Settling in a new pup

First time pup

• Research dog body language before meeting prospective pups so you can see signs of fear, anxiety, and stress.  Ask questions about their behavior with new and familiar people.  How long does it take them to warm up?

• In most cases, if this is your first time bringing a dog into your home, it is best to look for a dog that is interested in greeting and interacting with you within the first 5 minutes.  Dogs that avoid you or jump/mouth frantically and do not settle when you offer petting or treats may be more challenging. 

• Find your pet professionals before you bring your pup home, so you know who to reach when you have questions or problems.

• Ask friends and family that already have their own pup what they were like then they brought them home so you can learn from them.

• If adopting from a shelter or rescue, ask if they might consider doing a foster to adopt arrangement, to allow you to see how the pup settles into your home before committing to adopt them.  Volunteering to foster can also be a good way to trial run dogs until you find one that is a great fit.

Prevent:

Puppy proof and set up management in your home proactively – it is easier to prevent problems than address them after your new pup has had a chance to practice the wrong behavior.

• Supervise directly or have them in their confinement space (crate, playpen, gated into a puppy proofed space). 

• Use leash to keep them with you and allow redirection as you explore your home and yard.

• Keep treats with you or nearby.  Consistently reward polite interactions and when they redirect when asked until these behaviors are reliable.

• Put items that you are concerned may be damaged away until you have had a chance to establish good habits and you feel confident on how your pup interacts with the environment.

• Create a safe space for your dog – this may be a room, crate or bed that is off limits to people or other pets bothering them when they choose to go to that space. It is normal to need breaks when learning how to behave in a new household.  As they feel safe and settle, they will have more interest in engaging.

What to Do:

• Even if a pup has a history of being potty trained, treat them like a new puppy for at least the first week.  When they are reliable asking to go out, fade management and training.

• ·You are a stranger to your new dog. They need time to learn they can trust you to keep them safe. Plan for a calm first few days. Help your new dog get into the new routine and attach to you. 

• Purposefully, introduce them to the new sights, sounds and smells in their new home.  If you see signs of fear, anxiety or stress - increase distance or stop.

• Introduce them to any new human and animal family members. Seeing and sharing space with small children and pets to start is enough, more careful introductions may be needed in some cases.

Keep in mind:

Even a positive move can be stressful, and your dog may be frazzled and have less ability to cope with stressors during this time. It is common for a dog to initially withdraw, display resource guarding or fear-based aggressive behaviors that resolves after a few days.  Give them time and space, avoid forcing them.

• · Many behaviors humans find non-threatening or friendly are provocative for dogs - hugging, kissing, looming/leaning over, reaching over the head, touching feet, removing items from the mouth, collar grabs/putting a leash on, petting sensitive areas or touching areas like feet/ears/belly, baths/grooming.  Watch their body language and go slow.  

• If you must engage in an interaction that may be provocative - go slow, be gentle and if your dog is scared or shows any signs of aggressive behaviors, stop, take breaks, feed treats and if needed try again later. If you can wait until your dog feels more comfortable with you, that is best.

• Dogs often tolerate these behaviors from familiar people or dogs but will not tolerate from unfamiliar people or dogs.

• You do not need to isolate a dog for 2 weeks after placement to let them ‘decompress’.  Observe your dog and let them engage at their own pace as they are comfortable.

• Be sure everyone in the family agrees on the expectations for your new pup.  Be ready to manage and be consistent enforcing the rules of the household.  

• Focus on teaching your new pup what to do instead of trying to correct unwanted behavior.

• Making a dog to tolerate removing items/food, being touched or handled while they are eating can cause resource guarding/aggressive behaviors.

• Dogs do not need a strong pack leader or alpha, they do need boundaries and guidance to understand how you expect them to integrate into your household. Set them up for success with management and a clear idea of what you want from them, then be patient.