Keep other animals separate and allow your new dog at least an hour a day to explore their new environment freely and without distractions for the first 3-4 days. Every dog adjusts at their own pace. While four days is a general guideline, some may need more time to feel comfortable. 

Why?

This helps them familiarize themselves with their surroundings and learn through scent in a low pressure setting. Dogs learn much about the world through scent. 

Suggested Resources:

• • What is decompression- https://nycsecondchancerescue.org/decompression/

  • Decompression and integration- https://www.doggedly.org/amp/decompression-integration

  • Decompressing your new dog- https://youtu.be/2UelQrvNvg8

  • Decompress for success- https://decompressforsuccess.com/nine-steps-to-success

  • Puppy survival guide, the first 24 hours- https://youtu.be/zt3AVydlc2g

  • Puppy Development: Stages from birth to two years old- https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/puppy-development-stages-birth-two-years-old

  • Rescue Dogs After Adoption-  https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/puppy-mill-rescue-dogs-transition-home-life#Potential   

  • Training a Rescue Dog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc6FZWGlQTk

  • Bringing home a Rescue Dog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfV97DUpWiQ

  • Adopting a Rescue dog:https://www.rescuedogs101.com/first-7-days-bringing-adopted-dog-home/

This means your dog needs to be in a safe and secure place ANY time you can't see them

• ex: crate, designated room

Provide your new dog with a safe, quiet space to rest and sleep, such as a kennel placed in a separate room. 

• This space should be exclusively theirs, always keep it free from other pets or children. 

• Never leaving food unattended in the crate. 

• Keep kennel in a separate room for at least the first week.

Remember that crating is not a punishment; this is to keep them and others safe!

Why?

• Keeping the dog separate when you aren't there minimizes risk of them getting injured, them injuring someone/another pet, damaging something, etc. 

• NOT ALL DOGS ARE GOING TO LIKE / GET ALONG WITH ALL DOGS ALL THE TIME

• Even dogs who live with other dogs daily have never had issues before, can still chase, play too rough, fight and cause serious harm or death.

• For safety - mistakes happen quickly and often when we least expect them.

Suggested Resources:

• • Crate Training a Dog-  https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/crate-training-dog-dog-training-plan 

  • What to do about your dogs' separation anxiety-  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aW1pfEtlPw 

  • Separation Anxiety in Dogs- https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/separation-anxiety-dogs

  • Successful alone time- https://www.doggyeinsteinstraining.com/resources.html

House training regression is common in both puppies and adult dogs, even those previously described as "house trained." They’ll need guidance to re-learn. Keep in mind that dogs feel vulnerable while going to the bathroom and may initially be too nervous to relax. Take them out regularly to provide opportunities for success.

Why?

Establishing predictable daily patterns helps your dog feel secure and understand what to expect. 

Suggested Resources:

• • Importance of routine for your dog- https://k9turbotraining.com/the-importance-of-routine-for-your-dog/

  • How to handle potty training regression-  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=THZNO0zX_pg

  • Marking in the house- https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/dog-marking-and-peeing-house

  • House training a dog- https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/housetraining-dog

  • Puppy Potty training- https://bestfriends.org/stories/features/puppy-potty-training

Leash dogs for all initial introductions when meeting any other dogs and supervise all dog & dog interactions.

Take your dogs on a walk together to build trust and foster a sense of safety. 

• Walking side by side helps establish a bond without the potential stress of direct, face-to-face greetings, which can feel confrontational. 

• Begin these joint walks at least a day after the initial introduction, allowing time for both dogs to adjust. 

• Avoid through-the-fence or kennel meetings, as these interactions can create unnecessary tension.

• Keep in mind that leash communication is a learned skill for both you and your new dog. 

• They need guidance to understand how to respond effectively. 

• Always use a secure martingale collar or harness during walks to prevent accidental slips.

Why?

• NOT ALL DOGS ARE GOING TO LIKE / GET ALONG WITH ALL DOGS ALL THE TIME

• Even dogs who live with other dogs daily or have never had issues before, can still chase, play too rough, fight and cause serious harm or death.

• For safety - mistakes happen quickly and often when we least expect them.

• Supervision is essential as they learn to coexist peacefully.

