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During the transition stage, preparation and patience are crucial.
Although getting a new dog is an exciting experience, it may also be stressful for you and your dog until you get into a routine. It may take days, months, or longer for you and your pet to get along and for your dog to become used to your house, particularly if it's a new pet and they've previously lived in different homes or shelters.
Use the following advice with patience to help your pet adjust to the "new normal" and develop a strong relationship with you.
Getting your house ready
Acquire resources
Get your dog's supplies ready in advance. You'll need a bed, food and water bowls, a harness and a 6-foot nylon leash, an identity tag, a flat-buckle or martingale collar, and toys! Until you are sure whether your dog will shred or consume toys, we advise using toys that are unlikely to be ingested, such Nylabones (not to be confused with rawhide, which we do not suggest).
For usage as a secure, peaceful "den," you may also think about getting your dog a suitable-sized crate or enclosed pet playpen that is big enough for him to stand up and spin around.
Buy a small bag of the food your dog has been eating if you know what it is to maintain consistency in their diet. Later on, you may always switch the meal, but to prevent disturbing their stomach, you should gradually combine the old and new foods.
Create a routine
Together with the human members of your home, decide in advance on your dog's care routine. When and who will walk your dog? When will you give your dog food? Will your dog be permitted to use the furnishings or will they have to get used to a crate at first? Where will they spend the evening? Are there any areas of the house that you cannot enter?
Prepare for arrival
Plan your dog's arrival for the weekend or a time when you can stay home for a few days. Spend some time together, getting to know one another. Establishing a schedule with your dog can help them learn what to anticipate from you and develop confidence in you during the first few weeks. However, you shouldn't thrust your new dog into strange settings too soon. It may be tempting to take them to a crowded park or dog park or to a pet supply store so they may choose toys, but for the most part, dogs will become anxious just by moving inside your house. Maintain as much silence and consistency as you can during the first week or more. Feed, walk, and leave for work at around the same times each day.
If you must leave the house, think about providing your dog with an enrichment item, such a puzzle food dish or plush treat toy. This offers both a mental and physical diversion and helps stop problems like separation anxiety.
Get ready for house training
Starting from the premise that your new dog isn't potty trained, proceed. Keep a schedule and be consistent. Remember that many house-trained dogs could make a mistake at first as they adjust to a new habit and surroundings; you can avoid this by bringing them outside every few hours.
Ensure the wellbeing of each pet
Before introducing your new dog to any existing dogs or cats in the house, ensure sure they have all of their vaccines and are in good general health. It's best for all pets in your home to be psychologically and physically well before adding any more stress since adding new family members can be difficult for dogs.
Within a week, take your new dog to the doctor for a general health examination, vaccines, and a flea/tick preventative medication. If your shelter, rescue, or reputable breeder didn't already vaccinate, microchip, and spay or neuter your dog, you'll need to request one and schedule an appointment for the procedure as well.
Early times
Think of a container
Your dog, which naturally prefers to den, may view a crate as their own chamber and find crate training to be simpler in some circumstances. To you, a crate may appear to be the canine equivalent of a jail cell. Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and sit comfortably in a natural position inside the crate.
Attend a training session
Dogs want to brighten your day! Immediately after they accomplish anything you want to correct, use a firm, calm cue (a single, firm "no," for instance), or, far better, reward them with praise, petting, or goodies right away after they do something you like! Encourage your dog to do things you enjoy rather than trying to stop them from doing things you don't like. Additionally, positive reinforcement training can help you and your pet establish a good rapport. Consider enrolling in a live or online dog obedience class, or learn about positive dog training by watching internet videos or checking out books from your neighborhood library.
Long Term
Play time!
Dogs require a lot of playing and exercise to maintain their mental and physical wellness. That means you should arrange games and exercise for your pet, such as lengthy runs, walks, or treks for larger dogs or a game of fetch for even the tiniest canines. Consider teaching your dog new tricks—no dog is too old for new tricks!—and making mealtimes fun by placing wet food on a licking mat or kibble on a snuffle mat (see below). Remember, a weary dog is a nice dog: Dogs who are emotionally and physically exhausted are significantly less prone to indulge in boredom behaviors like chewing or barking.
Make a mobile feast
Make mealtimes a (controlled) puzzle for the mental and physical enrichment of the animals.
Patience is essential
Finally, keep your expectations in check. Life with you will be a new experience for your new friend, so allow them some time to acclimatize. You'll quickly realize you've made a lifelong buddy. If you're having trouble with a behavior, don't be afraid to get help. If required, the shelter or rescue from which you adopted or the responsible breeder from whom you purchased can give advice on basic behavioral issues or send you to a trained trainer.
Nobody will ever welcome you with as much excitement or unconditional love and loyalty as your dog would. Be patient, and you will be rewarded handsomely.
