recommend calling the rescue or your vet pronto. Best of luck!

Dog calming music! Found a bunch of it on Spotify, made a really long playlist, and it seems to work like a charm. Puts her right to sleep. 🙂

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Dog Adoption Tips – Bringing Home a New Rescue Dog

Bringing home a shelter dog that you adopt may be a rescued stray or a dog that someone has voluntarily surrendered for adoption.

Whether he was born in the bushes behind the laundromat or an adolescent abandoned on the streets by his once-upon-a-time owner, the streetwise stray can be a real challenge to incorporate into your life. The famous “he followed me home, can I keep him, Mom?” canine is a special animal that needs time and space, patience, and understanding.

The first few days in your home are special and critical for a pet. Your new dog will be confused about where he is and what to expect from you. Setting up some clear structure with your family for your dog will be paramount in making as smooth a transition as possible.

Bringing a puppy home, they need more than just a bed and a food bowl to thrive. They also need constant care and attention. While a puppy's first night at home may require a lot of work initially, it’s well worth the effort down the road. Establishing good habits in those first weeks will lay the groundwork for a lifetime of happiness for you and your dog. Remember, you have a responsibility to help your puppy grow into a happy and healthy dog. Here are some tips for puppy care to help first-time dog owners get started:

Before You Bring Your Dog Home:

• Determine where your dog will be spending most of his time. Because he will be under a lot of stress with the change of environment (from a shelter or foster home to your house), he may forget any housebreaking (if any) he’s learned. Often a kitchen will work best for easy clean-up.
• If you plan on crate training your dog, be sure to have a crate set up and ready to go for when you bring your new dog home. Find out more about crate training your dog .
• Dog-proof the area where your pooch will spend most of his time during the first few months. This may mean taping loose electrical cords to baseboards; storing household chemicals on high shelves; removing plants, rugs, and breakables; setting up the crate, and installing baby gates.
• Training your dog will start the first moment you have him. Take time to create a vocabulary list everyone will use when giving your dog directions. This will help prevent confusion and help your dog learn his commands more quickly. Not sure which commands to use? Check out How to Talk to Your Dog .
• Bring an ID tag with your phone number on it with you when you pick up your dog so that he has an extra measure of safety for the ride home and the first few uneasy days. If he is microchipped, be sure to register your contact information with the chip’s company, if the rescue or shelter did not already do so.
• We know moving is stressful — and your new dog feels the same way! Give him time to acclimate to your home and family before introducing him to strangers. Make sure children know how to approach the dog without overwhelming him. Go here for more on introducing dogs and children.
• When you pick up your dog, remember to ask what and when he was fed. Replicate that schedule for at least the first few days to avoid gastric distress. If you wish to switch to a different brand, do so over a period of about a week by adding one part new food to three parts of the old for several days; then switch to half new food, half old, and then one part old to three parts new. For more information about your dog’s diet, check out our section on Dog Nutrition .
• On the way home, your dog should be safely secured, preferably in a crate. Some dogs find car trips stressful, so having him in a safe place will make the trip home easier for him and you.
• Once home, take him to his toileting area immediately and spend a good amount of time with him so he will get used to the area and relieve himself. Even if your dog does relieve himself during this time, be prepared for accidents. Coming into a new home with new people, new smells and new sounds can throw even the most housebroken dog off-track, so be ready just in case. Need more housetraining tips? Check out our Dog Housetraining section.
• From there, start your schedule of feeding, toileting, and play/exercise. From Day One, your dog will need family time and brief periods of solitary confinement. Don’t give in and comfort him if he whines when left alone. Instead, give him attention for good behavior, such as chewing on a toy or resting quietly
• For the first few days, remain calm and quiet around your dog, limiting too much excitement (such as the dog park or neighborhood children). Not only will this allow your dog to settle in easier, but it will also give you more one-on-one time to get to know him and his likes/dislikes.
• If he came from another home, objects like leashes, hands, rolled-up newspapers and magazines, feet, chairs, and sticks are just some of the pieces of “training equipment” that may have been used on this dog. Words like “come here” and “lie down” may bring forth a reaction other than the one you expect. Or maybe he led a sheltered life and was never socialized to children or sidewalk activity. This dog may be the product of a never-ending series of scrambled communications and unreal expectations that will require patience on your part.
• Keep him off balconies, elevated porches, and decks. Keep all cleaning supplies, detergents, bleach, and other chemicals and medicines out of the puppy’s reach, preferably on high shelves.
• Remove poisonous houseplants, such as amaryllis, mistletoe, holly, or poinsettia, or keep them in hanging baskets up high, where your puppy cannot reach them.
• Keep toilet lids closed, unplug electrical cords and remove them from the floor, and keep plastic bags and ribbons out of your puppy’s reach.

Following Weeks:

• People often say they don’t see their dog’s true personality until several weeks after adoption. Your dog may be a bit uneasy at first as he gets to know you. Be patient and understanding while also keeping to the schedule you intend to maintain for feeding, walks, etc. This schedule will show your dog what is expected of him as well as what he can expect from you.
• After discussing it with your veterinarian to ensure your dog has all the necessary vaccines, you may wish to take your dog to group training classes or the dog park. Pay close attention to your dog’s body language to be sure he’s having a good time — and is not fearful or a dog park bully. If you’re unsure of what signs to watch for, check out this video on safety at the dog park .
• To have a long and happy life together with your dog, stick to the original schedule you created, ensuring your dog always has the food, potty time, and attention he needs. You’ll be bonded in no time! For more information on creating a feeding schedule for your dog visit How Often Should You Feed Your Dog?
• If you encounter behavior issues you are unfamiliar with, ask your veterinarian for a trainer recommendation. Select a trainer who uses positive reinforcement techniques to help you and your dog overcome these behavior obstacles. 
• Bring your puppy to the veterinarian for regular checkups. Talk to your veterinarian about any signs of illness that you should watch out for during your puppy’s first few months.
• Ensure Your Puppy Receives Proper Nutrition. Your puppy also needs complete and balanced nutrition to help him grow properly. In fact, the first year of his life is critical in ensuring the proper growth of his bones, teeth, muscles, and fur. As a growing animal, he’ll require more calories than an adult dog. Read the labels, and find a food that has been specifically created to ensure the proper balance of protein and fat for a puppy. Check the food package for the recommended feeding schedule and serving size. Never feed your puppy bones, table scraps, or big snacks in between meals.

Responsibilities for the Parents of the Newly Adopted Dog:

Courtesy of Rondout Valley Kennels, Inc. (Sue Sternberg suesternberg.com )

• Never, ever leave a child alone with your new dog. Not even for a second to turn your head and answer the phone. The type of relationship we see on TV between children and dogs is a fantasy, and not a reflection of what real dogs can be like with children.
• No one in the family should be encouraging rough play, wrestling, or the dog to play with his mouth on human body parts or clothes. This is especially relevant when an adult member of the household plays with the dog in this manner, because when the child next excites the dog, the dog may be stimulated to play in the same rough manner, thereby putting the child at risk for injury.
• Your dog should be fed his meals in an area completely protected from and away from children, as much for a bit of peace and privacy as it is to prevent guarding behaviors. The dog should also be fed portions that are quickly finished, so there is nothing left in the bowl for the dog to linger over and guard. Empty bowls should be taken up and put away, so the dog won’t consider guarding the feeding area.
• Most children are not bitten by their own dog, but by a friend or neighbor’s dog. This means two things: watch your own dog closely when your child has a friend (or friends) over. Many dogs will tolerate a lot from their own family’s child, but not tolerate a visiting child. Visiting children often do not behave as well as, or may behave differently from your own children, and could bother or provoke your dog. Consequently, if your child’s friends have dogs, you need to, (as a responsible parent) go over and meet the friend’s dog BEFORE you allow your child to visit their house. It is a good idea to see the size and general nature of your child’s friend’s dog, and check to see if the owner of this dog will allow unsupervised interaction between the children and the dog, to ask where and when the dog is fed, and to check if there are any chewable toys or bones lying around, and then to either request that they be picked up and put away while your child visits, or ensure that their dog has no possessiveness problems.