Suggested Resources:

• • How to Introduce Dogs-  https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/learn-how-properly-introduce-new-dogs 

  • How to introduce your dog to dogs:https://youtu.be/HwXNXbg9qDI

  • How to introduce a new dog to your other pets- https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HwXNXbg9qDI 

  • (for kennel reactive dogs please reach out to your chat for support and suggestions) 

  • Dog Barrier Frustration and Aggression- https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/dog-barrier-frustration-and-aggression 

  • Dog Fence Aggression-  https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/managing-barrier-reactivity 

  • Play bows-Animals at play- https://fb.watch/gqfnbHJFrk/ 

  • Introducing a new dog to your home- https://k9turbotraining.com/introducing-a-new-dog-to-your-home/

  • 10 tips to teach your reactive dog to stay calm -  https://be.chewy.com/10-tips-to-teach-your-reactive-dog-to-stay-calm/

  • Mistakes people make when teaching how to walk on leash - https://youtu.be/WVYJVAi1bW0 

  • Leash Reactivity- Leash Reactivity: A Comprehensive Training Guide - Peach on a Leash

  • Reducing Leash Reactivity- Reducing Leash Reactivity: The Engage-Disengage Game | Karen Pryor Clicker Training

  • Why does my dog bark at other dogs- https://k9turbotraining.com/why-does-my-dog-bark-at-other-dogs/

  • Making sense of loose leash walking- https://k9turbotraining.com/making-sense-of-loose-leash-walking/

  • What to do if your dog gets loose- https://k9turbotraining.com/what-to-do-if-your-dog-gets-loose/

  • Dog Politics: Understanding Dog-Dog Tolerance Levels- https://vimeo.com/210692574

  • Dog Introductions https://vimeo.com/214700035

  • Dog to Dog Introductions-https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PpSFqwhkL3AgudpKLfgmwtsoU1x4EC0LwBz0dBNL5vs/edit 

Leash dogs when meeting any cats or other small animals and supervise all interactions.

NEVER leave your dog alone with cats or other small animals unsupervised

Take things slow and focus on creating positive, calm associations between them. 

Keep in mind that cats can be quick and unpredictable, which may trigger a chase instinct in your dog. 

Gradually introduce them in controlled environments, and always supervise their interactions to ensure everyone's well-being.

Why?

• NOT ALL DOGS ARE GOING TO LIKE / GET ALONG WITH ALL CATS ALL THE TIME

• Even dogs who live with other pets daily or have never had issues before, can still chase, play too rough,  fight and cause serious harm or death.

• For safety - mistakes happen quickly and often when we least expect them.

• Supervision is essential as they learn to coexist peacefully.

Suggested Resources:

• • How to Introduce a Dog to a Cat-  https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/how-introduce-dog-cat 

  • Introducing cats and kittens to dogs- https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/successfully-introducing-cats-and-kittens-dogs

  • Introducing dogs to cats (video)- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRlxhvQ8I9g 

  • Dog Chasing Cat-  https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/dog-chasing-cat-tips-stopping-behavior 

  • Introducing a puppy to a Cat for the first time-  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=THZNO0zX_pg 

  • How to train your dog to leave your cat alone-  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=THZNO0zX_pg 

  • Introducing your New dog to cats- https://www.maddiesfund.org/introducing-your-new-dog-to-cats.htm

  • Look at that:Dog training plan- https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/look-lat-dog-training-plan?fbclid=IwAR24bb1Ado1mBWi4mREVfNFK-0BETgHYHoPccFSj7R0VJxg7n3sEYXfnFVw

  • Introduction to cats- https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LWNjy-U70R11wIpoGJ6KpJ8uN3TEEvguKQ2bC14-2xw/edit

Leash dogs when meeting any children and always supervise all interactions. 

Always supervise interactions between your dog and children, and ensure the child understands how to approach and interact with the dog respectfully and safely.  Proper guidance and supervision help create a positive environment for both your dog and your child.

• NEVER leave your dog alone with children unsupervised.

• Never allow children to put their face directly in a dog’s face

• Teach children not to hug or climb on dogs or take things from them

• Teach children to recognize when a dog wants space (turning away, moving off, stiff body, lip licking, yawning)

Even friendly dogs can become uncomfortable and act uncharacteristically if they feel crowded, restrained, or overwhelmed.

