Congratulations on bringing home your new forever friend! As you get to know each other, please keep in mind that the first several weeks are a period of adjustment for both of you. Your pet may have been in several different places prior to meeting you, and he or she may not understand their new surroundings quite yet. Here are some tips to help you both adjust as you become a family unit.

Tips and Tricks For The Adopter

Keep your new dog on a leash for at least a couple of weeks. As tempting as it is to let him roam free, he may not come back if he’s not sure of his new home quite yet. Keeping him on a leash will keep him close and help get him familiar with his surroundings.

Show her where her water and food dish are kept, where she’ll sleep, and take her outdoors at frequent intervals to relieve herself. Try and take her to the same spot each time and praise her when she goes. If there is an accident in the house please do not assume she is not housebroken – she is just getting accustomed to her new home and her new routines. Do let her know it will not be tolerated by saying “No!” and then take her outside immediately. Remember – you must catch the dog in the act if the correction is to be effective.

To avoid your new best friend from getting an upset stomach (and diarrhea all over your floor), try giving him boiled potatoes or rice with his new food.

We strongly encourage you to seek training for your pet. While there are some wonderful training books and website links out there, attending a training class with a professional trainer is a great way to socialize your new best friend while being observed by an expert. A trainer can also read your pet’s body language and deal with any challenging behavior.