When to Phone the Shelter for Advice:

• Any signs of physical rough play from the dog towards the child
• Any signs of displays of rough, physical strength from the dog towards the child
• Any growling (even during play)
• Any snapping or nipping
• Any humping or mounting of the child OR adults
• Any avoidance or resentment of physical contact (dog backs off or leaves the room when child hugs or pets or gets close to your dog.)
• Any signs the dog is afraid of the child (your dog backs away or tries to escape when the child appears or gets close.)
• Your dog seems “jealous” of intimacy or physical affection between parents or especially between child and parent (the dog barks or cuts in between people during intimacy.)
• Any signs the dog is guarding his food bowl, his bones, his toys, or “stolen” items (the dog may tense up, freeze, stiffen, growl, snap, show his teeth, snarl, or just give a ‘hairy eyeball’ to anyone approaching or coming to near his item.
• Your dog seems out of control or disobedient and “wild” with children who are playing or running around.

Remember that with proper puppy care, your new pet will grow into a happy, healthy dog — and provide you with love and companionship for years to come.

Finding pets for you...

How to Adopt a Dog and Prepare for a New Dog’s Arrival

I f you're thinking of adding a fur baby to your family and wondering whether and how to adopt a dog, we urge you to start with this oft-repeated quote from author and animal advocate Karen Davison: "Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever."

We couldn't agree more. Adopting a dog (or cat) from a shelter or rescue group not only yields benefits for the adopter and the lucky dog in need of a home , but it also benefits overcrowded shelters. Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, the nation's largest sanctuary for homeless animals, says that in 2021, approximately 355,000 dogs and cats were killed in shelters. While this is down from the millions per year being euthanized prior to efforts by Best Friends and other organizations, Castle says "it was the first time in five years that we've seen the number of dogs and cats killed in U.S. shelters rise (from 347,000 to 355,000). Choosing to adopt," she adds, "saves two lives: the pet you adopt and the one you make space for in the shelter."

Shelters and rescue groups, including breed-specific rescues, can help you find the right pet for your lifestyle, the dog (or dogs!) most suited to kids, a loyal dog breed or a lovable mutt, and also help you understand the cost of owning a dog. Here, we walk through the questions you should ask yourself before adopting a dog, the steps involved in the adoption process and how to prepare your home—and yourselves—to welcome your new canine family member.

What to expect when adopting a dog

Before you adopt a rescue dog, you need to carefully consider whether your situation and lifestyle are suited to a new pet, and whether you're really ready for the 10- or even 15- to 20-year commitment that dog ownership brings. Consider the following aspects of adoptive dog ownership as you decide whether it's the right path for you.

Do you have the time and resources for a dog?

Dogs require time, money and affection. That last one may be the easiest to give, but finding enough time for walks, leash-training, acclimating and house-training your dog takes effort. In addition to dog food , a dog bed, treats and squeaky toys, veterinarian visits, routine vaccinations and, if necessary, professional dog training are all expenses you'll need to consider.

Training takes time and patience

Even if the dog you adopt isn't a puppy, and even if he had a previous owner, he probably picked up some bad habits while he was up for adoption. Improper urination, chewing, jumping and pulling on the leash are all super common behavior problems in rescue dogs (especially pups who may never have had obedience—or potty—training), but they are also correctable. Consistent training is important in establishing new habits and teaching your new rescue his boundaries and the rules of his new "pack." Your pup also might be acting out because they aren't getting what they want; read the things your dog actually wants from you (hint: a lot of attention).

You'll both need time to adjust

Many dogs wind up in shelters with no track record or history, and it's impossible for them to tell us what they've been through. "Even coming from a great shelter or a wonderful foster home, a newly adopted dog has been through a lot of changes," Castle says. They left their previous home and may have entered a shelter environment with a lot of other dogs, and for some, this may be the first time they're separated from their mom and litter mates, all of which can be stressful. "When they are adopted, dogs need time to decompress, learn a new routine, meet new human and animal friends, master the rules and feel safe and secure in their new home," she says. You'll also need time to learn their quirks and preferences. It may also take time for a new dog to warm up to other animals in the house, so give the dog, and yourself, time to adjust.

You may need to get your pup spayed and neutered

In order to reduce the number of homeless pets, most reputable rescue organizations require that dogs and cats be spayed or neutered. This may be mandatory before your pet leaves the shelter or soon after you've brought it home. If the shelter doesn't have the resources to handle the surgery, they should be able to recommend a low-cost spay/neuter clinic or a veterinarian who offers low-cost surgery.

Does your housing allow dogs?

Housing issues, particularly large-breed or breed-specific bans, are the No. 1 reason for owner surrender of dogs to animal shelters, says Castle. Before you get your heart set on a dog of any size, and especially if you're a renter, make sure your property allows dogs. Even some HOAs have breed-specific bans, so be sure to check before you adopt.

How much does it cost to adopt a dog?

Castle explains that when you adopt a pet, "you're saving money, as adoption is a more economical choice than purchasing." Most shelters and rescue groups apply adoption fees that cover spay or neuter surgery, a health exam, vaccinations, a microchip and, occasionally, a starter kit of doggie gear. Fees will vary based on the shelter or group, Castle says, and can range from $0 (during special adoption drives) to $350, depending on the individual pet. Some places will waive or greatly reduce fees for older dogs , dogs that have been at the shelter a long time or dogs with special health needs. If you're adopting from a nonprofit, this fee may be considered a donation and, as such, would be tax deductible.

How to adopt a dog

Adopting a new rescue pup is seldom a spur-of-the-moment act, but rather one that can take days, weeks or even months. Here are the steps involved.

Where can you get a dog?

"There are so many places you can find a rescue dog," says Nicole Savageau, DVM, a veterinarian with The Vets mobile pet health service. "There are local shelters, the ASPCA, local rescue groups and breed-specific rescue groups."

You may also find private owners looking to rehome a pet , sometimes via Craigslist or social media. Castle says that, unfortunately, "since the beginning of the pandemic, increases in puppy sales and online purchasing have created an ideal environment for internet scammers and inhumane puppy suppliers to break the hearts and bank accounts of online pet purchasers." She adds that "it's important for people to meet their new pet in person before exchanging money, so we urge people to stop by their local shelter or rescue group to fall in love with a pet in need." She recommends looking for a Best Friends Network Partner shelter or checking on PetFinder . If you do opt for a private adoption, make sure you can visit the pet first, and try to adopt through someone who is known to your friends or relatives.

Determine what you want

You may walk into a shelter and fall in love with the first pair of puppy dog eyes that lock with yours, or you may have a more specific dog in mind. If you're thinking of a particular breed, Dr. Savageau says you should "definitely research the characteristics and personality traits of the breed" and points out that while shelter animals are often mixed breeds, usually there are at least one or two prominent breeds in an individual dog. She says adopters should research around the following questions:

• Is it a breed that needs a lot of exercise and has a ton of energy ?
• Is it a breed that is more content being a couch potato ?
• Is it a breed that is good with children or other animals?

Dr. Savageau points out that while there are breed-specific traits, "every dog is an individual, so it is always good to ask the shelter or rescue group what personality traits the specific dog you are looking to adopt has been showing. Sometimes this can be hard to assess in a shelter situation, because they can be very scared and nervous with so many other animals around."

Other points to consider are whether you want a large dog, or a small or medium-size dog, whether you prefer a short-haired or long-haired dog, and whether you're open to adopting an older dog.

All that said, it's important to approach dog adoption with an open mind. You may picture yourself romping with a German Shepherd puppy but instead fall for an adorable mixed-breed adult dog that needs your love—just look at these darling before-and-after dog adoption photos .

