You Adopted a Dog. Now What?

Helpful guidance for the first days and weeks with your new rescue dog.

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By opening your heart and home to a rescued dog, you’ve given them something priceless: safety, stability, and a second chance. Whether this is your first rescue or one of many, the transition period is one of the most important times in your dog’s journey.

The information below is designed to help set you — and your new companion — up for success from day one.

Welcome Home — and Thank You for Choosing Adoption

Before You Bring Your New Dog Home

Before heading home, take a few simple but important steps to keep your new dog safe:

  • Get an ID tag with your contact information (name, phone number, address)

  • Make sure you have:

    • A properly fitted collar or harness

    • A secure leash

    • A crate or safe confinement area at home

Dogs in transition are at high risk for flight — even dogs who seem calm or bonded. Preparation matters.

Please Note: All dogs adopted from The Rescue Crew will be sent home with a properly fitted martingale collar or harness, with a rescue ID tag securely attached, and a leash.

Getting Home Safely

During the Trip Home

  • Do not stop for potty breaks

  • Keep your dog crated or securely tethered in the vehicle

  • If possible, pull directly into your garage and close the door before unloading

  • If you don’t have a garage, ensure your dog is fully leashed and secure before opening any doors

The First Hours at Home

  • Walk your dog around your yard and home on leash to help them learn boundaries

  • Check fencing for gaps or weak points before allowing yard access

  • Never leave your dog unattended in the yard

  • Always use a secure leash attached to a properly fitted collar or harness on walks

For the first couple of weeks, it’s important to:

  • Avoid outings and social visits

  • Limit exposure to new people and animals

  • Keep routines calm, predictable, and quiet

Step-by-Step Guide

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Establishing Routine & Stability

Dogs thrive on structure — especially after the upheaval of shelter or foster life.

We recommend:

  • Establishing a regular feeding schedule

  • Providing consistent daily exercise appropriate to your dog’s age and energy level

  • Using crate training or a safe space to help your dog decompress and feel secure

Crate training isn’t punishment — it’s a tool that gives your dog a safe place to relax and reset.

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The First Two Weeks

The first two weeks are a critical adjustment period. Many behavioral issues during this time are not “true personality traits,” but stress responses.

You may notice:

  • Hesitation or shutdown

  • Clinginess or independence

  • Changes in appetite

  • Increased anxiety or alertness

This is normal.

Give your dog:

  • Time

  • Space

  • Consistency

Avoid labeling behaviors too quickly — trust the process.

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The First Hours at Home

Walk your dog around your yard and home on leash to help them learn boundaries

  • Check fencing for gaps or weak points before allowing yard access

  • Never leave your dog unattended in the yard

  • Always use a secure leash attached to a properly fitted collar or harness on walks

For the first couple of weeks, it’s important to:

  • Avoid outings and social visits

  • Limit exposure to new people and animals

  • Keep routines calm, predictable, and quiet

Additional Resources

You may find these helpful:

  • The Secret to Success: The Two Week Shutdown

  • How to Introduce a Dog to a Cat