You’re bringing a new dog home so here is a list of 11 tips to help you through the process if you already have a dog.

We always rescue dogs and we tend to rescue older ones so I have a good bit of experience introducing a new dog into the family. Hopefully these tips can help you.

11 Tips to Help Successfully Bring a New Dog into your Home

1. Learn as much as your can about the new dog. What’s his background, personality, energy level, etc. If you’re working with a rescue group, they may not know very much information if the dog was picked up as a stray. If the dog is in a foster home, you should be able to learn more.

2. Understand your own home dynamics. Is everyone on board with getting a new dog? Does everyone understand the patience required? (more on that shortly) If you have other pets, what are their personalities and how will they react to a new dog in the house? Knowing these things can help the process be more successful.

3. Have patience. The new dog is going to need time to decompress. His personality is likely to change as he figures out what his new life looks like. His personality the first day you bring home home will likely be different from what you will see in 3 months. Be patient. Give him space and time.

4. Contact a trainer if necessary. Getting feedback from an expert can be really helpful.

5. Pick up your current dog’s toys, beds, bowls, etc in the house especially if your current dog can be territorial.

6. Introduce the dogs slowly. If they need a time out from each other and they’re used to crates, crating them is a great way to keep them separated.

7. If the dogs aren’t leash reactive, try walking them together.

8. Feed them separately. Always.

9. Monitor their behavior. Look for signs that may indicate one of them isn’t happy.

10. Take your time and be realistic with your expectations.

11. Be sure to have some of the new dog’s food on hand. Quickly changing a dog’s food can cause stomach issues so feeding the new dog the same food at least initially is always suggested. If you do eventually change his food, do it very gradually.

Depending on the two dogs, this could be a simple process or it could require some work but earning the new dog’s love will be totally worth it.

Do you have experience with this process? What tips do you have?

This is a blog circle and this week’s topic is Rescues. Next up is Atlanta dog photographer Courtney Bryson behind the scenes photographing dogs for Canine CellMates' charity calendar. Be sure to click the link at the bottom of each post to read what each dog photographer has to say about Rescues. You’ll end up back here once you’re through the circle. Happy Reading.