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Adopting An Adult Dog

Adopting an adult dog is quite different from bringing home a puppy. Their adaptation to your way of living will largely depend on their previous treatment and environment. In most cases, firm rules and abundant kindness will win them over. Time is in your favor, so use it! If you expect the dog to adapt in a few days or weeks, change your thinking: It will be six months to a year before they is really yours.

Any new dog should be kept under physical control, that is, fenced or leashed, for that period of time. Unlimited walks will help the adaptation process, especially if you walk in different directions, covering different territories. This helps your bonding with the dog, and the walk back, always leading to his new home, will help him become used to his new "den."

As with a new puppy, the following guidelines should help you in conditioning the new adult dog to become socially acceptable.

Housebreaking

1. Keep the dog tied to you for the first two weeks when they are  in the house. Let them loose in your yard to potty or take them on lead to where you want him to potty. Always tell them "Potty" and praise them when they does so.
2. Keep a close eye on them during the third week and let them off the leash in the house for short periods of time. Let them out frequently.
3. If you have a Toy breed or Toy mix, or a dog raised and previously kept in a kennel, your time frames should be a month each for Steps 1 and 2.
4. Do not leave the dog alone to roam the house. If you leave, put them in a secured yard or pen, or in a crate in the house.
5. As time goes on, you will be able to tell if they have good intentions of seeking the outdoors to relieve themself. Depending on your dog and their former circumstances, they may be reliable from the first day you bring them home; alternatively, it may take three or four months.

Sleeping Quarters

1. Select the place you wish the dog to sleep.
2. If it is in the house, let them out shortly before you go to bed or take them for a walk.
3. Tie them on a fairly short lead to keep them where you want them to sleep. Give them there own rug and a small bowl of water, or provide a bed or crate for him.
4. If you want them to sleep outside, provide them with a doghouse or a dry, warm corner underneath a porch or a wind-sheltered corner with some type of protected covering. Make sure your yard is secure.