Congratulations on your
new rescue pup!
If you are here, you are probably looking for tips and tricks on how to set your new companion up for a life of success as they adjust to the home. Every dog will be a little bit different in what their adjustment looks like, but there are some things we can do on the human end that will ease the transition.
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Whether you are just bringing your new dog home or you are planning to soon, this page is a jump start guide for how to set your new companion up for success and what products we recommend.
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Need more help? Schedule a Zoom session or in person evaluation!
New Dog - Where to Begin
Your first purchases should be a leash, collar and a crate.
YOUR LEASH - SUPERVISION IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS
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Your leash will be attached to your new dog any time they are out of their crate! We need to guide dogs and show them how to live successfully in our lives, and a leash is a great way to do that. It also gives you the chance to evaluate and practice leash skills in low pressure environments (inside the house and in the yard). When you aren't sure what a dog's background might be, erring on the side of increased structure and supervision as you get to know each other is a great choice. If they are attached to a leash, they won't be able to sneak off to a corner and potty. If they are wearing a leash, they won't be able to sneak off and chew the leg of the coffee table. Supervise your dog as you get to to know them - too much freedom can lead to behaviors that will have you frustrated later on.
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YOUR COLLAR/HARNESS
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For rescue dogs we recommend always starting with a martingale collar. When properly fitted, there is no way for a dog to slip out of the collar and bolt. This should come off when your dog is in the crate.
YOUR CRATE
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Giving your new dog a quiet and safe place of their own can be an incredible gift for them. While your dog is decompressing from the stress of the shelter or rescue, use the crate as their home base. They can learn to be calm and relaxed in the crate after sufficient exercise so that they learn independence as they adjust to their new lives. It will also give you a break from management. My preference is for the plastic Vari Kennel or Sky Kennel crates, but wire crates with a cover are also okay as long as the dog is calm in a crate.
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With rescues we generally recommend the 3:3:3 rule - 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to learn your routine, and 3 months to feel at home. Typically we start to see behavior issues pop up in that 3-4 week mark as the dog gets comfortable. That doesn't mean that behavior issues we see right away will disappear - so take note of what you are seeing in the dog and reach out to a professional if you need help.
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Start with the crate routine right away - not after 2-3 nights of sleeping in your bed. Any delay to this process will only make crate training more difficult for both you and the dog. If you know the dog's exercise and bathroom needs have been met, you can ignore any vocalization. Only remove the dog from the crate when they are quiet and relaxed! Dogs quickly learn what works for them - if crying lets them out of the crate, they will become more resilient in that behavior.
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Your dog should learn to sleep in their crate when you are home and in the same room, when you are home and in another part of your house, and when nobody is home. These are three variations and we often see issues with at least one of them when owners approach us for training help.
Puppies
This should be the first purchase! Your puppy will wear their leash any time they are out of the crate. If your puppy is free and unsupervised you can't be upset when they make mistakes like chewing the wrong thing or pottying in the wrong place. Supervision is the key to success!
Puppies
Your puppy should begin sleeping in the crate from day one when they get home. Establishing a routine is critical at the start! I like the Sky Kennel brand because it's dark and cozy but you may not want to start with a puppy crate that your dog will outgrow. Wire crates also work and can be covered with a blanket.
Puppies
When your pup first comes home, some have a harder time adjusting to life without mom and their littermates. This stuffed animal is designed to ease some of that anxiety the first few nights by giving the puppy a warm companion with a heart beat to cuddle with when in their crate.
Puppies
Your puppy can wear a flat collar or martingale in the early days when you bring them home. You want them to get used to the sensation of wearing a collar. You can pair this with food rewards as well if they are particularly sensitve to it.
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Puppies
Your puppy should begin sleeping in the crate from day one when they get home. Establishing a routine is critical at the start! If choosing a wire crate, you can also add a crate cover to make the crate more den like.
Puppies
If you are curious about your dog's genetic make up or if they are at risk for any genetic variants that can be tested for, Embark is the best commercial test available!
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Puppies
We use harnesses in situations where we don't mind if puppies pull. This would be long line walks, play time in a big field, and we can also use these harnesses to tether in the car if you aren't crating (crating is my recommended method for transporting dogs).
