1. Dog-Proof your home. Check your home for exposed electrical cords and dangerous household products and put them out of reach. Food should be removed from tables and counters. Garbage receptacles should be covered or moved to an inaccessible place. Plant stands that might become a target for a wagging tail should be rearranged to avoid accidents or damage, and poisonous house plants should be removed. The floor should be cleared of any potentially chewable items like shoes, children's toys, and newspapers.

2. Have supplies ready. Your new dog will require a number of items for his care and maintenance. Please see the DOGGY SHOPPING LIST. In addition, you should determine where your dog will sleep, eat, and eliminate, and how you will keep your dog contained. Whether you use fencing or keep your dog on a leash, it will take some time for your dog to accept his new home and learn his boundaries. If you decide to crate train your new dog, please keep in mind that a dog should NOT be confined to a crate for long periods of time. A better alternative would be to confine the dog to a particular room.

AFTER YOUR DOG COMES HOME

1. Spend time with your new dog. Bring your dog home when you can spend the first few days helping him to adjust. This is very important bonding time between you and your new dog. It also allows you to observe your new dog closely and establish household limits. Some shelter dogs may temporarily forget their house manners after spending time at the shelter. Close monitoring will help you address any lapses immediately.

2. Expect some potty training lapses. The stress of adjusting to a new environment, a new dog food, and a new feeding and exercise schedule may cause your dog to have a few accidents during the first two weeks. Maintain a regular feeding and exercise schedule and give your dog plenty of opportunities to relieve himself during the day.

3. Reduce stress. Adjusting to a new environment is stressful. Try to keep your dog's first few days at home as quiet as possible. Minimize activity with excited children and other pets. Provide a quiet, safe retreat for your dog to escape over-stimulating situations, and provide plenty of toys to give your dog appropriate opportunities to relieve stress with exercise and diversion.

4. Introduce other pets slowly. Keep your dog separated from other household pets for the first few days to give all the animals a chance to get used to each other's presence and scent. Door gates are a safe way to introduce pets for the first time, so they can meet each other without becoming stressed or developing confrontations. The first contact with other pets should be conducted with the dog on a leash so you can intervene immediately if any problems arise.

5. Schedule a veterinary appointment. Although your pet may have received a health check and certain vaccinations at the shelter, you should make an appointment within the first week to have your dog examined by a licensed veterinarian. This is a good time to obtain additional vaccinations your dog may require and to detect any underlying health conditions.

6. Groom and train your new dog. According to the National Humane Education Society, 96% of shelter dogs have not received formal obedience training. Spend some time several days per week training your dog in basic obedience. In addition to creating a well-mannered and enjoyable companion, training is a great way to bond with your new dog and teach him to trust and respect you. Grooming is more than a pet care responsibility; it also helps to develop a close relationship with your new dog. Try to groom your new dog at least once a week. He'll love you for it!