Why?

• NOT ALL DOGS ARE GOING TO LIKE / GET ALONG WITH ALL PEOPLE ALL THE TIME

• Even dogs who live with kids daily or have never had issues before, can still cause serious harm or death.

• For safety - mistakes happen quickly and often when we least expect them.

• Not all dogs want to be touched by or interact with kids

• Supervision is essential as they learn to coexist peacefully.

Suggested Resources:

• • Prevent ‘dog bites child’ scenario-  https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/dog-bites-child-how-prevent-scenario  

  • Kids and pets- Experts Advise How to Introduce Your Kids to Dogs & Cats (rover.com)

  • How to introduce dogs and kids- How to Introduce Dogs to Kids & Kids to Dogs: The Ultimate Guide – Kid Friendly Pets

  • How to stop dogs from jumping on people- https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/how-stop-dog-jumping-people?fbclid=IwAR3fq0OMYDrvVbw1IELbqcxIgbcdhO6NQ1rlC9RVPO5K-v0qXbNTU5B7a7c_aem_Ab2Ee3sw-iPIJCmpzn3JZY0Kjv8JPq4DmqnzCNHLPgIHsbXge1GDddcr_KJy-4IRj8o

  • Dog Meets Baby- https://www.dogmeetsbaby.expert/links?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZTNcpzHJduOOciqbEtn9AQJLNrf6p5beVyGnmNf0n_CcBunOWK5X5q57k_aem_AWfUhFGQLu2Qr1acxzGgJfQmj2LNIZF9QyUXbaN_0rgOvwkIRgsFLmxUTmFujtZ4K9zyaeF_4zXs80hwaPhcsSyt / https://www.instagram.com/dogmeets_baby?igsh=NHAxaTdvb2I0Mnh0

Supervise interactions. 

When new people enter a dog’s space, it can be exciting, stressful, or overstimulating. Dogs may respond differently depending on their personality, history, and comfort level.

• Allow the dog to choose whether to approach

• Avoid reaching over the dog or immediately petting their head

• Let the dog initiate contact when possible

• Never allow children to put their face directly in a dog’s face

• Encourage gentle, side-on interactions rather than face-to-face contact

• Keep greetings calm and low-pressure

• Avoid direct sustained eye contact

• Avoid crowding or multiple people surrounding the dog

Some dogs need time and space before they are comfortable engaging with visitors. Even friendly dogs can become uncomfortable or act uncharacteristically if they feel crowded, restrained, or overwhelmed.

Why?

• Not all dogs want to be touched by strangers or new people

• Not all dogs are going to like or get along with all people all the time

• Some dogs are more sensitive to physical proximity, pressure, or social interaction

• Discomfort is not “bad behaviour”,  it is communication

Always feed them all separate from all other pets and kids to keep everyone safe. This includes treats and high value items such as bones. 

Why?

• Feeding dogs separately is important to prevent resource guarding, reduce stress, and avoid potential conflicts over food. 

• It helps each dog feel safe and secure, ensuring they can eat at their own pace without feeling threatened by others. 

• Allows you to monitor their eating habits more closely.

Suggested Resources:

• • Food aggression prevention- https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/dog-food-aggression-prevention

  • Food Aggression in Dogs-  https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/food-aggression-dogs-management 

Keep toys put away and supervised initially, to avoid potential conflict/resource guarding. 

Dogs can guard a variety of things, from socks and toys to food, people, and even specific areas of the home. It's important to be aware of this behaviour and approach any guarding issues with patience and training. Proper management is key.

Why?

• Helps decrease the risk of confict and overstimulation

  • • Kids don't always like to share their toys or their parent - you dog might not either.

Suggested Resources:

• • How to Teach a Dog to Trade-  https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/how-teach-dog-trade 

  • Teaching trades- https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/teaching-trades-dog-training-plan

Take the time to teach your new dog what is acceptable in your home. Leadership isn’t about dominance, but about building trust and showing your dog that they can rely on you. Be patient and remain calm—dogs thrive when they have a confident leader to guide them, and they will respond positively when they feel secure in your direction.

Why?