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Puppies
WIRE CRATE COVER
When purchasing a cover, be sure that you are choosing the size that matches your crate. These covers are a better choice than a blanket - they are fitted so your puppy cannot pull the sides in as easily if they choose to try and chew while fighting sleep.
Playing with your dog
In the beginning, as your dog is settling into their new routine, we don't worry about obedience at all. Structure and management are in place as they adjust, but obedience can come later. While supervising we are able to guide the dog through how we want life to look, and one of the things we want to teach them to enjoy is play.
Depending on the size of your dog, you may choose different toys, but play can create a sense of joy in a dog that will leave them feeling happy and relaxed when it's time to rest. Initiate play with your dog in different areas as you show them the world - play can happen inside the house (if you choose and its on your terms), outside in the yard, at the park, wherever you might be together with your dog. I like for play to be a collaborative game between you and your puppy, so don't expect them to just go find play on their own - create it as an activity to enjoy together.
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Your new rescue dog doesn't need to go on any outings for the first few weeks while you are getting to know them - let them get to know life at home before you start taking them out and about.
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Start your came with a specific cue - "Are you ready to play?" Or whatever cue works for you. As you play, be consistent in your communication and be sure to play at your dog's pace and level - you should both win sometimes during tug games and fetch should be a game of cooperation. When the game is over, end with a cue like - "All done" so that the dog knows the window of play is over.
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**IMPORTANT NOTE** Toys like Laser Pointers are especially dangerous for dogs. Even single uses can create lifelong OCD behaviors in the dog. They can be tempting because dogs typically do enjoy following the light, but what happens is that the dog's natural prey drive is being activated without any ability to catch/win in the game. Later in life the dogs zone out and get hyper fixated on any lights they may see and it's a very difficult and sometimes impossible behavior to resolve long term.
Toys
The key to a good game of fetch is in choosing the right ball is to be sure the ball is larger than the opening to your dog's mouth. Tennis balls are also not recommend - when they get wet and dirty/sandy they turn into sandpaper on your pup's teeth and will quickly wear their teeth down. Size medium is best for dogs under 20-25 lbs. Large for 20-50lbs and XL for any dog larger than that. Better safe than sorry!
Toys
These tugs are best suited for older dogs. They should be an interactive toy with you - they are NOT intended to be a chew toy. Bringing this out should tell the dog they have your attention and it's going to be time to play together!
Toys
Salmon is a great option for dogs that are sensitive to beef or that like a softer treat. These break into small pieces very easily and I find they are a popular choice with most dogs and few dogs have stomach issues with them.
Toys
The chuck it ball launcher can be a great way to make big throws easy for the humans. Be sure to check the size of the chuck it launcher as your large dogs will want to be using Large or XL chuck it balls.
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Toys
These ball on string options are made of foam so the soft mouth breeds are not always a fan of them. The rope allows for interactive play/tug as well as long throws.
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Toys
I love the flirt pole for a game that encourages the dog's natural instinct to chase. Be sure to let him win periodically or it won't be fun. You can establish an Out command early on as well through this game.
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Toys
The chuck it ball launcher can be a great way to make big throws easy for the humans. Be sure to check the size of the chuck it launcher as your large dogs will want to be using Large or XL chuck it balls.
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Toys
These have some of the same benefits as the other ball on string, but these are much easier for the soft mouth breeds because the plastic is hollow. They fly great though for long games of fetch!
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Toys
When starting young dogs with a frisbee you can roll them on the ground. As the dog gets the idea you can show them in short throws how to catch the toy. Build your dog over time to enjoy the comaraderie in the game.
Chews and down time
Your dog doesn't need to be go-go-go all the time, we want to teach them to settle and relax as well. This is a critical skill for pet dogs and one that owners often expect the dog will eventually just "figure out." Instead, we recommend incorporating that down time into your dog's days to teach them how to chill and hang out. We recommend this activity once the dog has already been pottied and exercised.
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One way we can set our dog up for success is by using a tether. This is something that we can tie to something heavy like a foot of furniture or the coffee table, or a kettle bell or dumbbell (depending on the size of the dog). While tethered you can give your dog a chew to enjoy while the family relaxes. You should leave your dog alone once you give the chew - don't pet him or otherwise mess with him. How would you feel if someone had their hands constantly touching you while relaxing or eating? The dog should always be supervised while tethered, but you also want to let them figure out how to self sooth and give to pressure. Any barking or pulling on the tether in the beginning can be ignored while they figure out how to relax on cue.
