Congratulations!

MAKING THE PROPER PREPARATIONS

Making proper preparations is essential to bringing home a new friend. This section will cover canine-proofing your home to set your new dog up for success, choosing a good veterinarian, collecting necessary supplies, introducing your new friend to your family and friends, and more.  

CANINE PROOFING 

Dogs, especially puppies, can also get into serious mischief when left unattended in the home. Puppies love to get into mischief with you standing right next to them! You must ensure your whole house is safe from anything your new pet could get into. Dog proofing right after adoption, or if possible, before you bring your new pet home, will save you time and heartache later down the road. When making your home safe, check for hazards by getting down on the dog’s level so you can assess any potential hazards.  

Pre-flight checklist: 

• Hide electrical cords and wires and block unused outlets 
• Block/limit access to decks and balconies 
• Lock up all pesticides, cleaners, weed killers, rat killers, and medications 
• Put away small items such as pens, rubber bands, twist ties, needles, thumbtacks, etc. 
• Store or dispose of all plastic bags or items made of foam 
• Invest in closed trash cans. Some dogs can even open the regular lidded cans, so investing in some with a locking mechanism may save trouble down the road 
• Leave all toilet seats down 
• Be mindful of hot items such as irons and hair appliances 
• Remove all indoor plants that are within reach of your new dog. Many common indoor plants are toxic to dogs. (See the section on Toxic Plants in the First Aid Chapter) 
• Double-check your yard for escape access points. Look for possible escape routes outside, as some canine breeds are more inclined to wander 
• Clear the yard of anything harmful that the dog could potentially chew/eat 
• Have a plan in place for where you want to train your dog to potty outside, and make sure the space is clean of old fecal matter from other animals 
• Keep your eyes peeled and shut doors carefully! Puppies especially love to be near your feet and underfoot! 

GATHERING NECESSARY SUPPLIES 

FOOD & WATER BOWLS

There are many options for feeding your dog. Ceramic or metal bowls are usually recommended as they are easier to clean and harder to tip over.  

Puzzle feeders and slow feeders are also great options for puppies/dogs as they provide enrichment and mental stimulation in addition to supplying a food source. Slow feeders are also an excellent option for puppies and dogs that eat very quickly to slow down food intake and help support the GI health of your new pet.  

Having at least one large water bowl is extremely important. Puppies/dogs should have access to at least 16oz of fresh, clean water at all times. Water should never be withheld, even for potty training purposes. It could severely damage the overall health and well-being of your dog.  

POTTY AREA 

Choose where you want to train your new dog to use the potty. It can be a permanent place outdoors, or it can be a place indoors in a play yard-type area with pee pads or a potty patch. There are many options; be sure to be consistent so your new dog learns what to expect.

BEDDING

Dogs love soft places to snuggle. So your new dog will need soft, clean, warm, and dry blankets and bedding to sleep on to feel safe and secure. Dogs are pack animals and want to be with you, so plan to keep their bedding near where you spend much of your time. 

CRATES

Most dogs love having a crate that they can retreat. Crate training will help ensure your dog can safely move from one environment to another. It allows you to keep them safe from possible dangers in the home when they cannot be directly supervised. Crates are also excellent for encouraging rest and decompression. Make sure your dog can stand and turn around easily in their crate, but any larger than that, and you risk your dog going potty in the crate. You can add a bed, blankets, and chew toys to encourage rest and enrichment while in the crate. 

See also: Crate Training

HARNESS & LEAD

You will need a lead for your dog to take them out for potty breaks and walks and potentially to keep them attached to you in the home for the first few days. Leads six feet or longer are recommended because they allow for more freedom of movement and can lead to less reactivity while leashed.  

We strongly recommend harnesses over collars for lead walking because they cause less potential damage to the trachea. Make sure to choose a well-fitting harness. It should be snug but not tight and allow for easy movement for your dog. 

