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Transitioning to a new home a trying time for Fido

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October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, so it seems fitting to talk about bringing a shelter dog into your home. The first day in a new home can be extremely stressful for your new best friend, so you'll want to do your part to help him feel more at ease. Planning ahead and preparing for your new dog's arrival can make a tremendous difference, especially if you're bringing home a shy or nervous dog. These tips can help make your first day with your new pet as easy as possible.

Skip the shopping trip

Many people who come to the shelter are excited to bring their new dog to the local pet supply store to pick out toys and leashes and other goodies before going home. While some dogs may have no problem with this, others are very nervous and find the experience of going from the shelter to the pet store and then to a new home - surrounded by strangers the entire time - to be very stressful and overwhelming. Remember: this dog will be new to you and you have no idea how he will react when he encounters other animals or children in the store. Your best plan is to buy some essentials ahead of time, like a leash and dishes, and get the rest at another time when you don't have your dog with you. Worried about dog food? Ask the shelter to send you home with a baggy of the food your dog has been eating and use it to gradually transition to the food you plan on feeding your dog regularly. Be sure to transition food gradually to help prevent your dog from having diarrhea.

Stay safe in the car

Just like people, pets need to be secure in the car, too. Your new dog will likely be excited about their car ride home, and letting him run loose in the car (likely from window to window) is dangerous for both of you. Plan ahead and either have someone hold onto the dog's leash while you are travelling or keep the dog confined to the back of your car, either with a harness, crate, or gate.

No welcome home parties

Your dog's first day home is not the time to bombard him with new people. Look ahead at your calendar and plan to bring your new dog home at a time that doesn't coincide with an event that might be too stressful for your new best friend. If you're hosting a holiday at your house, plan to bring your dog home the day after instead of the day before. Holidays and big events are stressful and chaotic enough without adding a new dog to the mix.

Meeting the other pets

While a dog meet and greet is a must before bringing a second (or third, or fourth...) dog into your home, a car ride home in a small space isn't the best way for them to get to know each other. Plan to bring your new dog home solo and then let your dogs spend some time getting to know each other in your yard before bringing them into your home together. Dogs can be territorial of their homes, so it's important that your current dog meet your new dog in a more neutral area. Going slow is key, and be sure to keep both dogs leashed while they get to know one another.

Set up a routine and house rules

When will feeding time be? Is your dog allowed on the couch? Will you be using a crate a night? Establishing a routine from the start will make it easier for your dog to learn what is expected. It's also easier to train your dog properly from the start instead of trying to correct unwanted behavior later on. If you don't want your dog in your bed with you, for example, don't allow him in there in the first place.

Make some time for your new dog...

... but not too much! It's important to have some time to help your new dog to settle in, which is why many people adopt on or around a weekend. What you don't want to do is create a routine you can't maintain, which will be confusing to your dog. If you work five days a week, taking a week off to help your dog adjust just confuses your dog more when you head back to work and creates unrealistic expectations that you'll be home with him all day. While many dog owners have the best of intentions when spending so much time with their new dog, it can easily lead your dog to feel anxious when you're not around. Help your dog learn your regular schedule from the start to avoid any problems down the road.

There are dogs of all sizes, breeds, and ages at shelters waiting for homes. Consider welcoming one into your home this October in celebration of Adopt-a-Dog Month!

Alaina Goodnough is the Promotions Coordinator at Cocheco Valley Humane Society in Dover, NH. She lives in Sanford, ME with two parrots, a cockatoo, a cat, a bearded dragon, and two dachshunds. She can be reached at CVHS at devassist@cvhsonline.org. To learn more about Cocheco Valley Humane Society, go to www.cvhsonline.org or call 603-749-5322.

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