- 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.
- Give Time to Decompress (3ā3ā3 Rule)
Expect 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to learn routines, and 3 months to settle in. Donāt rush socialization or training too soon.
- Dog-Proof Your Home
Remove hazards (chewable cords, toxic plants, accessible trash), secure fences/gates, and store valuable items out of reach.
- 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 isnāt a race!
- Keep Routines Predictable
Use consistent meal times, potty breaks, walks, and rest. Predictability helps your dog feel secure and learn household expectations.
- Supervise All Interactions
Monitor interactions with children, other dogs, or new people. Watch for signs of stress or overstimulation and intervene early.Ā Donāt leave it to the dog to make a good decision, set them up to make the good decision.
- Establish House Rules Early
Decide on furniture access, crate use, potty spots, etc., and reinforce those boundaries consistently from day one.
- Limit Freedom at First
Use baby gates, closed doors, and leashes indoors to supervise and prevent accidents or bad habits from forming.Ā Itās easier to give a dog freedom as they earn it then it is to take it away after the fact.
- Start Crate Training or Alone Time Practice
Begin positively conditioning your dog to short periods alone to reduce the risk of separation anxiety.
- 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.
- Watch Body Language Closely
Learn canine stress signals (e.g., lip licking, yawning, whale eye) to catch discomfort before it escalates.
- Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
Donāt disturb your dog while sleeping or resting. Sudden wake-ups can cause startled reactions or defensive behavior.
- 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 DONāT let dogs investigate each other food (even if dog has left it alone).
- Teach and Practice a Trade Routine
Help your dog learn to give up items (toys, chews, stolen socks) by using a calm, reward-based ātradeā system rather than force.
- Assume Your Dog Will Make the Wrong Choice (Until Proven Otherwise)
Set them up for success with management and supervisionāchewing, 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.