Fill out adoption forms

The steps vary from shelter to shelter, but typically, you'll be asked to fill out an application—which might be extensive—before you look at adoptable dogs. You may be interviewed by a shelter worker, who will ask questions about your work history, whether you rent or own, background on the other individuals living in your home and your history with pets. Depending on the shelter and/or local regulations, you may also be subject to a background check and a home visit.

Once approved, you'll be able to visit with available dogs and make a request for a specific pet.

Schedule a home visit

Many shelters will require a home visit, where a representative, often a volunteer, makes a brief visit to ensure that the adoptive pet will be going to a safe, clean environment where there are no signs of animal hoarding or abuse, and where any animals present appear to be well cared for and happy. This will happen before you're allowed to bring the pet home—it may take several days or even weeks between applying for the dog, scheduling a home visit, paying the adoption fee, awaiting spay/neuter surgery, if applicable, and being able to bring your new fur baby home.

How to prepare your home for a new dog

You've met your furry soulmate, you've been approved for adoption and now comes the fun part—preparing your home and welcoming your new pet to the family. Here are some of the steps you'll need to take.

Ask friends and neighbors with pets for their recommendations for trusted local veterinarians. Your pup may be perfectly healthy, but it's a good idea to schedule an office visit just to make sure, as well as to establish a relationship with the veterinary clinic. Plus, puppies may still need to finish up their recommended vaccinations.

Get the gear

At a minimum, you'll need a dog collar and leash or harness, food and water bowls, a pet bed and, potentially, puppy pads and a training crate. And don't forget the dog food, dog toys and dog treats! You'll want these items on hand before your pup trots through your door.

Caution the kids

If you have young children at home, they're probably beside themselves with excitement at the idea of a new dog joining the family. But lots of little hands and squealing voices may frighten your pup. Make sure the kids know they need to contain their excitement—it's tough, we know!—and let the dog approach them when it's ready. Remind them there's no poking, prodding, picking up or hugging until the pup's more comfortable with its new family.

• Julie Castle, CEO, Best Friends Animal Society
• Nicole Savageau, DVM, veterinarian with The Vets  mobile pet health service

The post How to Adopt a Dog and Prepare for a New Dog’s Arrival appeared first on Reader's Digest .

10 Things To Do Before Bringing Your Rescue Dog Home

Make the transition from shelter life to forever home a smooth one.

Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images

Once you decide to welcome a rescue dog into your family, it's important to have things just so for their arrival. Experts say rescue dogs need about three days to decompress, three weeks to begin learning new rules, and three months to feel comfortable in their new surroundings.

These 10 tips and tricks will help you prepare for your dog’s transition from shelter to forever home, so you can spend more time helping them adjust and less time catching up on the details.

Prepare Your Home

Puppy proof, puppy proof, puppy proof —even if your dog isn't a puppy. You might be surprised to learn about the dangers hidden in plain sight . And you should never underestimate what a curious or anxious dog can get into. But before you let your new dog have free reign of your pup-proofed home, you’ll want to start them in a separate space, away from the hustle and bustle of your household. 

“This can be a quiet room or a corner of the den with a dog bed or crate with an open door,” says Dr. Gary Weitzman , DVM, president and CEO of the San Diego Humane Society . “Remember that your pet is getting used to his new human family as much as you’re getting used to your new pet.” He adds that stocking your dog’s space with engaging toys like a Kong stuffed with peanut butter can help relieve anxiety and reduce the chances of destructive behaviors. 

Do a Pet-Store Run

From leashes and toys to grooming supplies and treats, there are many things you'll want to have on hand when your rescue dog arrives home. Don’t hesitate to ask shelter staff what supplies your dog enjoys and anything special you’ll need to accommodate their age, breed, or temperament. You can use this essential doggy gear list as a starting point. 

Get Identification

All too often, pet parents arrive on pick-up day without a collar and tags in hand, Weitzman says. If you’ve picked out a name for your pooch , it’s never too early to order a collar and personalized tags with your dog’s name, your address, and your phone number. And if you haven't selected a name just yet—it may take a few days to decide if she's a Birdie or BeeBee—Weitzman says a budget-friendly collar with your name and number in permanent marker is better than leaving your dog bare. 

“One in three pets will go missing in their lifetime,” he says. “A well-fitting collar with an ID tag is essential, even for pets who remain primarily indoors or in fenced yards.”

The shelter you’re working with will likely also mention microchipping; many shelters microchip pets before sending them home. A microchip is a tiny smart ID that’s about the size of a grain of rice. It’s placed under a pet’s skin and when scanned by a vet or shelter, it populates your contact information. Placing the chip requires a brief injection, but after that, it’s painless, Weitzman ensures. And it’s your pet’s ticket home if they become lost and their collar or tags have fallen off. 

Choosing your pup’s vet is an important part of pet parenting, and it shouldn't be a choice you make on a whim. After all, would you visit a doctor you know nothing about? “First check out online reviews to come up with a short list,” Weitzman recommends. Then narrow the selection down by factors that are most important to you, such as the distance from home and/or work, services offered, and cost. It may make a difference to you whether the clinic is a corporate chain or locally owned and if your pet will see the same practitioner every visit. 

Consider Pet Insurance

If you haven’t purchased pet insurance before, now is the time to consider it. For a monthly fee, some pet insurance plans cover everything from preventive care to emergency exams. Others cover a portion of emergency expenses. If pet insurance doesn't fit your needs—and it may not depending on your dog’s age, breed, or pre-existing conditions—you may consider a pet wellness plan instead.

Unlike pet insurance, wellness plans only cover routine care that is essential to keeping your dog healthy, such as their yearly or bi-yearly wellness exams. It’s never a bad idea to pair a wellness plan with an emergency fund to cover any unexpected expenses.

Have a Routine in Mind

While it may seem strange to create a routine before your pup leaves the shelter, a little foresight can go a long way. “Be organized from day one, and life will be easier for everyone,” Weitzman says. Depending on the age of the dog you adopt, your pup will need two or more meals a day. They’ll also need multiple potty breaks and daily exercise ranging from 60 minutes total to two hours, typically broken into short sessions. 

Once your pup arrives home, Weitzman stresses the importance of sticking with your routine. “You’ll thank me for that when you start house training.”

Prepare Your Family

“Before introducing a dog to your children, let them know that dogs communicate differently than they do,” Weitzman suggests. This means that children will need to hold back hugs, resist the urge to pull tails and fur, and practice their "pet voice" for gently talking to their new dog. When introducing two dogs , it should be done on neutral turf, and keep them separate in the home for a bit. Cats require a slow step-by-step introduction starting with confinement.

Get Ready for House Training

Prepare for training by choosing where you’d like your dog to relieve themselves. As soon as you arrive home, take them to the designated potty spot, rewarding them for going to the bathroom. This is positive reinforcement and will go a long way in training your pooch , Weitman says.

Be prepared with lots of healthy training treats that can be broken into bite-sized pieces. Keep in mind that most adult dogs need three to four potty breaks daily while puppies need to go more often.

Have a Support System

Having a go-to professional sitter , walker, family member, or friend can make a world of difference when last-minute schedule changes pop up. Don’t be afraid to reach out for professional behavioral help either, says Maddie Messina , MA, CPDT-KA, SAPT, FFCP, applied animal behaviorist and founder of Paws for Thought . Some rescue dogs have never lived in a home before and may require extra support in making a successful transition.

Clear Your Schedule

In the first few days after your puppy arrives home, you’ll want to be there, too. Sure, your dog will appreciate some alone time in their safe space to decompress, but it’s important that you’re nearby to address any anxious behaviors and take them potty when they need to go.

Your new rescue dog is going to be feeling a lot of new emotions, like excitement, but likely fear and confusion, too. So the first few days aren’t the time for visitors either. Rather, plan for a few quiet days at home to settle in together, just the two of you and any other members of your household.

