Tips for a Successful Adoption

Congratulations on choosing to adopt! As you prepare for the new addition to your family, we’d like to share with you some lessons we’ve learned through our work with helping dogs find their forever homes and our own experiences with pet adoption - everything from before you arrive to pick up your dog to introducing them to other animals. Whether you’re adopting through Mile High Canine Rescue or not, we want to help you start this new relationship on the right foot.

Picking up your new dog:

Bring a leash and a collar
Utilize a crate or a seat belt harness to securely fasten your new dog into your vehicle. Dogs can be confused and may try to flee an unfamiliar vehicle.
Don’t stop at stores or visit friends or family on the way home. This is a very stressful day for your new dog. Allow them some time to get to know you for a few days before expanding their world.
When you arrive home, make sure the dog is leashed and you have the leash in hand before exiting the vehicle.
Remember it may take a dog days or even weeks to feel comfortable around you and in your home. Set your expectations accordingly and try to reduce stress for your new dog by minimizing triggers. We’ll share with you all the information we have about your dog, but also talk to the foster parent about their experience living with them to get first-hand information.

Introducing your new dog to to your home:

Set up a safe place in your home where your new dog can go to relax and decompress.
Remember exercise helps a dog burn off nervous energy. Play fetch, take a walk, get them moving.
USE CRATES! Crating is a great way to make sure your new dog is safe (and so are your belongings) while you are away. Ask the foster family what their routine was so you can learn what your new dog is used to. Then make minor adjustments to fit your lifestyle, if necessary.
Take your new dog outdoors often at first. It is not unusual for a newly adopted dog to have accidents in the home even if they are house trained.
Start with the same brand of food the foster parent was feeding to make a slow, healthy transition if you intend to change brands.

Introducing other dogs (and cats):

Never leave your new dog unattended with resident dogs/cats until you’ve really had a chance to get to know them and their quirks. This could and should take weeks, but it is worth the time to ensure everyone is comfortable.
Initial introductions should be on neutral ground, on leash, and should start by walking somewhat near each other and gradually working toward a nose to butt meeting. Hey, it’s what dogs know!
Start slowly. Take walks, keep interactions short and positive. It’s ok to separate at first and socialize in small bursts. Slow and steady wins the race. We are here to help, so CONTACT US IF YOU NEED US!
Know the difference between a correction and an attack. It is not unusual for dogs to set boundaries with each other. They communicate by growling, snapping, etc. This is especially common when introducing a young dog/puppy to an adult dog.
ALWAYS FEED SEPARATELY! Dogs can be territorial about their food, so it’s best to maintain a clear boundary between them.
Do NOT leave bones or high value treats/toys out until you know each dog’s behavior. Remember that the resident dog’s behavior may change after your new dog moves in.
Never assume that a dog’s behavior in your home will be the same as their behavior was in the foster’s home. Every home has a different energy as does every dog.
We recommend allowing your new dog to meet and interact with resident cats ON LEASH. Over time, allow slack in the leash once you get a feel for the dog’s reaction to the cat (assuming it’s non-reactive).

Introducing dogs to kiddos:

Never leave your new dog unattended with a child.
Encourage children to interact in a positive way, especially young children. For example, encourage children to touch gently rather than tug or pat. Never let your child hug, climb on, or pull on your new dog.
Watch for signs of distress from your dog. Examples include panting, leaving the room, lip licking, pacing, showing the whites of the eyes, pinning ears, tucking tail, and growling. Never punish a growl - it’s how your dog speaks to you.
Do not allow young children to eat next to a dog or drop food near a dog.
Do not allow children to walk the dog without adult supervision. Any number of things could happen - they could let go of the leash, another dog that’s off leash could come and start a dog fight, etc.

If you've adopted a puppy:

Avoid taking your puppy to public areas (gas stations, pet stores, walks around the block, parks, etc) until your vet tells you it is safe to do so. Puppies that have not had the appropriate vaccines for the appropriate number of months are susceptible to many deadly diseases. We recommend at least two DA2PP vaccines at age 12 weeks or older in order to be fully protected.
Look into puppy socialization classes in a controlled environment, especially if your puppy will be your only dog. Puppies have a critical need for socialization between 8 and 12 weeks of age. Structured classes can give your puppy a safe place to socialize with other dogs and learn how to handle themselves in a variety of situations.
Start puppy obedience training.
Choose appropriate toys to avoid a bowel obstruction – avoid stuffed toys, squeakers, toys that are too small, etc.
We do not recommend rawhide for any dog, regardless of age, due to health/choke hazards.

Check out our Behavior & Training Resources page for recommendations of behaviorists and trainers, training exercises, and training equipment and supplies, such as harnesses and training treats.