Starting Off on the Right Paw: Tips for New Dog Owners

Congratulations on adopting your new dog from Foster Dogs, Inc.! Bringing a new pet home can be fun and exciting, but it is also a bit overwhelming. We hope the tips below will help you make the transition as smooth as possible.

Decompression Period

Acclimating into a new home will be a stressful and confusing time for your dog. It’s very critical that you make sure your new pet feels as comfortable as possible. It is important that the dog has time to adjust to the new environment, people, and other animals in the home. This can usually take a few days or up to two weeks, but every dog is different. If you have any young children, make sure the new dog and children know how to properly treat each other. 

You might find it helpful to introduce your dog to one room at a time while they’re still on their leash so they don’t get overwhelmed. Take the first day slow and let your dog settle in at their own pace. Remember to dog-proof your house and yard. This includes hiding electrical cords, keeping anything dangerous such as chemicals out of reach, and making sure your yard is safe and doesn’t contain any dangerous plants. If your dog has a designated room or spot in the house with a bed or crate then this is the time to get him used to that area as well. 

For the first few weeks, it's also important to have your dog continue eating the same food he was fed before. If you decide to introduce a new diet, slowly wean them off the old food by mixing the 2 brands. Gradually, decrease the portion of the old food while increasing the amount of new food. 

If there is another resident dog or cat in your house, remember to keep them separate and with slow introductions. Introduce them in a neutral area rather than your own home or yard. This takes time and should not be rushed. Read our blog post on introducing new dogs to your resident dog! 

Lastly, you might see your new dog be anxious and/or barking. This is normal during the decompression period as they are getting used to their new home and their new schedule. These behaviors often go away once your dog feels at home and safe! New dogs, especially puppies, tend to whine when left alone. However, don’t give in because this will teach them that whining is working and will get them what they want.

Prepare for House Training

It’s also vital that you establish house rules right away to ensure your new canine friend starts off on the right paw. If your new dog isn’t house trained already, you should start the process and keep it consistent. This will require patience and discipline on your part. The first few days are crucial in determining your future relationship. 

Most dogs, at some point, will have an accident in the house. You should expect this, as it’s a normal part of your dog’s adjustment to his new house. 

It is important that you establish a routine with your new dog. Take your dog out at the same time every day. Praise your dog and give him/her treats immediately afterwards. They need time to adjust and learn and for you to be there guiding them along their way. 

The time this process takes varies but it will definitely pay off in the future. If you're having trouble, you might want to consider working with a reputable dog trainer in your area. 

Crate training can also greatly help with house training. Read our tips for crate training your new dog! 

Establish a Relationship with Your Vet

All our dogs are up-to-date on vaccines and are spayed/neutered unless otherwise stated. However, it is important that you establish a relationship with your new vet within the first two weeks of your dog's arrival. They will help you answer any questions and provide advice if anything arises in the future. Be sure to provide your vet with the paperwork that was provided to you once the adoption was complete. If you need further information, just ask!

Microchip Registration

First, your new dog is microchipped! The microchip is beneficial because allows others to identify your pet and locate you should your pet go missing. His/her microchip number can be found in the medical records we sent you. 

While having the microchip implanted is an important step, it's not the be-all-end-all. It's equally as important that  you

(1) Register your contact information in one of the pet microchip registries

(2) Check annually to ensure that your contact information is up-to-date in case the worst happens

We recommend using Found Animals, as it’s entirely free - and they accept any microchip company.

Pet Insurance 

Our typically curious and energetic four-legged family members tend to act before they think, which can get them into trouble. They can get hurt in all sorts of ways, like running too fast down the stairs, getting into a scrape with another animal, or eating something they shouldn’t. They can also suffer from illnesses, such as ear infections, stomach troubles, skin issues, urinary problems, and cancer.

Pet insurance can help you take great care of your dog when they get hurt or sick. It reimburses you for covered veterinary expenses, so you can provide them with the treatments they need to get better with less worry about the cost.

Employee-Matching Donation

Did you know that your employer might match your adoption donation fee to us? Employee matching gift programs are corporate giving programs in which the company matches donations made by employees to eligible nonprofit organizations. It's an easy way to double your contribution to us! Just check with your human resources department, if you don’t know the answer to this and reach back out to us if you have any questions.

Stay Connected

Lastly, we love love to see what our pups are up to. Please feel free to email us at adopt [at] fosterdogsnyc.com with updates and photos any time. We also would love to stay in touch via instagram if you decide to create your pup a dog account.