TOYS & ENRICHMENT

Toys can provide entertainment and enrichment for your dog. Be sure to provide a variety of toys to allow for several types of enrichment. Balls, squeaky stuffies, rope toys, chews, puzzles, snuffle mats, etc., are all great options. It may be a good idea to select only a few toys to start off to learn which types your dog is interested in or which may not be a good fit for them. Then, once you’ve learned their play style and interests, select more. Consider also rotating toys in and out of availability to keep them interested. 

THE FIRST DAYS 

The first three days of bringing home your new pet are about allowing them to decompress. Coming from a shelter environment, possibly transferred multiple times or returned to the shelter after prior adoptions, and now arriving at your home can be extremely stressful. You are understandably eager to socialize, but your dog will acclimate to their new home if you give them plenty of time and space to decompress.  

Setting boundaries for spaces in your home from the beginning will help your new dog decompress and learn where they are allowed to be in your home. It allows them to become familiar with their new environment and gives you time to learn more about them.  

In addition to having your home set up for a new dog, keep a close eye on your new dog, which will help you bond successfully and learn their behavioral cues. One great way to help keep your new dog close to you is to use a lead to tether them to you personally or to an area in the home where you are spending a lot of your time. It may sound like a strange technique, but it does help speed up the housetraining process, especially with puppies! 

INTRODUCTIONS 

We know you are excited to introduce your new friend to everyone you know! This is an exciting time for you. But, for your new dog, this may be a stressful time. Give your new dog plenty of time to decompress before introducing them to new people. Skipping this decompression period can lead to behavioral problems at best, and can be dangerous at worst. Once your dog has settled into the home and has calmed down, introductions can be done using the advice below.

CHILDREN 

New pets can be extremely overwhelmed by children. Children will need to learn how to read their new pet’s body language to understand when they want attention, what kind, and when they need time to themselves. Allowing them to invade your new dog’s space can be dangerous. Make sure to supervise any interactions between your children and your new puppy/dog and help them learn to play gently with each other. Remind children that your new friend is a living, breathing being with its own feelings and thoughts; they are not a toy. Adults should always be present when children interact with animals in the home.  

CATS

Your new dog should always be on a leash when they meet the resident cat. Your cat may hiss or growl at the dog, which is normal and should be expected. Never punish your cat for communicating their fear or anxiety in this way. Puppies/dogs should not be allowed to chase the cat under any circumstances! Until you feel that your cat and new dog are entirely safe with one another, please do not allow them to be together unsupervised or off-leash. It can take a month or more for them to be allowed together with no human chaperone! Make sure your cat and new dog each have a quiet place that is just their own if they start to become overwhelmed. 

EXISTING DOGS 

Dog-to-dog introductions can take a long time. At The NOAH Center, we strongly recommend you work through the first dog-to-dog introductions before adoption while working with your Adoptions Matchmaker. If that introduction goes smoothly, you still have more work to do when you get home! First, make sure to re-introduce the resident and new dogs in neutral territory in the home. It can be helpful to take the dogs on a walk together prior to bringing them into the house. Keep both dogs on leash indoors/in a fenced yard until it seems safe; drop the leashes so you can quickly pick them up if necessary. Please do not leave them unsupervised until you are sure that they can be left together safely. Some dogs will become instant friends. Others will take more time. It’s important that you, as their new family, have zero preconceived expectations and allow them time and grace to build their relationship.  

PUPPY SPECIFIC

If you adopted a puppy, remember that your new pet is a baby! He or she will be curious, energetic, and eager to explore and get into everything. And we mean everything! Patience and consistent boundaries will help you and your puppy develop a lifelong bond built on positivity and love.  

Training and appropriate play are essential to raising a happy, healthy, well-balanced dog. It sets up the dog for success and is one of your primary responsibilities as a new dog owner. Failure to provide basic obedience training, enrichment and proper socialization leads to undesirable behaviors and is one of the most common reasons adopters return dogs to us. 

Regularly working with your dog and providing them with plenty of enrichment strengthens their bond with you and the family and gives you a rewarding sense of satisfaction and connection with your dog. In addition, it helps them to live longer, happier lives as an enjoyable part of their family unit.  

