Step 12

How do I integrate my new dog into the family?

Give your new dog space and allow it to warm up to members of the family, as it feels comfortable. Do not force interactions by pulling the dog over to you or getting in its face. Dogs use their sense of smell as their primary sense so allow your new dog to smell you.  Give it positive attention when the dog is comfortable with it but also do not be afraid to set limits right off the bat, for example do not let the dog jump on you. Some dogs may be very timid and afraid at first where others will come into a new situation with full force.

One of the most important things you will do with your dog is walk.  Dogs are travelers by nature and they need to walk, playing out in the yard is not enough.  It is also one of the ways they will establish a relationship with you and other dogs in the home. Your new dog should be walked a minimum of a half an hour twice a day.  If you have a very high-energy dog then they may need more than that.  If you did adopt a high energy do I hope it is because you are high energy and in that case consider running with your dog a couple of miles a day.

Most rescue dogs have already been passed around from family to family for various reasons. Our goal is to find these dogs good permanent homes.  That will only happen if you choose the right personality of dog for your family from the beginning and you work consistently with your dog to establish appropriate behaviors.

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