• Creates trust in you and increases confidence in your dog

Suggested Resources:

• • How to establish leadership over a dog without being a meanie-  How to Establish Leadership Over a Dog (Without Being a Meanie Pants) - Petful 

  • Mouthing, nipping, and play biting-  https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/mouthing-nipping-and-play-biting-adult-dogs 

  • How to stop dog mouthing- https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/how-stop-dog-mouthing?fbclid=IwAR1N7OP4NbDSNNuml77-46B77jGfKxX9CwppjO-MCwEMjUKdNoISZIrSaJQ_aem_Ab3G4NawRJeYb01BgoNPw6JY5xp2I7YbD9t-JsiG4vBHJRx9S_wz8sg-aGLR620Uz0A

  • Why does my dog put their mouth and paw on me? https://www.dogsforgood.org/good-advice/why-does-my-dog-put-their-mouth-and-paw-on-me/#:~:text=Many%20dogs%20will%20put%20their,but%20often%20continues%20into%20adulthood

  • Dog chewing and how to redirect it- https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/dog-chewing-and-how-redirect-it

  • Stop dog barking- https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/stop-dog-barking

  • Submissive urination- https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/submissive-urination-and-excited-peeing-dogs

  • Stop Dog Barking- https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/stop-dog-barking

  • How to get your dog to stop barking- https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-get-your-dog-stop-barking

  • Barking- https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/barking#:~:text=Just%20say%20the%20command%20clearly,and%20give%20him%20a%20treat

You dog won’t understand what’s expensive, sentimental, or dangerous. 

To prevent trouble, put away things like garbage cans, food, shoes, TV remotes, and socks. 

If your dog gets into something they shouldn’t, take responsibility for not managing the environment. 

Why?

• Simply put, if there’s nothing for them to get into, they can’t get into trouble.

• The more opportunities your dog has to engage in undesirable behaviours, the more likely those behaviours are to become reinforced.

Suggested Resources:

• • Counter Surfing- https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/dog-counter-surfing-prevention-and-deterrents  

  • What is management- https://k9turbotraining.com/what-is-management/

  • What is enrichment- https://k9turbotraining.com/enrichment-living-a-bowl-free-lifestyle/

  • Dog training 101- https://www.thesprucepets.com/steps-to-train-your-dog-1118273

  • 10 Exercise alternatives- https://k9turbotraining.com/10-exercise-alternatives-for-reactive-dogs/

This is often the hardest part for new pet parents and often this is where people fail!

Every dog is unique and has different needs, so some may require more time than others. It’s important to let your dog set the pace and follow their cues. Some dogs might need weeks or even months to fully decompress and adjust to their new environment. Patience is key during this process.

Why?

Rushing decompression and not having realistic expectations of that behaviours a dog might have, trusting that they won't make any mistakes, or not providing clear and consitent boundaries sets both you and the dog up to fail!

Transport can be one of the most stressful moments for a rescue dog. Whether a dog is arriving from Texas, or being transferred locally between fosters/adopters, our Transport Safety Guidelines are designed to help keep dogs secure during pickup, travel, and transitions between caregivers are vital.

While these guidelines are especially important during initial transport, they are also good general safety practices for anyone caring for a dog. Situations such as vet visits, travel, transfers between caregivers, or busy environments can be stressful for dogs and increase the risk of unexpected behaviour or escape. Keeping these safety principles in mind during everyday situations can help decrease risk of accidents and ensure dogs remain safe and secure.

Check out our Dog Body Language Page for more info

Dogs often communicate discomfort before escalating their behaviour. Recognizing and respecting these signals can prevent escalation and help keep interactions safe. Some common early signs can include:

• Turning head away or avoiding eye contact

• Stiffening of the body

• Lip licking or yawning

• Freezing or becoming still

• Moving away or trying to create distance

• Growling or low vocalization (this is communication)

Some everyday scenarios can unintentionally increase stress:

• Overhandling or forced affection

• Interrupting rest or sleep or pain

• High-energy environments with no breaks

• Too much close contact from multiple people at once

• Ignoring subtle discomfort signals

The goal is not to restrict normal life with dogs, but to create environments where dogs feel safe, understood, and able to communicate clearly.

When in doubt:

• Give space

• Slow things down

• Allow choice and movement 

• Reduce pressure rather than increase control

Don't be nervous when your dogs first meet other animals or people. 

Be calm and watch carefully.  