• Training helps your dog cope with new experiences and people and can reduce their fear and anxiety in new situations. Through training, dogs learn to be comfortable in the world around them.
• Dogs are social and thrive on human interaction. Training and playing together will build a bond for life. 
• Solid foundation training will make your dog enjoyable to live with, ensuring everyone remains happy with the adoption arrangement.

Our Top Training Tips 

1. Reward good behavior: Praising or offering small treats when your dog demonstrates the right behaviors will encourage them to keep doing the right things. 
2. Keep It Brief: Short, meaningful training sessions have a far greater positive impact than long, drawn-out sessions that can lead to a lack of focus and frustration for you and your dog. 
3. Enroll In A Basic Training Class. Enrolling in a basic obedience class right away will help give all of you the tools you need to succeed.  
4. Start Early – Don’t be afraid to start training as early as the first day! Have reasonable expectations about what you and your new dog can accomplish. 
5. Be Consistent: Consistency is key to making all the hard work come together. It promotes confidence when your dog can easily predict your response to their behavior. 
6. Don’t Be Too Strict: Pay attention to your dog’s cues and be mindful that they are learning the best they can. Allow each other grace and patience. 

BASIC SKILLS 

The following sections outline basic training guidelines and steps for basic commands and skills. The NOAH Center strongly recommends following up with a positive reinforcement trainer or enrolling your new dog in a formalized training program. These help with socialization and can increase bonding. 

HOUSETRAINING

Most, if not all, newly adopted puppies/dogs will need house training of some kind. It takes time and patience, no matter what age or level of training is required. Heavily reward the behaviors that you want your dog to repeat. Never punish a dog for having an accident. Punishing is counterproductive and can set them back, causing house training to take even longer and creating friction as you attempt to build a bond with your new pet.  

Getting Started: 

1. Limit your new dog’s access to the entire home; stick to one or two rooms for the first couple of weeks. It will allow you time to observe your dog’s behavior and learn to tell when they need to go potty. Doing this also builds confidence in your dog, knowing that their needs will be met.  
2. Encourage your new dog to spend time in their sleeping area when you can’t supervise them. Dogs will rarely potty where they sleep. Be sure to take them out frequently for breaks. 
3. Build a feed, train, play, potty, and nap routine so your dog can learn what to expect. 
4. Give your dog frequent opportunities to potty outside. We recommend taking them out at least every hour, if not more, for puppies.
5. If you notice your dog sniffing the floor, this may indicate that they need to potty, so take them outside immediately.

When (not if) an accident happens, don’t punish your dog – they’re learning. Puppies have smaller bladders than older dogs, so they need to urinate more often than adult dogs. Disinfect the spot with a non-ammonia-based product and remove the smell with a pet odor-neutralizer. 

SIT

Begin by holding a dog treat in front of your dog’s nose. Lift the treat over your dog’s head to encourage them into a sitting position. As your dog lifts their head to follow the treat, they should naturally sit. Reward your dog for their good behavior. 

Repeat these steps several times a day until your dog understands. After this, continue to use the hand gesture and gradually remove the treat. Once your dog reliably sits, you can introduce a verbal cue at the same time. 

LIE DOWN

Once your dog knows how to sit, you can teach them to lie down by holding a treat, lowering it between their front paws, and pulling it away. When they lie down, reward them for their good behavior. Again, repeat this action, slowly phasing out the treat until your dog can complete the action in any given situation. 

When you are confident your dog can complete the action reliably, you can start to associate a verbal command. 

STAY

Start by getting your dog to sit using a hand gesture and saying the word “Sit.” Next, put your hand in front of you, palm forward, as you say, “Stay.” 

Wait a couple of seconds, then reward your dog for their good behavior. Now repeat the exercise. Ask your dog to “Sit,” but this time, step back with the palm of your hand facing your dog and give the “Stay” command. Wait for 3 seconds, then step forward and reward your dog. 

Repeat these steps, gradually increasing how far you step back and rewarding your dog every time they stay. Don’t forget to use a verbal command to “release” your dog at the end of every exercise by encouraging them to get up again. You’ll find that you’ll get better results with frequent sessions of several minutes. 

