*If you are looking for a lost pet or a Return to Owner via Animal Control (ACO), please ring the doorbell and someone will assist you during our regularly scheduled hours. We provide return to owners everyday of the week*

Adopt a friend. Save a life. Almost Home Humane Society

Bringing Your New Dog Home

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First off, we are excited that you have decided to bring home a new dog! We want this to be a positive experience so that you and your new dog can live happily together for a long time. Here are some tips for starting your new relationship off on the right paw:

First Day Home

We know that you have just committed to a new family member, and this can be stressful and exciting for all involved. Including your new dog! When bringing your dog home for the first time, keep in mind that he or she has probably been through a lot in the last few days. He may have have been lost on the streets for some time before coming to a shelter. He may have even been given up by her previous owner. Coming in to a new family can be very overwhelming for a dog.

Establish a Routine

This will ensure there are no surprises and help your new dog adjust more quickly. Try to work the adoption into your schedule so you have a few days to be at home with your new dog to help her adjust while you get to know her. Your first day with your new dog should be spent allowing her to get used to her new home. Everything he encounters will be new and possibly stressful for her, so it is important to allow her to adjust at her own pace. It could take two days for her to be her normal, or it could take two months. There is no set time limit on this adjustment period because every dog is different.

It is best to give your new pup some time to adjust to you and your family before taking her to new places. As much fun as it is to pick out toys and supplies with your new friend, it can be overwhelming for her to be in a busy store with so many people and smells.

Training

It is important that training begins early, no matter how old your new companion is. Socializing puppies is crucial to their development and will help you have. well-rounded pup as an adult. For all dogs, we recommend clicker training. This is great form of positive reinforcement trainings that can help teach your dog manners, help a fearful dog become more confident, and can even be a fantastic stress reliever for your dog.