Why?

Dogs pick up on stress and anxiety and it will affect the environment they are in. 

Suggested Resources:

• • Dog Body Language Interpretation-  https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/dog-body-language 

  • Dog sociability is a spectrum- https://www.everydogaustin.org/post/spectrum

  • What is your dog telling you- https://www.confident-dog.com/infographics?pgid=iz34dgfx-11b85905-a3b6-4b4a-8c87-f2b029d3cd5b

  • What is trigger stacking https://k9turbotraining.com/what-is-trigger-stacking/

  • Reading cut-off signals in play- Teaching Your Puppy to Read Cut-off Signals in Play | K9 Turbo Training

  • Introducing your dog to strangers:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GGGZ6CSpZo

Overcrowded areas such as or dog parks or doggy daycares are too overcrowded and too much stimulation too soon, and not all dogs will do well in that setting

These places are often busy with lots of dogs, loud noises, and fast-paced activity, which can be stressful for a dog who isn't used to that level of stimulation.  Some dogs may not enjoy the chaotic atmosphere or may feel anxious, fearful, or even territorial.

Why?

• Not every dog is social or enjoys the company of many other dogs

• IT IS NOT A REALISTIC EXPECTAION THAT YOUR DOG WILL LIKE OR GET ALONG WITH ALL DOGS

• Forcing them into situations can lead to stress, anxiety, or even aggressive behaviour.

Suggested Resources:

• • What is socialization- https://k9turbotraining.com/what-is-socialization/

  • Puppy socialization- https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/puppy-socialization-how-socialize-puppy-people-dogs?fbclid=IwAR3XtIXA6ul_D6FaICwgny-L3DPxakOa6wZgFRhPiuQ-QQlz1mQ3b5sT-CY_aem_Ab2sPOmk5yyL_VjeUBC__D0AUGLY7lvkdrPAznL94FD9jLk2-08q-uId5kSoyUUUe3Y

  • Dog park FAQ’s- https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/dog-parks-rules-leash-parks-dogs-safety-and-etiquette

Crates are a safe space. This is where they can go when they need space, when they feel overwhelmed, where no one bothers or touches them and where they can go when no one is home to supervise

Why?

• Crating as punishment creates a negative, possibly traumatic association with the crate.

Suggested Resources:

• How to Crate Train Your Dog Expert Tips for Every Age - https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/crate-training/?utm

• A Beginner’s Guide to Crate Training - https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/a-beginners-guide-to-crate-training/?utm

Don't let your dog off leash in an area other than your own fenced, private yard

Reliable recall training takes a long time

Get a long line (an extra long leash of 20/30ft) - this way they have the freedom of space but they are safely attached to you. 

Why?

• Your dog could run away or approach other dogs who may be not friendly etc.

• They may run after a small animal or child 

• Off leash is not worth the risk

Suggested Resources:

• Off Leash Training: When Can You Let Your Dog Off Leash? - https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/dog-off-leash-training?utm

• Is Your Dog Ready To Be Off-Leash? - https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/dog-ready-to-be-off-leash/?utm

Introducing dogs through fences, gates, or kennels is not recommended, as barriers can increase frustration and arousal. Controlled, neutral introductions allow dogs to read each other’s body language more clearly and reduce the risk of reactive responses.

Why?

• This can facilitatebarrier reactivity and aggression

Suggested Resources:

• Managing Barrier Reactivity - https://bestfriends.org/pet-care-resources/managing-barrier-reactivity

• Fighting throguh the fence - https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/behavior/leash-barrier-reactivity/fighting-through-the-fence/

• Understanding barrier aggression in dogs - https://www.sniffspot.com/blog/dog-reactivity/how-to-train-a-barrier-reactive-dog

• Barrier Reactivity - https://myhswm.org/barrier-reactivity-resource/

When a dog first arrives home, limiting visitors and keeping the environment calm is reccomended. A low-stimulation period helps reduce stress and allows the dog to adjust safely and confidently to their new surroundings.

Why?

• New people may overwhelm your dog

• Your dog might not like all people

• Not all dogs want to interact with or be touched by strangers or new people

Suggested Resources:

• Introducing your dog to your significant other (or anyone new) - https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/introducing-your-dog-your-significant-other-or-anyone-new