COME/RECALL

Puppies are young and distractible, so running their training sessions in an enclosed area with few distractions is best. Start by letting your puppy wander off, then crouch down, open your arms out, and use an excited tone of voice to call their name, followed by the cue word. You might consider creating a special whistle sound to add to this. 

When they arrive, give them plenty of praise and reward them with a high-value treat. Then, give them another treat while you clip a leash on their collar. Once they’ve finished the treat, unclip the lead, stand up, and walk away. Now repeat the process from the start. 

Practice every day for a few weeks, keeping the sessions short. Make sure you practice in different situations, always with your dog’s safety in mind. 

HEEL

Start by getting your dog to sit. Next, put a treat in your hand and hold it at your dog’s chin level, then walk forward briskly and say “heel.” 

As your dog is about to catch up, stop walking and get them to sit. Now, reward your dog for their good behavior. Repeat these steps for a few minutes.

Practice whenever you get the opportunity. Heel walking is an advanced behavior for a dog, so you’ll get the best results if you have frequent training sessions over many months. 

CRATE TRAINING

Puppies and dogs naturally dislike being alone. It can lead to anxious and destructive behavior. Many people feel that crates are negative, but studies show that when used correctly, crates provide your dog with a safe space or “den,” in which to rest and decompress, and can make them feel safe when you are not around. Crate training is enormously beneficial in a variety of ways. Important note: crates should NEVER be used as punishment.

Be sure to choose the right size crate for your dog. Crates come in all shapes, sizes, and materials. The main thing to remember is that the crate should be large enough for your dog to easily stand up and turn around and made of safe and sturdy material for your dog to be in when you are not around. For example, this could mean that a canvas crate is not a good option for your dog. If you have adopted a puppy, be prepared to potentially need to purchase a new crate as your puppy grows into adulthood.

Exploring the Crate

• Place the crate in a room in which the family often spends a lot of time 
• Line the crate with a soft blanket 
• Start with the door open and slowly introduce your puppy to the crate 
• Place a trail of treats in the crate to encourage your puppy to explore 
• Also, use their favorite toys to entice them to explore the crate
• Please do not put your puppy or dog in the crate; allow them to explore it on their terms 

Feeding in the Crate 

• Start feeding your dog near the crate 
• If your dog is already happy in their crate, you can feed them their meals in the crate 
• Once they are comfortable in the crate, you can start to close the door for short periods while they are eating in their crate. Using food puzzles can often help increase their level of enrichment and help the crate become an even more positive place.  
• Slowly build up the time after each meal that the door is closed 

Short Durations

• Once your dog is more comfortable in the crate, start leaving them in the crate for short periods of time when you are home 
• Call your dog to the crate and give them a treat when they go inside 
• Provide your dog with a toy or a food puzzle to engage them. When they are calm, slowly leave the room. 
• Slowly increase the amount of time you are away until they can be left alone for a period of time without whining. 

Longer Durations

• When your dog is happy to spend 30 minutes or more in the crate without becoming nervous, you can start to leave them in the crate when you leave the house. 
• Always praise and reward your dog when they are in the crate before leaving 
• Make departures quick and matter-of-fact, not emotional 
• When you return, do not excitingly respond to your puppy. You want these separations to feel normal 
• You should not crate your dog for more than 4 to 5 hours per day without allowing them to use the potty. Puppies should be crated for shorter time periods depending on their age.

Overnight Use

• Introduce your dog to the crate as soon as possible 
• First, have the crate near your bedroom to help your dog keep from feeling isolated 
• If your dog is whining at night, it may mean that they need to go to the bathroom, so it’s important to pay attention to these cues.  
• Praise and reward your dog when they enter the crate 
• When your dog is comfortable sleeping in their crate, you can consider moving it elsewhere in the home

SOCIALIZATION 

Socialization for dogs/puppies can look very different depending on the age and temperament of the pet you have adopted.  

