Before your dog comes home:

 

You will need the following supplies for your dog:

 

·      Crate — size depending on the size of the dog

o   We recommend having 2 crates; one in the living area of the house and one for sleeping in a bedroom.

 

·      2 bowls — one for food and one for water

 

·      Food — Take time to research. We recommend all natural dog food such as but not limited to these: California Natural, Natural Balance, Wellness

(Spot’s in Narberth is very informative about what food would be right for your dog.)

 

·      Your dog may be on a particular food from the foster home, and it is best to move to a new food gradually so you may need some of the foster’s food.

 

·      A regular buckle or limited slip collar to affix the name tag, rabies tag, and license tag to.

 

·      A 6 ft nylon or leather leash.

 

·      Classic Kong dog chew toy, in appropriate size for feeding.

 

·      Grooming supplies depending on your dog’s coat length and type.

 

·      Appointment at the veterinarian’s office within 48 hours of adoption.

 

·      Optional Items:

 

o   Dog toys

o   Dog bed

o   Dog coat

o   High quality all natural training treats

 

Congratulations! You have a new member of the family!

 

What’s in a name

 

Your dog will come with a name, but do not feel that you need to keep that name. In fact, we recommend a new name for a new beginning. Many times dogs will have a negative association with their previous name and teaching a new name is easy and fun.

 

Home with your new dog

 

Your dog’s job will be learning all of the new house rules; your job will be to convey them in a clear and consistent manner. It will be easiest if the house rules are decided and agreed upon by all family members before your new dog is actually home. Will your dog be allowed on the furniture? If so, which furniture is okay and which is off-limits? Where will your dog be expected to potty? Where will your dog be when you are eating? Will your dog be using a crate when unsupervised? Will your dog be given table scraps? Where will your dog be sleeping? These are just some of the questions you will want to answer before your dog comes home.

 

It is easier to teach and enforce rules than it is to try and stop an already instilled behavior. When your dog first comes home, management is key to a smooth transition. Try to envision the adult dog you want to have as part of your family. From the beginning, treat your dog like she is that dog. If your dog will not be permitted to jump on people as a greeting, then from the beginning ignore her until all four feet are on the ground.

 

Set your dog up to be successful by puppy-proofing your home. This means removing anything that will look good to chew from your dog’s perspective. This includes shoes, pillows, electrical cords, kids toys, TV remotes and any dangerous household items. For things that you cannot put out of harm’s way, use a taste deterrent (bitter apple spray) to protect them from chewing. Provide plenty of dog safe toys and chew toys for your dog. In this way, your dog will learn what she should do instead of trying to learn what she shouldn’t do.

 

When your dog first comes home it will be very exciting.

 

Immediately after getting your dog from the car, take your dog to the potty spot and allow her to relieve herself. Reward your dog by saying “good girl” and give 3 small tasty treats for a job well done. You are now on your way to having a fully housebroken dog!

 

Your dog will want to explore the new environment. We recommend limiting the number of rooms your dog will have immediate access to. Usually the kitchen and family rooms are the first rooms to introduce your dog to.

 

Initially your dog should be crated when not being supervised. We find this is the most foolproof way to ensure that your dog becomes completely housebroken.

For the first couple of weeks your dog should drag her leash while in the house and be supervised, so you can more easily keep your dog out of trouble and teach her the “house rules.” For instance, if your dog attempts to get on the furniture, take the leash and gently remove her. Once she is on the floor, you can tell her how good she is.

 

Please NEVER leave your dog’s leash on while unsupervised or in a crate (remove collar also before crating).

 

It is recommended that your dog go out the same door each time to potty; your dog should have access to this door to “tell” you when she needs to go out.

 

Accidents happen:  Inevitably you will come across, hopefully not step in, a surprise left by your dog.  When this happens just clean it up, using an enzymatic cleaner.  Never punish or scold your dog.  Scolding your dog for pottying in the house will teach her to potty where you can't see her (behind the sofa, under the desk).