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Rescue Dog Care: Your First 30 Days

Before you bring your new rescue dog home, you need to be prepared for both yours and your new pet's needs. Rescuing a dog isn't always a smooth process, and it's best to have a plan before the new four-legged family member starts getting accustomed in your house.

Table of Contents

Step 1: Discuss Things with Your Family And Make A Vet Appointment

Step 2: have someone be with them often, step 3: set boundaries and give your dog space, step 4: socialize your rescue dog with the family, step 5: get them home, step 6: supervision and training are essential, step 7: consult a veterinarian, want to share this.

To avoid having to return the dog like many others do , the preparations should start before you even go to the shelter to pick out a rescue pup.

Taking on the responsibilities that come with being a dog owner should not be taken lightly. And, adopting a rescue dog can add even more daily burden, especially in the beginning.

Puppies will typically adjust to a new home fairly quickly , whereas it may take an older rescue dog months before they're completely comfortable in the new place.

Below is an easy-to-follow step-by-step guide to getting a jump start on your rescue canine ownership responsibilities.

First 30 Days: Rescue Dog Care Guide

Before you go to pick and adopt a rescue dog , and even before you fully decide to get one, make sure everyone in your household knows the rules .

More importantly, be upfront with them about what to expect from having a dog around so that you wouldn't have to give the pup later if the family isn't comfortable.

Things like “will the dog be allowed on the couch”, “will the dog be allowed in the kitchen”, “who's going to be walking the dog”, “what should or shouldn't be done or said,” or “when will snacks be fed” – these need to be decided beforehand.

If you are not clear with the rules from the very beginning, your rescue dog is likely to be confused and won't follow any of them.

Consistency is the key .

If certain people in the household have certain duties, like walks and baths, make them known right away. Have everything decided on, preferably with a schedule, before the new pooch comes home.

If possible, you should arrange to bring your rescue dog home when you can take vacation time at work, or when there will always be someone at home with the dog for the first few days.

When you pick up your pooch, get as much information as possible from the shelter.

What time does the rescue usually feed the dog?

Is there a certain time she should go outside?

Routine is important.

If you are unable to be home or have someone be home, have a sitter come check on them.

Keep your dog's schedule the same for at least the first week or two, then start gradually changing it to your desired schedule.

But don’t have any gatherings at your home yet. You, your family and your friends will be very excited to see the new family member.

However, your rescue dog may be feeling nervous, and a little scared. Keep things calm at first.

Prepare more supplies: get a dog harness , leash and collar.

On the collar or harness, have the ID tag attached with your personal details and space for rabies vaccine confirmation once you vaccinate your pup.

Dedicate an area for your new rescue dog. Have a dog bed, crate, blanks and dog toys set up.

You want everything to be in place when the dog comes home. With this done, your pooch will feel more secure and learn the routine faster.

Ask the shelter what food the dog is used to eating. Over the next week, mix in the food that you will be feeding.

Just make it a little more of the new food and a little less of the old food every day until the kibble is completely switched over by the end of the week.

Ask the shelter for any toys or blankets that your adopted dog may have had.

Don’t wash these at first – leave them in her area so she has something familiar.

Don’t wash the scent off until your pup has been with you for a couple weeks.

Even if the fur-baby was house-broken, you may want to pick up pee pads .

Some dogs will lose their training for a few weeks due to anxiety and being unfamiliar with the area.

Pee pads have an attractant that draws the dog there to eliminate.

This is a great place to start training them in other areas as well.

If there are areas you don't want the new rescue dog to have access to due to safety concerns, like the kitchen that's full of dangerous things, then set up pet gates .

Boundaries are actually helpful for dogs too and mentally stimulate the dog.

Have a dog seat belt or a travel crate when you go pick up your rescue pet. You'll have to restrain the dog in the car for both of your safety.

When you get home, before you enter the house , put the collar and leash on the dog, and walk your to potty and to work off nervous energy.

Just a walk around the block is fine. This also helps the dog to get familiar with the new sights and smells.

You want to introduce the rest of the family outside . This could be other animals, kids or adults. While introducing people is fairly straightforward, other animals can be more complicated. Other dogs need to be on a leash as well.

Keep the introductions calm and orderly. Nobody should get overly excited about the dog since it may scare or make the pup nervous. Let the dog approach people by himself , then smell the new family members, then they can give a little scratch behind the ears.

Now you can show your new family member their new home. Let the other family stay outside for now so the pup doesn't get overwhelmed.

Keep Fido on a leash and walk around the house . Remember to only bring the new pooch to the areas that she will be allowed to go. If she won’t be allowed in your bedroom, then do not bring her there – stop at the pet gate or closed door.

Leave your new dog's “personal area” for last. This is where her bed, crate, and toys will be. If you plan to crate train, have her kennel there with the door open. When you reach this area, let the dog off the leash . This tells her that this is her area to be alone.

Don’t bother the dog when she is in her rest area. For the first month, this is where she may come if things get overwhelming. Teach kids to not pet the dog while she is eating or around her food and toys until later when the dog is feeling at home. Food makes dogs territorial and with kids around, there's a danger of lashing out.

After 30 days, you can start making more adjustments if needed, e.g. put her bowls by the utility room and the kennel in the living room. You don’t have to stick with the original layout forever, just long enough for the rescue dog to get used to her new home.

Do not leave your new rescue canine unsupervised unless she's crated . This could be while you’re in the shower or off to the store. Until you are well on your way through training, you don’t want to put your pet in the position to potty in the house or tear something up without you being there – they might not know the rules yet.

For successful training, you want to start positive, reward-based dog training immediately. In this type of training, you will ignore the bad and reward the good with treats and affection to reinforce such behavior. If you're unfamiliar, you can take some dog training classes or simply grab a few dog training books .

Teach your dog some of the basic commands in the very beginning. Things like “no,” “stay,” “come,” “sit” and a few others. You'll need them to tell her to stay put when strangers enter your home, for example, or to avoid having the dog run off chasing squirrels.

Vet check-ups, vaccinations, health recommendations, dietary plan and more… there's plenty to do.

So, during the first 30 days with your new rescue dog, you need to take care of anything that is a health and safety related . The sooner the better.

When you go see your new veterinarian, bring any of rescue dog's health records that you were able to get from the rescue center, so your vet doesn’t have to try to get them later.

If that happens, you may need to make a second trip.

While there, discuss what core vaccines are needed (if any) and which ones are recommended but not always necessary.

Talk about what food is best for your pup, what flea treatment the vet recommends, and other important care items. Ask as many questions as you can think of – vets are used to new owners being overwhelmed.

All of this may seem like a lot to do, but first impressions are important. If you spend the time and energy to do it right in the first 30 days, your rescue dog and your family will be better off.

You won’t still be dealing with problem behaviors six months from the time your rescue pet enters home.

The time spent in the beginning will be time saved later.

How To Take Care of A Rescue Dog Take Home Message

So to summarize when you are taking care of a rescue dog here are the steps:

• Discuss Things with Your Human Family
• Take Time Off Work/Have Someone Be With Them
• Set Boundaries and Give Your Dog Space
• Socialize Your Rescue Dog with the Family
• Get Them Home
• Supervision and Training are Essential
• Make an Appointment with the Vet

It is possible your rescue dog came from a negative or abusive environment, so it's important to follow these steps.

Depending on the dog's personality, they might take awhile to get used to the surroundings or fit right in.

Either way picking or adopting a rescue dog is a noble thing to do, so for those who have rescue dogs, thank you for helping with the stray dog population out there.

Comment below and tell us about your rescue puppy!

READ NEXT: 5 Dog Rescue Stories With A Happy End That Will Make You Sob

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If you're considering a pet shelter adoption, you may have a lot of questions: What will the process be like? Can I bring my pet home the first day? Will there be a screening period? It's normal to feel anxious and excited to bring a pet home, and asking questions is a great way to prepare for the process. Visiting an animal shelter should be a happy moment, and it will be if you know what to expect.

