October is National Adopt A Shelter Dog month, and if that has you thinking of adopting a shelter dog in the near future, we are here to help you start off on the right paw! ARL’s Canine Enrichment and Behavior Supervisor Ellie Scheurich has some excellent pointers on how to prepare for a new dog in the home.
Setting realistic expectations of a new dog in the home.
When welcoming a new dog into the home, it is important to give adequate time and patience for them to adjust to a new environment. For a dog who is used to living a structured kennel life, adjusting to a life of luxury in a new home can be confusing and at times unsettling. That’s okay! Instead of forcing interactions, allow them to come out of their shell on their terms. With time, they will flourish and become a part of the family!
You may have heard of the “3-3-3 Rule” that describes a timeline of the common milestones adopted dogs experience when settling into a new home. In short, this means it takes 3 days for your new dog to decompress and for their cortisol levels to drop. Then, it takes 3 weeks for them to start getting used to your routine, and after that, it takes 3 months for the to start feeling fully comfortable in the new home. Of course, 3 months is a long time, but your patience will be worthwhile when you see how well your new dog settles in and you wonder how you ever lived without them!
Personality matters.
Here at the ARL, we work with adopters one-on-one to help make ideal matches based on desired personality traits of your new pet. That means when you come to ARL to adopt a new dog, it is important to listen to your Pet Placement Specialist counsel on the observations of behavior noted during the dog’s time in the shelter and to ask any questions that will help you decide if it is a good fit.
-Lifestyle. Every family should consider the activity level and training they are willing to provide their dog. If your lifestyle is staying in and watching Netflix, then finding an older couch potato dog may be the way to go. But if you are very active and can provide a dog with lots of exercise, finding a young active puppy may be more ideal.
Also, it is important to consider the amount of time and effort it takes to train a dog and potentially work through any unwanted behaviors. If you are looking to be more laxed on training, an easy-going dog may be more ideal than one who is known to have behavioral issues that will need to be navigated post-adoption.
-Space in your home. Before bringing a new dog home, make sure you determine what size dog your home can accommodate. For instance, many active dogs prefer a home with open space to play and get their energy out. If you are adopting a puppy, consider that they will do a lot of growing and will need more space down the road.
We also recommend creating a safe space for your newly adopted dog. A spot in the home that is low traffic and with a crate that you can also feed them in is ideal. By creating a safe space in the home that is just for them, they know they have an area to themselves that they can relax and decompress in without any disturbances.
–Supplies. While every dog has different needs, there are a few basic supplies that most dogs need to thrive in their new home. Food and water bowls, bedding, a leash and collar, crate, toys, and grooming supplies are typically standard for most dogs. You may also want to consider a harness, pet gates, an exercise pen, or other supplies depending on the personality, size, and needs of your pet.
-Veterinary care. It is essential to determine where/how your new dog will receive veterinary care. If you don’t already have a vet you like to utilize, it can be helpful to search for veterinary practices in your area that align with your needs for your dog. Remember, dogs need an annual checkup appointment with their vet to ensure their wellbeing.
Now that we’ve covered the basics on what to expect before adopting your next shelter dog, why not check out some of the dogs available for adoption at the ARL? View our adorable adoptables here, and don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have about our dogs with a Pet Placement Specialist at adoption@berksarl.org. We hope to see you and your family soon!
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