Whether it’s an adult dog from a rescue or a puppy from a breeder, bringing home your new best friend is exciting. It is also a big transition, both for you and your new pup. As a new dog parent, you are responsible for preparing the house, getting pet supplies, planning new routines, and learning about training.

​Meanwhile, your new dog is in a completely new place, an unknown. It can be a stressful experience for even the most stable canine. During this transition time, it is important to build a routine, stay positive, and help your dog learn to love and trust you. This is the beginning of a new relationship that will be forever special to you and your new furry family member!

​In this article, we will explore how to properly prepare for bringing home your new best friend.

Preparing Your Home For Your New Best Friend

Before bringing home your new dog, it is important to start dog-proofing your house. This might look a little different whether you are bringing home a puppy, an adult dog, or a senior rescue. Puppy proofing might take a little more work, as those little rascals seem to chew up everything, but the basics are the same.

​First, use exercise pens or baby gates to help create safe, dog-proof spaces. A place where your dog can relax while keeping them safe from wreaking havoc. This might be a bathroom, kitchen, or mudroom. A crate is also a great tool for keeping your dog safe, especially when you are not home!

​It is also important to decide on what rules and boundaries you plan to establish and enforce with your new dog. Will they be allowed on the furniture or in the kitchen? Where will they sleep? Make sure everyone in your family is on the same page about your new dog’s routine and boundaries!

Doggy Essentials

There are some important doggy essentials to collect before bringing home your new dog or puppy. Let’s take a look.

• Food: Depending on where you get your dog, they might send you home with a bag of food! Both my rescue dogs and puppy from a breeder came home with kibble that lasted for a couple of weeks. I choose to mix it with my trusted dog food to acclimate their digestive systems until I run out of the original food.
• Treats: It is tempting to get really yummy, rich treats to reward your new dog for good behavior, but remember the stress of a new transition can be hard on their stomachs. Low-key stuff like unseasoned chicken might be a good choice.
• Baby gates: Baby gates are a great way to block off areas of the house you don’t want your new pup in yet.
• Crate: For those choosing to crate train, start acclimating them right away!
• Dog bed: A comfy dog bed is always a nice way to welcome your new dog. Be careful, though; puppies and dogs with anxiety might chew up a dog bed.
• Leash and harness: Get your pup used to walks right away, as a chance to start potty training and for exercise. Short, easy walks focusing on sniffing around your neighborhood are a great way to acclimate your new dog. Don’t forget your poop bags or pooper scooper!
• Toys: A small but varied collection of toys will help you determine what toys your new pup likes best, and also what they might immediately destroy! Long-lasting chews like bully sticks and licky toys like Kongs are great for enrichment and self-soothing for anxious dogs.
• Grooming supplies: A nice brush and nail trimmers are a good place to start for grooming supplies.
• Cleaning supplies: Non-toxic, pet-specific enzymatic cleaners will help clean up any accidents your new dog might have while they are learning house-training.  

Helping Your New Pupper Settle In

The general rule for bringing home a new dog is the “Rule of 3.” The first 3 days can be stressful and overwhelming. They are learning the routines of a new home and need time to acclimate. Meanwhile, during the first 3 weeks, they start to settle, and new dog parents will start to see more personality. During this time, start positively reinforcing good behavior you see. Lastly, as long as dog owners have lots patience, dogs will start to become part of the family, showing trust during their first 3 months of living in their new home.

To help your dog best settle in during these “3” periods, pet owners must be patient while keeping things calm and positive. Stick to an established routine since predictability helps a dog settle in. Also keep walks short and exploratory, letting your dog relax and begin to build a relationship with you based on trust. Keep your dog in their “safe” places, avoiding unrestricted access to new areas.

During this time, keep visitors to a minimum and introduce the new dog to children/family members slowly. Let them approach new people and strangers at their own pace. Do not pressure or force them, especially if they are shy, nervous, or anxious.

Start A Training Routine

Part of establishing a new routine for your dog must include training! Potty training, crate training, basic manners, leash walking, and socializing are all very important. Find a local dog trainer who specializes in positive reinforcement to assist you with your dog training routines!

Establish a Relationship With Your Veterinarian

Finally, please establish a relationship with your veterinarian. Hopefully, your new pup will live a long and happy life with many adoptiversaries to celebrate, but they still require general check-ups and vaccines. As your dog ages, they might need routine dental care and blood draws, on top of any emergencies. So starting to get to know your vet right away will ensure they know and understand your dog.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right dog is only the beginning of the journey for dog ownership. There needs to be a firm understanding that the first few weeks to a few months are a period of huge transition for your dog. This transition, while they acclimate to living with their new family, is one that should be met with patience, positivity, and a solid routine. This allows your new dog to learn to trust and build a relationship with their new family. This trust creates a foundation that ensures years of adventure, cuddles, and doggy love.