PUPPIES

Puppies need frequent interaction with other people and animals to help them develop into comfortable, confident dogs. But how do you manage this socialization level while waiting for your puppy to be fully vaccinated? It is a difficult balance, but here are a few ideas of places you can take your new puppy to help them during their critical periods of social development: 

• Take them to pet-friendly retail locations and either hold them or have them ride in a cart (Petsmart, Petco, Home Depot, and Mud Bay are all pet-friendly retailers!) 
• Invite friends with dog-friendly pets over to your home for a pet playdate (make sure to check if their pets are up to date on their vaccines) 
• Go to friends’ houses and hold your puppy off their floors, or even visit friends who don’t have dogs to help your puppy learn to be comfortable around other people 
• Enroll in puppy classes with a positive reinforcement trainer (see our List of Approved Trainers to find one in your area)  

ADULT DOGS 

Many dogs are friendly with other dogs. Some are not. Here at The NOAH Center, we do our best to identify which dogs are likely to do well in an environment with other dogs, which ones should be the only dog in the home, and the ones that can be identified as “reactive” and may have significant challenges with other dogs. We pass on all the information at the shelter regarding the personality and temperament of each dog. However, most animals will display different behavior in a home than in a shelter environment, so all animal-to-animal and animal-to-people introductions must be done slowly and carefully. Remember, you are all still getting to know each other! 

Tips for a successful introduction: 

• Always introduce your new dog to other people and animals while they are on a leash 
• Relax your body and try to remain calm. Your feelings and stresses will transmit through the leash, but so will any feeling of peace and calmness! 
• Go slowly, and pay attention to your new dog’s body language. You can use the following link to see an article on common dog body language and its meaning. Understanding Dog Body Language: Decipher Dogs’ Signs & Signals (akc.org) 
• Make to separate your new dog from any new people/animals if the situation becomes too stressful for either party. Having separate spaces for everyone is extremely important! 

Dogs identified as “reactive” are still excellent companions, and many can show improvement or have their reactivity well managed with positive reinforcement training and consistent counter-conditioning. They may eventually be okay around other dogs, or it may be a behavior that has to be managed throughout their lifetime. Working with a professional trainer can significantly reduce the stress you both feel when working through these behaviors. 

ENRICHMENT & ACTIVITIES 

Providing enrichment for your new dog is critical. Without proper enrichment, dogs will be bored and look for ways to entertain themselves and stimulate their minds and bodies. Left to their own devices, this is likely to lead to unwanted behavior. 

TOYS

Puppies/dogs should have access to several toys that can provide entertainment and enrichment that will keep them physically active and provide mental engagement that will help keep them from getting bored and reverting to destructive or other undesirable behaviors. 

Examples of toys include: balls, ropes, flirt poles, and chew toys. These types of toys are available at many retailers. Just be sure to choose items that are size appropriate for your dog and make sure that they are supervised during playtime to help prevent accidental ingestion in case the toys start to come apart.  

 It may be a good idea to only purchase a few toys at first, one of each variety, to give yourself a chance to learn your dog’s preferences and play style. For example, you may learn that plush toys are not a good fit for your dog or that they are disinterested in balls. Once you get to know them, provide them with more of what they like.

PUZZLES

Dogs enjoy the physical and mental stimulation from puzzle feeders, making them think and work for their food. Your local pet store or online pet supplier will have many choices of these kinds of feeders. Lick mats, snuffle mats, wobble feeders, and puzzle treat dispensers are all great examples of products that encourage mental enrichment for your canine friend.  

 Signs that your friend may need more enrichment and/or exercise:

• Excessive weight gain 
• Destructive or aggressive behavior 
• Lethargy 
• Disinterest in toys or games 

PERSONALITY

No two dogs are exactly alike. Like people, animals have different personalities shaped by their inherent nature and how they are nurtured. Allowing your dog the time they need to acclimate to their new environment will help nurture them and allow them the freedom to be themselves. Some dogs are social and playful, some are highly affectionate, and some are more aloof. Still, others are shy, reserved, and can take longer to come out of their shells. Remember, just as you get to know your new dog, they learn who you are! Be kind and consistent, and use positive reward-based reinforcement to help build the bond between you and your new pet! 