Prepping for the Big Visit

If you have a lot of animal shelters in your area, ask for recommendations from friends and family who recently adopted. If not, call or email to schedule an appointment where you, and possibly even your whole family, can visit with the animals and see if there's a special connection with any of them. However, don't rely on the phone call or email to secure your visit. Animal shelters are often staffed with volunteers, and they get busy. If a shelter's operating hours are listed online or on a building sign, head over there in person to meet the pets for yourself.

Make sure to prep your home before you visit on the chance that you fall in love with a furry friend and have the opportunity to bring him home that evening. However, never make a snap decision when it comes to adopting a pet. It's usually best to spend a day or two sleeping on it. Most shelters will allow you to place a hold on a pet because they know what a big decision it is to adopt. Be sure to dog or cat-proof so that your pet and your personal belongings will be safe in the beginning. You'll also need necessities such as food, a collar, a leash, cat litter and other items that will help both your new pet and your family handle the transition well. Once you have everything you need, you'll be ready to visit the shelter in person.

What Is the Process Like?

If you haven't identified a particular pet you'd like to see, the first step of visiting a shelter will involve walking through the kennel area to view the pets. Once you see a dog or cat that catches your eye, the shelter staff will take him out of his crate and move you into a space where you and the animal can get to know each other. If you're visiting to meet a particular pet, tell the person manning the front desk, and they'll introduce you to the animal immediately. If you're not 100 percent sure what you're looking for, talk to the staff about your household and why you've chosen to adopt. They can help direct you toward pets that meet your needs and personality.

There's a good chance you'll fall in love. You've been forewarned!

If there isn't a connection between you and the animal, don't feel bad — especially if you went there looking for a dog or cat you found online. The most important part of a pet shelter adoption is connecting with the right animal, not just any animal. If this pet isn't a fit for your family, don't worry. He'll find its forever home eventually. In this case, the shelter employee or volunteer will take the pet back to the kennel, and give you the opportunity to meet with other animals.

Or, maybe you automatically click with the first animal you meet. In that case, congratulations! Your family just expanded, and this dog or cat will always hold a special place in your heart. The first thing to do is tell a staff member you'd like to move forward with a pet shelter adoption.

Depending on the facility, they may allow you to continue playing with the pet while they begin the administrative process, or you may be temporarily separated from your new pet while you head to the office to fill out paperwork.

All adoptions require a photo ID, an application, and a fee to be collected before an animal can go home. The fee can range anywhere from $25 to $200, so call ahead to confirm the price if you need to budget for the expense ahead of time. Don't forget to ask for a spay or neuter certificate as well as a detailed list of vaccinations and any other medical history, if available. You'll need this to get a license in your town or city, and your veterinarian will also want this information on file.

Now, in most cases, you'll be ready to bring your animal home. However, there are many shelters that make individuals wait a period of time after visiting before they release the pet to them. Although not common, some will request a home visit. It can be a downer to expect to leave with a pet after a trip to the shelter. If that is a priority for you, call for more details before visiting.

Expect to be at the shelter for at least an hour, and if you bring family with you, kids especially, know that it might take longer.

What (or Who) Should You Bring with You?

Speaking of family, should you bring anyone with you for a pet shelter adoption? The answer to that varies from person to person and family to family. If you're single, there's really no need to bring anyone with you to approve of your decision, unless you want some company and moral support. If you're a couple, both of you should be present, especially since the dog or cat needs to view you both as his leaders.

A family makes the situation tricky. If you bring young children to a shelter to meet animals, yet don't feel comfortable bringing one home, your children may feel disappointed — especially if they felt a significant connection with one animal. Similarly, young children have a ton of energy, which may disrupt the get-to-know-you environment. And finally, while the pet may show no signs of aggression, it's impossible to know if the cat or dog has a history of aggression against children.

However, there are so many good reasons to have your whole family there as well. First, this pet won't belong just to you. Your new furry friend is entering an entire family, and you want to make sure everyone is happy with the choice and feels a connection to the loving animal. Children of all ages will feel special to help make the choice and give their opinion. Finally, you'll feel more confident to watch the dog or cat interact with your children, knowing that their relationship started out strong.

Important Questions About the Adoption Process

There are many questions you'll want to ask the shelter staff before adopting an animal. First, find out the current and previous health status. Have there ever been any problems physically? If so, find out if the pet needs to be on a specific diet or take any medications. You'll also want to know the animal's age, which will help you choose the best food and treats. Finally, don't forget to ask behavioral questions, too. You need to know if the animal has any dominance or aggression issues, especially if there are children in your home. Similarly, find out if this new pet plays well with other animals if you have another pet in your house.

Shelter staff will also have questions for you to answer. Their goal is to make sure the animal is placed in a safe, loving environment. They don't want the dog or cat to cycle through homes, ending up back at the shelter in a short period of time. Don't feel as if they are grilling you. All of the questions they ask are important to help them identify whether you are the right fit for the pet in question. Since animals don't talk, the shelter staff act as animal advocates to ensure the cats and dogs go to healthy families.

Visiting an animal shelter and going through with a pet shelter adoption is a very big deal. Congratulations on this momentous occasion!

Contributor Bio

Erin Ollila

Erin Ollila believes in the power of words and how a message can inform—and even transform—its intended audience. Her writing can be found all over the internet and in print, and includes interviews, ghostwriting, blog posts, and creative nonfiction. Erin is a geek for SEO and all things social media. She graduated from Fairfield University with an M.F.A. in Creative Writing. Reach out to her on Twitter @ReinventingErin or learn more about her at http://erinollila.com .

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Popular stories.

Are you ready for your adoption home study visit?

Wondering what the visit will be like?

If you are asking yourself these questions here are some tips to make this time less stressful . 

Adoption is stressful enough, there are many decisions to be made, a ton of paperwork  to complete and reference letters to request, the last thing you need to be worried about is your home visit. 

Here is a list of things to keep in mind:

• RELAX: The social worker is not there to judge you, they are there to learn more about you and your family and also to be sure your home meets the safety guidelines set by your state of residence. The Social Worker is not just there to see your home, this is a time when you will be asked a lot of questions also, about your childhood, your marriage, your relationship with your parents and siblings, what your adoption plans are, and many more. 
• PREPARE QUESTIONS: This is a time when the social worker will help you understand the adoption process. It is also an opportunity for you to ask adoption questions and explore the type of child that will be entering your family.
• BE YOURSELF: Be honest and upfront with information.  If you have something in your past you are not proud of (an arrest, an addiction and/or treatment, etc.) be upfront and honest with your social worker from the beginning.  It can save a lot of time and show you are making an effort to be truthful and sincere with your adoption agency.  Past indiscretions do not always mean you cannot adopt, but the most important thing to remember is fully disclosing things that have happened in your past from the moment you contact your agency is highly important.
• EXPERIENCE: Take the time to learn and grow from this experience.  Most prospective adoptive parents are anxious about their home visit but then find the experience fun and exciting. The best thing you can do is relax and learn from the home visit, it will help you gain insight and understanding about adoption. 
• HOME: Here is a list of the safety areas that a social worker will be looking at in your home. Remember these vary according to your state of residence and if you are concerned about something, ask your social worker before the visit so that you are prepared when they come.
• A plan for child proofing if no children are currently in the home or child proofing (e.g. outlet covers, cabinet locks, gated stairs)
• Fire/smoke detectors on every level of the home
• Carbon monoxide detector in the home
• Potential hazards (e.g. medicines, cleaning supplies) secured and out of reach
• Railings of stairways
• Fenced, locked and alarmed pool (if any)
• Gated and protected fireplaces and/or wood stoves (if any)
• Secured firearms in a locked gun safe with ammunition securely stored and locked in a separate location
• Overall maintenance of the home inside and out
• Other potential safety concerns
• Adequate space for the addition of a child(ren) to the home
• Appropriate bedroom space (e.g. size, windows, proximity to parent(s)’ bedroom)
• Bathroom facilities
• Kitchen/dining area
• Recreational and relaxation space (e.g. living room, playroom)

If the Social Worker has any concerns regarding the safety of the home, the prospective adoptive parents will be given an opportunity to correct the safety hazard.  Once corrected, the Social Worker will return to the home to inspect the change and reassess the home’s suitability for a child(ren).   

