Have you ever decided to bring home an adult dog? After much searching, you have probably found the perfect adult dog to join your family. while you’ve had time to plan and get excited, your new dog has no idea what’s coming. They’re about to be introduced to a new environment, a different routine, and unfamiliar people. It will take time—often several months—for them to feel comfortable, build trust, and learn their place in your home.
Here are some helpful tips to make the transition smoother for you and your new furry friend.
Plan Ahead
Before welcoming your adult dog, consider these important questions:
- What size dog can you handle? If you’re bringing home a large dog, it’s essential to be physically capable of training and managing them.
- Male or female? If you already have a dog, many trainers recommend adopting one of the opposite sex to avoid potential conflicts.
- Family dynamics: Do you have kids or other pets like cats? Some dogs don’t get along well with children, and others may view cats as prey.
- Lifestyle fit: Do you want a hiking companion, or are you more of a homebody? Make sure your dog’s energy level matches your lifestyle.
- Timing: Do you have enough time to devote to your new dog? If you’re planning a trip soon, it may be best to wait before adopting.
- House safety: Even older dogs can get into things like cleaning products, toxic foods, kids’ toys, or dangerous plants.
- Supplies: Gather the essentials beforehand—leash, collar, ID tag, food, bowls, bed, crate, and a veterinarian.
- Comfort items: If possible, get bedding or toys from your dog’s previous home to help ease the transition.
- House rules: Establish house rules from the start. Where will the dog eat and sleep? Is jumping on furniture allowed? Make sure everyone in the household is on the same page.
Day One: The Big Arrival
Transporting your new dog safely is crucial. You may not know how they’ll behave in the car, so using a crate or seatbelt harness can help keep them secure. Bring someone with you to ride with the dog and keep them calm if possible.
Here’s how to make the first day as smooth as possible:
- Stick to the same feeding schedule: Ask the shelter or previous owner when your dog was last fed, and try to follow that schedule for now.
- Potty breaks: When you arrive home, immediately take your dog to the designated potty area. Keep them on a leash and offer treats and praise if they go.
- Confine their space: Limit the dog’s movement in the house at first. Use gates, pens, or a leash to keep them in the room where you’ll spend most of your time.
- Introduce family members slowly: Let your dog meet everyone one at a time, calmly. Avoid introducing friends or extended family right away.
- Set up their space: Place their crate or dog bed in your bedroom. Put their food and water bowls in a quiet area where they’ll feel safe.
- Other pets: If you have other pets, introduce them cautiously. Start with leashed meetings on neutral ground outdoors, and keep them separated indoors using crates or gates until they get used to each other.
The Orientation Period
The first few weeks are critical for your new adult dog as they adjust to their new life. Dogs thrive on routine, so establish a predictable schedule to help them feel more secure.
- Stick to the same diet: Keep your dog on their current food for at least two weeks. If you plan to switch, do it gradually by mixing the old and new food.
- Reinforce good behavior: Praise and reward your dog for behaviors you want to encourage, such as sitting calmly or responding to commands.
- Housetraining: Be patient, and treat your new dog as though they are a puppy. Even if they were housetrained in their previous home, they’ll need to learn the rules of your house.
- Vet visit: Schedule a visit to the vet for a “greet and treat” session. This helps the dog associate the vet with positive experiences.
Building Trust and Routine
Welcoming a new dog into your home is a process that requires patience, calmness, and consistency. It may take weeks, or even months, for your adult dog to feel fully at ease.
- Slow introductions: Continue introducing your new dog to other pets gradually. Walk them together and keep their belongings—like toys and food—separate to avoid tension.
- Limit outings: Keep things low-key for the first few weeks. Allow your dog to adjust to their new environment before taking them out to new places.
- Addressing behavior issues: If any behavioral problems arise, consider seeking advice from a professional animal behaviorist.
- Watch for escape attempts: Some dogs may try to dart out the door, especially in an unfamiliar home. Keep them on a leash, confined, or closely supervised to prevent accidents. Make sure their microchip and contact information are up to date.
The Bottom Line: Be Patient!
Animal behaviorist Patricia McConnell highlights the “rule of threes” when bringing home a new adult dog. For the first three days, many dogs are in a state of shock, not showing much of their personality. By three weeks, they may start to feel more comfortable and act like they’re settling in. However, it usually takes about three months for a dog to fully integrate into your routine and feel truly at home.
Give it time. Even with the best preparation, your adult dog will need a period of adjustment. But with patience and consistency, you’ll form a strong, lasting bond with your new family member.
