Introducing a Shelter Dog to a New Home

Being in a new home is extraordinarily stressful for any dog, but is especially so for dogs who have been sheltered for any length of time.  Their life has been unpredictable and they have had to deal with the stress of living among dogs and humans that they do not perceive as “pack” members. 

It can take dogs up to THREE months to become acclimated and comfortable in a new environment.  Therefore, it is very important to do everything you can to make the transition to a new home as stress free as possible and enable your new family member to be comfortable in its new pack.

1)  "Dog proof" your house and any area outside where the dog will be BEFORE the dog arrives.  The only effective way to do this is to get down on your hands and knees to see what you can see from the dog's perspective.  If you do not want it chewed, move it… NOW, before the dog arrives.

2)  Areas of the house where the dog is not permitted should be gated or some way blocked off BEFORE the dog arrives. 

3)  Prepare some especially nice "welcome to the pack" treats and hide them in places that will be reserved areas for the dog such as his doghouse, dog bed, or crate.

4)  Have food and water bowls in place.  Have a few special treats in the food bowl and fresh water in the water bowl.

5)  Have a plan for the arrival:  Ensure every person present has some exceptional treats.  You want the dog’s first impression of everyone in the family as positive and rewarding.  Keep everything low key and as calm as possible.  Let the dog approach each family member, who in return offers a treat (without trying to touch the dog...if the dog responds favorably or returns for another treat, it's ok to start stroking UNDER the chin. 

For dogs that appear more apprehensive, introduce each family member one-by-one with the dog in a sitting position, on leash or behind a baby gate.  Each person should toss the dog a treat, say a “hello” in the nicest voice possible, and then retreat from the dog giving the dog a comfortable space to take the treat.  Repeat this until the dog is relaxed and comfortable.  NEVER force the dog to meet a new person or another dog unless the dog is relaxed and comfortable. 

6)  After introductions and the dog is comfortable, release the dog letting him explore the area and approach family members if he wishes.  Every time he approaches a person, he gets another treat and only petted if the dog appears comfortable and seeks contact.  The key here is to make the “first impressions” of his new home and new “pack mates” as stress free and rewarding as possible.   Limit the initial greeting session with everyone present to no more than 15 minutes then change the scenario, i.e. a walk outside.  You may want to stage a repeat of the first session later in the day.

7)  DO NOT leave your new dog alone or under the supervision of any kids, regardless of age, at any time, for any reason.  If you do this, you are setting the dog up for failure, not to mention possible injury to a child.  Right or wrong, the dog is ALWAYS at fault when an incident occurs with a child.

8)  If there are other dogs that will need introducing, the first introductions should be on “neutral” territory, i.e. a park.  Then bring the dogs home together.  Slowly allow each dog to approach on leashes, not head on, while someone is between them and offering lots of good treats to BOTH dogs.  If they appear relaxed, allow them to investigate each other but for short periods of time (5-10 seconds at first).  If you see a problem developing, separate them immediately by walking between them and then giving treats to both.  Try again later.  Keep the dogs separated until you are confident that they can get a long. In most cases, dogs do very well at working out a “pecking” order between each other.  Some growling, barking, snapping, or even some heavy physical contact can occur and is normal at first.  Your goal is to ensure the safety of dogs and people while this happens.

9)   For the first 30 days, do not expose your new dog to any stressful events such as parties, large family gatherings, left alone for long periods of time, or trips to other family and friends.  The more calm and relaxed the dog’s new environment can be, the quicker he will acclimate to it without problems arising.