For more information download our agency Home Study Guide by clicking on the link below:

Family Connections, Inc. is a New York State authorized adoption agency that has achieved Hague Accreditation from the Council on Accreditation.  With over twenty years of experience in adoption we would be happy to help you explore all your adoption options.   To schedule a free no-obligation consultation or talk with our staff about domestic or international adoption call 607-756-6574. Family Connections, Inc. provides home study and post-adoption supervision for families living in Buffalo, Syracuse, Albany, New York City, Long Island, Binghamton and throughout New York State.

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Uncover the truth behind common misconceptions about adoption and learn why they are not always accurate.

*A series of guides on shooting Street Photography in cities around the world. Find the best spots to shoot, things to capture, street walks, street tips, safety concerns, and more for cities around the world. I have personally researched, explored and shot Street Photography in every city that I create a guide for. So you can be ready to capture the streets as soon as you step outside with your camera!

At over 12 million people, Moscow is the largest city in Russia and second largest in Europe by population ( Istanbul is #1). An urban, cosmopolitan metropolis with more than enough glitz and glam to cater to the elite, but without losing its fair share of Soviet era roughness around the edges. It can be fast paced, brash, busy, and trendy like other big cities, but it has its blend of West meets Russia atmosphere and beauty that provides plenty of unique interest. The Red Square is as famous as it gets, but there’s so much more to this city, including the most beautiful subway system you’ve ever seen. It would take years to capture all of Moscow, but that means you have an endless amount of areas to discover.

So here’s a Street Photography guide so you can be ready to capture all that Moscow has to offer before you even arrive!

• Patriarch’s Pond
• Old Arbat Street
• Maroseyka Street
• Tverskoy Boulevard

Top 5 Street Spots:

1. red square.

The Red Square is the most famous square in not just Russia, but all of Eastern Europe. The name actually doesn’t come from the color of the bricks or communism, but from the name in Russian, Krásnaya, once meaning “beautiful” before its meaning changed to “red.” This large plaza is what you see on the cover of guide books and magazines for Moscow, with St. Basil’s Cathedral being the center piece next to Lenin’s Mausoleum surrounded by the Kremlin Wall. Of course, the Red Square attracts hordes of tourist due to the main attractions, but all that activity around an interesting atmosphere does provide street photo opportunities. It’s also the central square connecting to the city’s major streets, providing a good starting point to explore outward.

You’ll also find the popular pedestrian only Nikolskaya Street connecting the Red Square to Lubyanka Square. This line of expensive shops includes plenty of activity, while also leading you to another popular square. Filled with history rivaling any city, the Red Square and surrounding areas are the heart and soul of Russia.

2. Patriarch’s Ponds

Patriarch’s Ponds is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Moscow. Despite the name being plural, there’s only one large pond, but it’s worth a visit with your camera. It’s a popular spot for locals and expats to come relax or take a stroll around the pond. You get an interesting mix of young and old too, from young love to “babushkas” feeding pigeons. It’s a very peaceful park atmosphere in one of the nicer areas within the city center, while bringing enough activity for street photography. 

The pond is shallow and in the winter becomes a popular spot for ice-skating too. The area is also well-known for the location in the famous Russian novel, The Master and Margarita. 

3. Old Arbat (Stary Arbat)

Old Arbat is the most famous pedestrian street in Moscow, and dating back to the 15th century, also one of its oldest. Originally, it was an area of trade, but soon became the most prestigious residential area in Moscow. During the 18th century, Arbat started attracting the city’s scholars and artists, including Alexander Pushkin. Cafes lined the streets and impressive homes filled the neighborhood. Since then, New Arbat street was created as a highway in the area, while Old Arbat was paved for a 1km pedestrian only walkway.

Due to the historic buildings, famous artists that lived here, and the bohemian atmosphere, Old Arbat has become a big attraction for tourists today. Now, there’s a mix of cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, street performers, street merchants and other attractions for visitors, and some locals, to come enjoy. It can get really busy here and there’s usually something interesting going on so it’s a good street to come walk with your camera for guaranteed life.

4. Gorky Park

One of the most famous places in Moscow is Gorky Park. The official name is Maxim Gorky’s Central Park of Culture & Leisure, which gives you an idea of what goes on here. When built, it was the first of its kind in the Soviet Union. Divided into two parts, it stretches along Moscow River. One end contains fair rides, foods stands, tennis courts, a sports club, a lake for boat rides, and more. This end brings more active life due to its number of attractions, while the other end is more relaxed, where you’ll find gardens, trees, older buildings, and an outdoor amphitheater.

Gorky Park attracts mostly locals so it’s a good spot to capture the non-tourist side of Moscow life. Muscovites come here to escape the city and unwind in a picturesque setting. The park remains alive outside of the warmer months too, especially when the lake turns into the city’s largest outdoor skating rink. I’d recommend taking the metro out here to spend at least half a day exploring the massive park’s life with your camera.

5. Maroseyka Street

Maroseyka Street is a popular area not too far from the Red Square. The long, winding street turns into Pokrovka and is lined with restaurants, cafes, bars and places to stay. It’s actually where I like to stay when I’m in Moscow due to its location and solid street photography opportunities itself. You have Kitay-gorod station near and if you keep walking southwest, you’ll get to the Red Square. But if you walk northwest, as it changes to Pokrovka, you can find a long street of activity for photography with its own interesting atmosphere.

6. Tverskoy Boulevard

Tverskoy Boulevard is the oldest and longest boulevard in Moscow, beginning at the end of Nikitsky Boulevard, and finishing at Pushkin Square, a spot to come for activity itself. The boulevard is made up of two avenues, with pedestrian walkways in-between. You’ll find grass, shrubbery, trees, benches and more walking it’s almost kilometer length. Many people come here to enjoy some relaxation, walk their dog, or just to use it to walk wherever they’re going. Its center location also provides a nice place to walk with your camera near plenty of other spots you’ll want to check out anyway.

Sample Street Walk:

For a full day of Street Photography, covering some of the best spots, you can follow this sample street walk for Moscow:

• Start your morning walking around the Red Square (1), while exploring the surrounding area, including Nikolskaya Street
• Then walk northwest to Patriarch’s Ponds (2) and slowly walk the pond and surrounding area with your camera
• Next, walk east to the Pushkin Monument and stroll down Tverskoy Boulevard (6)
• Once Tverskoy Boulevard (6) ends, it will turn into Nikitsky Boulevard. Follow this down until you get to the start of Old Arbat Street (3), across from Arbatskaya station
• After you’re done walking down Old Arbat Street (3) for more street photography, spend some time checking out Moscow’s beautiful metro stations
• To finish off the day with more street photography, get off the metro near Red Square (1) again, Maroseyka Street (5) or wherever you’re staying for the night.

3 Things I’ll Remember about Shooting in Moscow:

1. museum metro.

The Moscow metro system was the first underground railway system in the Soviet Union and today includes 203 stations across 340km of routes. The elaborate system has some of the deepest stations in the world too, with escalators that seem to go on forever. None of this is what makes it so special, though. Many of its stations feel like stepping inside a museum, making it without a doubt the most interesting and beautiful metro system I’ve been in.

When built, Stalin wanted to make the metro stations “palaces for the people” with marble, chandeliers, and grand architecture. The best part is the variety of architecture and styles used, making many of the stations a completely different experience visually. You could easily spend a whole day traveling the stations and there are even tours available for people who wish to do just that. My advice, though, would be just to buy a ticket and hop on and off at different stations, while exploring different lines. The museum-like surrounding mixed with the crowds of characters can make for a great photography experience.

