How to introduce an adult dog to a new home/family

[user1489844432]

Hello

We will be brining home in couple weeks time 4yo JRT as their current owners are no longer able to look after him. They had him since puppy.

Is there any good way to introduce the dog to us? Any steps to follow or things to avoid?

The only thing I know is be consistent with rules from the beginning, give them space and don't over crowd. We did this and were fine. We forgot to show her a consistent place to have a wee in the garden - that would have been helpful!

If possible, try to get an idea of the dog's usual routine from the present owners. You will probably need to shift some things around but it is better for the dog if things like feeding times are shifted slowly e.g. 10 minutes a day rather than suddenly making them wait 2 hours. The other advantage is that when your new dog looks appealingly at you at 5.30pm, you will know whether they want a game or food or a walk etc. Also be aware that the dog may act subdued for a time and expect it to take several weeks if not months before they are truly settled. Good luck.

We've had a lovely little Chi staying with us since the week before Xmas, she walked in like she owned the place and she's always been here. Some dogs will be like that, others might need to hide under the sofa for a bit.

Be sure to keep them on the lead when you first go in, you can take them to where their bed is, show them where their water bowl and food bowls are, and take them straight out for a sniff around the garden and find the best wee spots. Then, for the Chi, I let her off in the living room and left her to do her sniffs, she soon found a lap for a nap though.

No need to rush anything and follow the dog's lead in terms of any anxieties or worries they might have.