 

The crate is your dog’s safe space. Please never allow your children to go into the crate while your dog is using it. Your dog should always get rewarded with a delicious treat for going into the crate. Your dog should never be forced in or out of the crate. Feel free to talk to your dog in a soothing voice, feed treats to your dog, and give toys to your dog if your dog is being calm and quiet in the crate.

 

The First few days

 

First thing in the morning, take your dog to the potty spot to relieve herself. Reward immediately, with 3 tiny tasty treats (dried liver, cheese, soft smelly dog treats).  It is important to have treats on your body when you go out to potty, so that you can reward your dog for “making” outdoors. If you wait until you are back inside, to reward your dog, then you have rewarded your dog for coming indoors, not for pottying outdoors.

 

Feed your dog breakfast in her crate. Give your dog 20 minutes to finish, and then remove the bowl until dinnertime. Do not allow your dog to have free access to a bowl with food throughout day. Your dog should have free access to fresh water everyday.

 

Bring your dog to the potty spot again after breakfast. Your dog may or may not need it at this time, but it is nice to have the option.

 

After your dog has relieved herself, allow her some free time to explore the house dragging the leash with someone following her. This is a good time to play with, interact with and enjoy your new dog.

 

Your dog should be walked at least once a day. For most dogs a brisk 20 minute walk usually is sufficient.

 

Your dog should be brought to the potty spot every 1-2 hours when not crated, for the first few weeks and until your dog is completely housebroken.

 

Your dog should spend, at least, three 45-minute sessions in the crate each day, even if you are home.

 

For your dog’s dinner, hand feed to bond with your dog. Say your dog’s name and feed a few kibble. Repeat this for her entire meal. It will teach your dog her name, instill a positive association to that name, and jumpstart your dog’s coming when called.

 

The first night will be the toughest. Ease the transition for your dog by putting a piece of your worn clothing into the crate with her. Your dog may whine for a few minutes before settling off to sleep, this is normal.

 

If your dog wakes in the middle of the night and cries or whines, take her out for a quick potty and then return immediately to the crate. Try to keep the interaction quiet and boring. No treats for the middle of the night potty breaks.

 

Things your child should be taught NOT to do with your dog

 

·      Picking up. Children should not be picking up dogs. If your child would like to hold the dog, have the child sit on the floor or a sturdy piece of furniture and you gently place your dog in their lap.

 

·      Hugs & Kisses, blowing in the dog's face and staring contests. Kids love these things; dogs hate them! Tell your child never to do this, and if they listen give your children a yummy treat (a cookie works well).

 

·      Pat the top of the dog’s head. Teach your child to pat your dog under her neck or to rub her ears. Some dogs love to have their belly rubbed, but most dogs do not like having the top of their heads patted.

 

·      Chase the dog. This can be scary to insecure dogs, but it can teach any dog that it is great fun to run away from you.

 

·      Wrestling. Rough housing with anything that has teeth is not a smart thing to do. Someone is bound to get hurt.

 

·      Tug. This is a game we may recommend for adults to play with their dogs, but not one that is recommended for children.

 

·      Never take anything from a dog's mouth. Children should never try to get anything back from a dog. If your dog happens to grab your child's favorite teddy and is holding it hostage, have your child tell you so that you can barter a trade with the dog. Hotdogs work very well for this scenario.

 

 

Finally, you may see signs of stress during the first few days while your dog becomes accustomed to this big transition. Here is a list of some the behaviors you may see:

 

1.     Panting

 

2.     Shivering

 

3.     Whining

 

4.     Always underfoot or the opposite, seeking a quiet away place, such as the crate, or keeping to herself

 

5.     Inability to calm down

 

6.     Overreacting to house noises (she may have never lived in a house)

 

7.     Little interest in food (if this goes on for more than 3 days please call us)

 

8.     Diarrhea

 

9.     Pacing, seeming to look for something or someone

 

 

These behaviors will most likely dissipate over time and are usually completely gone within 2-3 weeks. Always feel free to call us if you are concerned.