Since there are so many stations, here are some of my favorites to check out:

• Novoslobodskaya
• Mayakovskaya
• Elektrozavodskaya
• Komsomolskaya
• Ploschad Revolyutsii
• Dostoyevskaya
• Prospekt Mira

2. Moscow is Big

It’s no secret that Moscow is a big city, but it can feel even bigger with how spread out much of it is. This is especially true if you compare it to cities outside of Asia. If I compared it to cities in Europe, I’d probably say only Istanbul would warrant more time to really discover the depths of this city. Most only explore around the Red Square and surrounding area, but that is such a small part of the city. Although, that central area does give you plenty to see on its own.

Fortunately, I had a good friend living in the city to show me around, but it opened up my eyes even more to how much there is to discover in Moscow. It’s a big city with a variety of atmosphere that can take you from “east” to “west” and trendy to rugged depending on where you go. I’d imagine you’d have to live here a while to really know the city.

3. Cosmopolitan Mix of East meets West

Modern skyscrapers mixed with amazing architecture, a world-class metro system with museum-like beauty, trendy fashion and chic clubs, Moscow is a rich mix of Russian culture and history in a more western cosmopolitan package. There is a push to keep the Russian culture, while also pushing forward with a modern metropolis the whole world will envy. This comes with an impressive skyline, that continues to grow, and endless modernities, but with soviet nostalgia and atmosphere mixed in for good measure.

Mixed in with this grand western cosmopolitan atmosphere, is a strong national pride in Russia. This includes their famous leader, Vladimir Putin. Maybe no other place will you see a country’s leader more often. All over, from the pricey tourist shops to the underground walkway stalls, you’ll find goods with Putin’s likeness covering them. From t-shirts to magnets to Matryoshka dolls. There’s a strong national pride that can be seen around the city, which also extends to their leader. Moscow is many things. It’s East meets West, modernizations meets Soviet era, and a whole lot more.

What To Do For a Street Photography Break?:

Eat at a stolovaya.

Stolovayas are Russian cafeterias that became popular in the Soviet days. You grab a tray and walk down the line of freshly prepared local dishes, and select whatever you want from the chefs. They’re usually inexpensive and a much better value than restaurants, while giving you the opportunity to try from a wide selection of everyday Russian food. They’re also very tasty. I always include some borsch on my tray and go from there. The places themselves are all over Moscow and usually come with Soviet-era aesthetics to complete the experience.

Street Safety Score: 7

*As always, no place is completely safe! So when I talk about safety, I’m speaking in general comparison to other places. Always take precaution, be smart, observe your surroundings and trust your instincts anywhere you go!

Being the 2nd largest city in Europe with over 12 million people, you’re going to have your dangerous areas, but for the most part, it feels safe walking around. Russia is statistically higher in crime compared to most of Europe, but this generally doesn’t apply to tourists and visitors. Around the Red Square and surrounding city center, you should feel completely safe walking around. Pick pocketing can happen, but no more than other touristic places. I always explore Moscow freely without coming across too much to worry about. It’s a spread out city, though, so of course it matters where you are. Just use basic street smarts, know where you are and Moscow shouldn’t give you a problem. 

People’s Reaction Score: 7

Moscow is fast paced, big city life, which usually means people aren’t too concerned with you, or your camera. I don’t find people notice or pay much attention to me when I’m out taking photos in Moscow. For the most part, people just go about their day. You shouldn’t get too many looks or concern. But it can depend on the area you are in. The more you stick out, the more you might get noticed with suspicions. I’ve never had any problems in Moscow, or Russia, but just be careful who you’re taking a photo of if you get out of the city center. Other than that, it’s about average for reactions. 

Street Tips:

Learn the alphabet .

Much of Moscow, including the metro system, doesn’t use english. The Russian alphabet uses letters from the Cyrillic script, which if you aren’t familiar with it and don’t know the sounds, can be hard to decipher the words. This is most important for street names and metro stops when trying to get around. It can save confusion and make it easier getting around if you learn the basic alphabet. At the very least then, you can sound out the words to see which are similar in the english conversion, which can help matching them to maps. When out shooting street photography, getting around is as important as anything. So save yourself some time and frustration by learning the Russian Alphabet.

Use the metro

While Saint-Petersburg feels very walkable for a city its size, Moscow can feel very spread out, even for its bigger size. Outside of the Red Square area, you can have plenty of walking before getting anywhere very interesting, so you’ll need to take the metro a lot if you really want to explore the city. Maps are deceiving here too, it will always be further than it looks.

Another reason it’s less walkable than Saint-Petersburg is its completely different set-up. Moscow’s streets are mostly contstructed in rings with narrow, winding streets in-between. This is common with medieval city cities that used to be confined by walls, but you usually don’t have it in a city this massive. Saint-Petersburg has a more grid-like pattern that also uses the canals to help you know your way around. When it comes to navigating on foot in Moscow, it can be more difficult, so bring a map and take the metro when needed. It’s why Moscow’s metro carries more passengers per day than the London and Paris subways combined.

Explore other areas if you have time

Moscow is really big. While most people stay around the Red Square within the Boulevard Ring, there’s so much more to the city. I covered some other spots outside of this circle, but if you really want to see the city, you’ll need time. If you do have time, some other areas I’d check out first are Zamoskvarechye, along some of the south and western Moscow.

Inspiration:

For some more inspiration, you can look through the Street Photography of Moscow photographer Artem Zhitenev  and check out 33 of my photos taken in Moscow .

Conclusion:

Moscow’s name brings a certain mystique, but once you’re there it might bring a different atmosphere than you expect. It’s big and sprawling, but beautiful in many ways. It can feel like a European capital on a grand scale, but you can definitely find its Russian side in there.

The urban sprawl of Moscow can be intimidating, but give it enough time and you’ll be rewarded with plenty to discover. All with the world’s best metro system to take you around.

I hope this guide can help you start to experience some of what Moscow contains. So grab your camera and capture all that Moscow has to offer for Street Photography!

If you still have any questions about shooting in Moscow, feel free to comment below or email me!

(I want to make these guides as valuable as possible for all of you so add any ideas on improvements, including addition requests, in the comment section!)

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How to Prepare For a Dog Adoption Home Visit

Preparing to adopt a dog? Here are seven tips for acing your inspection and bringing your new pup home.

by Tim Barribeau , | July 21, 2023

MixMedia / iStock

So you’ve found a pet to bring into your family and filled out the adoption application . Many people don’t realize that when adopting from a rescue or shelter , there is often another step before you bring your pup home : The dog adoption home visit, where a representative from the rescue or shelter visits your house or apartment. Learn all about how to prepare for this step in the adoption process and what to expect from a home visit.

In this article:

What is a home visit for adopting a dog, why is preparing for an adoption home visit important, preparing for an adoption home visit, what can i do after the home visit to further support the adoption process, what are some common mistakes to avoid during an adoption home visit, what to expect during a home visit, what are the reasons for denying pet adoption, commonly asked questions:.

You may be wondering why this step is necessary after you’ve already filled out an application . Shelters and rescues want to find the right home for each animal and ensure you will be a good pet parent. A home visit is their opportunity to make sure your home is suitable for a pet and remind you of the commitment and responsibility you’re accepting. In most cases, a home visit for dog adoption is just confirmation that your new pet will be safe, loved, and cared for as a member of your family.

Why do shelters do home visits?

Rescues and shelters often schedule a home visit to help them determine if your living environment and lifestyle are ideal fits for the particular dog you want to adopt. It’s important that new pet parents have the time, resources, and knowledge to provide for their pet’s needs, and a home visit allows the shelter to make sure that the dog will have the loving home they deserve.

Your adoption home visit is your opportunity to demonstrate that you can properly care for a rescue pet. Think of the apartment pet interview like a job interview — if you don’t prepare ahead of time, you likely won’t put your best foot forward.

