There’s a New Dog in Town: The 3-3-3 Adjustment Guide

The First 3 Days

Bringing home a new dog is exciting, but the first few days can feel overwhelming for them. It’s important to help your pup feel safe and comfortable as they adjust to their new home. Here’s how to make their transition smooth and stress-free:

DO:

✅ Create a Safe Space: Set up a quiet area with a cozy bed, water, and food. Use a crate or baby gates to give your dog a secure spot.

✅ Introduce Pets Slowly: Let pets sniff and see each other through a baby gate before meeting face-to-face.

✅ Stay Calm and Gentle: Let your dog explore at their own pace. Use a light leash indoors to guide them, but avoid grabbing their collar or picking them up.

✅ Build Trust With Treats: Offer small treats in moderation. If your dog is shy, toss treats near them instead of hand-feeding.

✅ Teach Kids to Be Kind: Show children how to be calm and gentle. Skip hugs and face-to-face contact, which might scare a new dog.

✅ Make Meals Enjoyable: Add warm water or canned food to kibble and feed your dog in a quiet, distraction-free space.

The First 3 Weeks

Your dog is starting to settle in, but they’re still figuring things out! This is the time to build positive habits and strengthen your bond.

DO:

✅ Observe Behavior: Watch how your dog acts around toys, food, or chews. If they seem tense or growl, consult a trainer.

✅ Start Short Walks: Take short walks with treats and reward calm behavior to help them enjoy their new neighborhood.

✅ Use Positive Training: Focus on rewarding good behavior instead of punishing mistakes.

✅ Introduce Cats Slowly: If you have a cat, introduce them gradually and check online resources for tips.

✅ Find Their Favorite Play: Some dogs love chasing balls, others prefer puzzle toys or sniffing games. Be patient!

✅ Supervise: Keep supervising your dog to reinforce potty training and prevent escape attempts.

✅ Use a Crate: When you’re not home, continue using a crate or safe space to help your dog feel secure.

The First 3 Months

By now, your dog is starting to feel like part of the family! This is the time to build confidence, strengthen your bond, and fine-tune their routine.

DO:

✅ If challenges arise, have a professional trainer visit your home to assess and offer solutions.

✅ Join a training class! It’s a great way to bond, build trust, and improve manners.

✅ If your dog enjoys playing with others, introduce them to friendly dogs in controlled settings.

✅ Consider a professional daycare assessment if you’re unsure how they do with other dogs.

Remember Y’all!

Every dog is unique, and some may need more time to adjust than others. Avoid forcing your pet into uncomfortable situations, as it can harm their trust and make them hesitant about future adventures. Be patient, celebrate small victories, and cherish this special bonding time—it’s the start of a lifelong friendship!

DON’T

🚫 Introduce your dog to too many people or pets right away—give them time to settle in first.

🚫 Overwhelm them with outings. Let them feel safe at home before exploring new places.

🚫 Leave food, bones, or toys lying around if you have other pets—it can lead to conflict.

🚫 Force affection. If your dog moves away when you try to pet them, respect their space and let them come to you when they’re ready.

🚫 Disturb your dog while they’re eating. Let them enjoy their food in peace.

🚫 Force situations that make your dog uncomfortable. If they seem afraid or nervous, work with a trainer to help them overcome fears in a positive way.

🚫 Introduce introduce new pets into the home until your dog is fully settled and comfortable in their new home.

ADL is here to help! If you have any questions or concerns during this transition, don’t hesitate to reach out to your adoption counselor for guidance.