Bringing a new adult dog into your home can be stressful for both parties. Your new dog will need to get used to his new surroundings, and you will need to adapt to having an extra four paws around the house.

This short guide should ensure that all the essentials are taken care of you so that you can concentrate on getting to know the latest addition to your family.

Everyone needs a place to sleep…

Some people still make the mistake of letting their dogs sleep in the same bed as them. Whilst humans see this as a sign of affection, and wanting to be there to keep their new friend company, it can be confusing for your dog.

When it comes to discipline and training, you need to remain in control and by letting your dog sleep alongside you; you are giving a signal of equality.

A dog basket is a good idea, and for a new dog we would also recommend putting this inside a dog crate. For a new dog it provides an area of safety, as he will get to know the crate as his territory and if shut in at night will prevent you worrying about what he might be getting up to. For a very nervous dog, you can put a blanket over the crate keeping out the light and helping your dog feel safe.

All change!

A new home is often a whole new start for a rescue dog, and often very different from his previous home. If your dog already has a collar, check to see that it fits correctly (using the two finger rule – you should comfortably be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck). Also check for any signs of rubbing or irritation. If the collar seems to be causing any discomfort we would recommend investing in a rolled leather collar, or an Air Collar from Spiffy Dog.

These leads were made for walking…

We would strongly recommend a multi purpose lead, one which can be used as a tether, walking lead and training lead. This means you will only ever need the one lead, and it will be the one you have with you. We especially like the 6 in 1 multi-use Dog Lead from Spiffy Dog.

Pulling power

If there is a chance that this new dog may end up taking you for a walk, then a harness would be a great idea. Unlike a collar, where the dog pulls with his neck, a harness goes around the neck, and underneath the front legs, fastening on the dogs back. The attachment on a harness is further back than a collar, and nearer the dog’s centre of gravity, making it easier to restrain him.

Harnesses are ideal for training, and allow you to have two points of contact (either collar and harness, or two connections on the harness) a method developed by Tellington TTouch in the USA. This is a very humane way of training a dog not to pull, and eliminates the need for painful choke or pinch chains.

Dinner Time

Your new four-legged friend may be joining other four-legged creatures, but as he is new and not used to this setup yet, then it makes sense to get him his own food and water bowls so he can be sure that they are for him. Likewise with brushes, as if your dog is new to having to share he might not want to be groomed with a brush that he feels belongs to someone else.

Snug as a bug in a rug…

Blankets are always useful if you have a dog in the house, from protecting the sofa to preventing the kitchen floor becoming a work of paw print art. If you can designate 3 or 4 blankets to your new dog then you’ll be prepared for those muddy mishaps.

Dog proofing…

Before your new dog arrives, it’s good to have a look at your home from a dog’s perspective. Try and guess anything that he might be likely to chew, topple over, or damage, and if you’d rather not see it get damaged move it to a place of safety (like the attic, or a secure cupboard).

Also try to look for any potential dangers, wires he might get tangled in under a desk, or gaps in the fence where he could escape onto roads or neighbouring properties.

Fix up all the dangers you can, and if you can’t do anything about it just try to be extra vigilant when your dog has access to that area.

And then…

Remember that every dog is different, and even if you have had many dogs before, your new addition can and will surprise you. Be prepared for irrational howling, unexpected ‘gifts’ and a rewarding adventure as you get to know your new best friend.