Everyone in your household, whether other family members or roommates, should be involved in preparing for a home visit and new pet. You should talk to children about how to help take care of the dog and how to behave kindly toward animals.

To make a good impression on the adoption agency representative, you should also come prepared with your own questions to ask to show how invested you are in the process and how much thought you’ve given to taking care of a pet.

What should I do to prepare my home?

You want to show the shelter representative that you understand the responsibility of caring for a pet and will provide your new family member with everything they need to be happy and healthy. Take time to learn how to prepare for a dog and purchase all the required supplies , like a crate, water and food bowls, a collar and leash, and plenty of fun toys.

What questions will a shelter ask me during adoption?

When asked, “Why do you want to adopt a dog ” answer truthfully and openly. A home visit is often more of a conversation than a formal interview, and while your answers may not determine the shelter’s final decision, the shelter representative will still ask you multiple questions to gauge your ability to care for a dog. Be prepared for the following dog adoption interview questions and answers:

Have you had experience with this particular type of animal before?

Does everyone in your household agree to get a new pet?

Do you have children? Are they comfortable and responsible with pets?

Do you currently have any pets? Are they compatible with other animals?

Do you rent or are you a homeowner?

Do you have a yard? Is it fenced in? If not, how do you plan to provide exercise, and how often?

Where will your pet be kept during the daytime? And at night?

How do you plan to care for your pet if you need to leave town?

No matter how much you prepare, you may receive some questions during the home visit that you aren’t sure how to answer. Give an honest response, and if you don’t know the answer, admit it. The shelter representative won’t expect you to know everything, and it’s better to admit your lack of knowledge than to make up an answer.

An adoption home visit is also a chance for you to ask questions of the shelter representative about your potential new pet’s history and temperament. Below are some common questions to ask when getting a dog that can help you prepare for your newest family member:

What is the dog’s history?

Are there any health issues or concerns that I should be aware of?

Do you know what breed(s) the dog is?

What have you noticed about the dog’s personality?

Is the dog house-trained? Do they already know any basic commands?

Does the dog get along with children ? With dogs? Other animals?

Knowing the questions to ask before adopting a dog shows that you are engaged in the adoption process and lets the shelter know that you care about providing a proper home for the dog as much as they do.

Like any other kind of interview, one of the worst things you can do during an adoption home visit is to give the shelter representative the answers you think they want to hear. Be honest and open with your answers — and with your home. That means giving the representative a full tour of the house, including where your pet will eat and sleep. You should also already have supplies for your dog before the home visit to show your preparedness and commitment.

Your adoption home visit is a chance to show that you can and will provide your new pet with a safe and loving home. We asked Melissa Giordano, Adoption Coordinator of the Sato Project , to fill us in on what to expect during this step of the adoption process, so you can better prepare to make the best possible impression.

1. It’s all about state of mind

Giordano emphasizes that shelters and rescues are looking for people who want to do best by their animals.

“We’re not looking for you to have a spotless home with perfect everything because that doesn’t exist,“ Giordano says. “We just want to make sure that the dog is going to be safe and that the people are open to suggestions and are going to be thinking through things that could potentially cause a problem.”

So the first thing you can do is take a deep breath and frame the visit in your mind as a chance to have a better and safer environment for a pet .

2. Think like a nervous dog

Giordano emphasized that a major part of her organization’s work is making sure there are no easy ways for a pet to escape their adopter’s home because animals may try and make a break for it if they’re in a new space and spooked. That means making sure that all windows and doors close securely and that you’re not relying on a screen for preventing escape; that any air conditioning units are properly anchored and the soft closures around them held firmly in place; that fences and gates (if present) are fully secure; and that there are no easily accessible tables or chairs for them to get high enough to jump over.

Your space doesn’t need to be spotless, but you need to do a decent clean-up. You want the shelter to know that you’re capable of keeping your home clean and that there’s not anything dangerous for the dog to easily get into. That means securing any garbage containers so they’re not easy to knock over and rifle through; making sure any plants you have around are pet-safe ; and, if you have cat litter, making sure the dog can’t get into it. Giordano points out that things you might not even think of could be a problem: “Kids’ toys — sometimes you don’t even think about it, but puppies will chew those apart and could potentially get injured or swallow something that could get stuck.”

4. But don’t be too precious with your belongings

Animals, unfortunately, can be destructive — even if they don’t mean to be. A newly introduced dog may make messes regardless of how house-trained they are as they struggle to get used to a new place. And they may chew or scratch if they’re particularly nervous. So go into the adoption process with the knowledge that there might be some damage around your home, and if you have any rugs, furniture, or extremely precious belongings that you can’t stand to see possibly hurt, put them away until the animal is totally settled and you know how they’ll behave.

5. Introductions, please

The agency will also want to meet whoever currently lives in your house — people and animals. Not every animal is suited to every living situation, so this helps them ensure that the pet is going into an environment where they will be comfortable. They’ll probably want an introduction to your family members, roommates, and any other animals onsite .

6. Be prepared for in-person or over video

In large part because of the pandemic, you may be asked to do a video home visit rather than one in person. This entails dialing into a video chat where a staff member can talk to you as you walk around the house and reveal anything they need a closer look at. Or they might just want you to video a home tour on your own and send it in, which can be easier to coordinate with everyone’s schedules.

7. Be open to change

Above all else, remember that this isn’t an adversarial visit. The shelter wants you and the animal to be the best possible match so that everyone can be happy and fulfilled with one another. Any suggestions they give are so that an animal you adopt will be safer and happier — so go into the process with an open mind and a willingness to adapt, and you’ll be fine.

“The people that are coming to do the home visits are not going to judge them,” Giordano says. “We are not looking for a perfect house. We are just getting a sense for the person or the family to make sure that it’s a match for our dog and that they’re able to give our dog the best, safest, and most loving home.”

Not every pet adoption application is accepted, and shelters have a number of reasons for denying an adopter. For example, if you work long hours, the shelter may be worried that the dog will spend too much time alone and won’t get the love and care they need.

Some other reasons for denying pet adoption include:

Your home doesn’t have a fenced yard or is too small for the dog

You already own several pets

You are too young (in college or younger) and may not have time to commit to a pet

You are too old and may not be able to properly care for a pet

You have young children in the home

Your current pets are not up-to-date on vaccinations and care

None of your current pets are spayed or neutered

Remember that every pet and every situation is different. The shelter just wants to find the best possible home for each dog in their care, and reasons for denying an adoption are in the pet’s best interests.

Preparing for your home visit shows that you are ready for the commitment of caring for a pet.

Prepare your home by purchasing the supplies you need to make your home safe and comfortable for your dog. Get rid of anything that could be dangerous to a pet.

How can I make a good impression on the adoption agency representative?

Be enthusiastic about the process, answer questions honestly and openly, and ask your own questions.

Should I involve my family members in the preparation process?

Family members should be involved because everyone in the household should be on the same page when bringing a pet into the home and should know what to expect.

Avoid giving answers you think the representative wants to hear. Instead, give accurate and honest answers.

How can I handle any unexpected questions or situations during the visit?

If you don’t have an answer to a question or are unsure, admit it. The representative will appreciate your honesty.

After your home visit, continue to prepare your home for a new dog by purchasing supplies and asking the shelter questions about your new pet.

There are multiple reasons for denying pet adoption, including a lack of space, too many current pets, young children, and pets that are not spayed or neutered.

References:

How to Adopt a Dog

Muttville – How to Adopt a Dog

Korean K9 Rescue – Adoption Process

Rescue Dogs Rock NYC – Application Process

Sample Interview Question for Screening

Guidelines for Screening Potential Adopters

Home Visit Check List

Tim Barribeau

Tim Barribeau is a freelance writer, editor, cat dad, and “help your boyfriend buy a suit that actually fits for once” consultant. He was previously the Style and Pets editor at  Wirecutter , and has bylines at a bunch of publications that don't exist anymore (and a couple that still do).

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