1. Prepare a Safe, Quiet Space
    Set up a calm, secure area (like a crate or gated room) with a bed, water, and toys. This gives your new dog a stress-free place to decompress.
  2. Give Time to Decompress (3–3–3 Rule)
    Expect 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to learn routines, and 3 months to settle in. Don’t rush socialization or training too soon.
  3. Dog-Proof Your Home
    Remove hazards (chewable cords, toxic plants, accessible trash), secure fences/gates, and store valuable items out of reach.
  4. Use Slow, Structured Introductions
    Introduce to resident pets and family gradually. Start with parallel walks or scent swapping before allowing face-to-face interaction.Ā  Building a relationship isn’t a race!
  5. Keep Routines Predictable
    Use consistent meal times, potty breaks, walks, and rest. Predictability helps your dog feel secure and learn household expectations.
  6. Supervise All Interactions
    Monitor interactions with children, other dogs, or new people. Watch for signs of stress or overstimulation and intervene early.Ā  Don’t leave it to the dog to make a good decision, set them up to make the good decision.
  7. Establish House Rules Early
    Decide on furniture access, crate use, potty spots, etc., and reinforce those boundaries consistently from day one.
  8. Limit Freedom at First
    Use baby gates, closed doors, and leashes indoors to supervise and prevent accidents or bad habits from forming.Ā  It’s easier to give a dog freedom as they earn it then it is to take it away after the fact.
  9. Start Crate Training or Alone Time Practice
    Begin positively conditioning your dog to short periods alone to reduce the risk of separation anxiety.
  10. Go Slow with Outings and Visitors
    Avoid overwhelming your dog with too much too soon. Gradually introduce new places, sounds, and people over several weeks.
  11. Watch Body Language Closely
    Learn canine stress signals (e.g., lip licking, yawning, whale eye) to catch discomfort before it escalates.
  12. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
    Don’t disturb your dog while sleeping or resting. Sudden wake-ups can cause startled reactions or defensive behavior.
  13. Let Dogs Eat in Peace
    Prevent resource guarding and anxiety around food by creating a quiet, undisturbed space for meals.Ā  For multi-dog homes separate areas with a barrier should be used to give the dogs time to finish their meal in peace.Ā  DON’T let dogs investigate each other food (even if dog has left it alone).
  14. Teach and Practice a Trade Routine
    Help your dog learn to give up items (toys, chews, stolen socks) by using a calm, reward-based ā€œtradeā€ system rather than force.
  15. Assume Your Dog Will Make the Wrong Choice (Until Proven Otherwise)
    Set them up for success with management and supervision—chewing, jumping, guarding, or reactivity are all natural until taught otherwise.
    • Assume they resource guard food, toys, and beds until they prove otherwise.Ā  Recognize the behavior could change relative to other people, kids, or dogs.
    • Assume they will chew on inappropriate thing, counter surf, or potty in inappropriate places until they prove otherwise.
    • Assume they struggle on leash or meeting new people, dogs, or struggle with things on wheels or wildlife until they show an ability to behave appropriately.
    • Assume they will run through an open door, not recall if let off leash, and ignore any cue you give until taught otherwise.