CANINE BODY LANGUAGE

Just like people, puppies and dogs use a lot of body language to communicate how they feel at any given moment. Please refer to the chart below for some common body language communication you will see from your dog. 

Learning dog body language opens up an entire form of communication and understanding. Reading your dog’s body language is important to building a bond. Taking the time to read their body language and understanding what it could mean will save everyone frustration and possible heartache in the future. 

Quick Healthy-Dog Tips: 

1. Learn your dog’s body language to tell when something isn’t right and if they may not feel well. 
2. Make sure to feed a balanced diet with the proper nutrition 
3. Puppies/dogs need a lot of sleep, so make sure they have comfortable, quiet places to get their rest. A typical dog will sleep around 16 hours per day.  
4. Never wake a sleeping dog! 
5. Puppies/dogs are social and need exercise, so make sure to take time to play with them regularly  
6. Help your dog socialize by working with them regularly and following training advice regarding socialization as outlined previously 
7. Follow your veterinarian’s advice for routine healthcare such as vaccinations, worming, flea treatment, etc. 

VETERINARY CARE

Veterinary care is essential for every animal. Getting established with a veterinarian right away is key to ensuring your pet stays up to date on vaccinations and routine health maintenance. More now than ever, we recommend choosing a veterinarian before even bringing your new pet home. 

Continuous and regular veterinary care is essential to your new dog’s health and long, happy life. Sometimes the idea of making an appointment, crating your dog, taking them into the car, and then into an unfamiliar environment can be intimidating to pet owners. You can do a few things to ease this process and help ensure your canine friend gets all their needed veterinary care. 

• Understand that your dog may be nervous or frightened of new places and people. Be patient with them, and make sure to bring their favorite treats and perhaps a favorite toy.  
• Take your dog to a Fear Free Practice. These practices have made specific changes to their practices to help relieve stress and provide a calming environment for pets.  
• If you have a multi-dog household, allow the returning dog some time to decompress before rejoining the rest of the canine family. It allows them to calm down and have some time to rest.  

When you adopted your new dog, you received a Pet Health and Immunization Record that you can utilize to maintain records of all of your dog’s routine medical care.  

CHOOSING A VETERINARIAN

Choose a veterinarian near your home whose hours work well with your schedule. Consider asking friends and family with pets for recommendations on veterinarians in your area. When you’ve found a few you are interested in, read reviews online. 

Research how your veterinarian’s office manages emergencies, so you are prepared. For example, do they answer after-hours calls or work with a local emergency clinic? If necessary, be sure also to learn where your nearest Emergency Veterinary Hospital is. Having the address and phone number pre-programmed into your phone is a good idea. 

FIRST VETERINARY VISIT

Schedule a veterinary visit for your new dog within one month of adoption. The NOAH Center provides a Free Health Exam Voucher that can be used at several clinics. This exam helps you and your new pet get established with a veterinarian who can journey with you throughout your dog’s life. They will double-check any medical needs and schedule vaccines, which will likely be soon if you adopt a puppy. 

BASIC CARE

EARS

Some puppies/dogs have ears that require regular cleaning and care to help your dog hear and avoid discomfort. Most of the time, ears that droop down and are not open to the air, in general, will require more care as dirt and germs can stay trapped in the internal ear areas. Your veterinarian can advise you on the best products to help clean and maintain the health of your canine’s ears.  

See also: Grooming 

NOSE 

You may notice that your dog may have dry nasal secretions at the edge of their nostrils, which can be removed with a wet, warm cotton ball or tissue. Consult your veterinarian if your dog’s nose is excessively dry or snotty, which could point to an underlying issue. 

SPAY/NEUTER 

All animals are spayed/neutered before adoption. If the spay/neuter surgery took place recently at The NOAH Center, you would receive a copy of the after-care surgery instructions in the waiver documents emailed to you at the time of adoption. 

If you have any questions regarding the incision site, please send a photograph of the incision to info@thenoahcenter.org, and a team member will reach out to you to discuss any next steps that need to be taken for the health and well-being of your puppy/dog.