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Please note! If you've never given your new rescue dog a high value treat, you may see new behavior, including aggression/guarding behavior, that you haven't seen before! We recommend high value treats wait until there is more relationship in place. Always be ready to trade what your dog has for something of similar value. It can also be helpful to leave a leash and collar on the dog the first time. We also recommend being very careful about where you give these treats - if there are other dogs or children in the house - be aware that it is NORMAL for high value treats to trigger a guarding response, especially in a dog that is not settled into a trusting relationship yet.
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Down Time
If you know me, you know that tethering is one of the activities I recommend often. It's great for teaching your dog the art of doing nothing without a whole lot of micromanagement. Anchor to a heavy enough piece of furniture and then ignore!
Down Time
Puppies like to chew! I like benebones because they are long lasting and the pups enjoy them. Keep an eye out for sharp edges and supervise your pup to be sure they haven't abandoned the bone to chew on something illegal like the legs of a table.
Down Time
The puppy kong is a softer material than the standard kong. This can be filled with kibble and some peanut butter and be frozen for longer enjoyment. Your pup can enjoy this in their crate to help develop positive associations with the new home base.
Down Time
When your dog has a bully stick, we prefer to use a bully stick holder - this prevent the dog from swallowing the bully stick when the piece is too big to swallow. It also prolongs the amount of time the dog spends chewing which is a nice state of mind for the dog to be in.
Down Time
These chews are made of cheese and they are hard enough yet soft enough for the dogs to really enjoy. They do make a mess though so be aware of that before you decide where your dog gets to enjoy this treat!
Down Time
When your dog has a bully stick, we prefer to use a bully stick holder - this prevent the dog from swallowing the bully stick when the piece is too big to swallow. It also prolongs the amount of time the dog spends chewing which is a nice state of mind for the dog to be in.
Treats
Believe it or not, we generally don't recommend using treats for puppies. Instead use their kibble! Especially if they are a puppy that really loves to eat. Pill pockets are an exception - break these treats into pieces to reward your puppy. Later on you may need to give pills, but if we only ever give pills in the treat the dog may become superstitious toward those specific treats. Instead, the dog can enjoy them first and ongoing without a pill/medication/being sick associated with them.
Treats
Beef liver is one of the more expensive treat options out there, but I find most dogs really enjoy working for it. This brand in particular offers bulk sizes and the liver pieces are easily breakable into smaller pieces. Careful not to give too much liver or you might notice your pup ending up with runny poop.
Treats
Salmon is a great option for dogs that are sensitive to beef or that like a softer treat. These break into small pieces very easily and I find they are a popular choice with most dogs and few dogs have stomach issues with them.
Treats
Beef lung is a more affordable beef treat and still a single ingredient option. The pieces can be quite large, so i often will break them down into smaller pieces before adding them to my treat pouch.
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Treats
These are bite sized bacon flavored treats that many dogs enjoy. With tons of treats in each bag, it makes for an affordable treat option.
Treats
At some point we all need to give pills to our dogs. If you wait until your dog needs pills to use these treats, your dog might turn up their nose at them, predicting it's a trick. Instead, use small pieces as training rewards so that your pup develops a taste for these treats. That way they'll be less suspicious when you need to hide a pill.
Below are additional product recommendations that may be helpful for life with your puppy, and include things to have on hand like a first aid kit, shampoo, nail clippers and more.
Equipment
Equipment
This should be the first purchase! Your puppy will wear their leash any time they are out of the crate. If your puppy is free and unsupervised you can't be upset when they make mistakes like chewing the wrong thing or pottying in the wrong place. Supervision is the key to success!
Equipment
Biothane is a plastic material that comes in a wide variety of colors, is durable enough to hold up for daily wear and tear and is easy to clean and sanitize. These long lines are great for rainy days, but they can be a bit heavy for training purposes for smaller dogs, especially in the longer lengths.
Equipment
A dog treadmill has a longer running space than a human treadmill and this is crucial for your dog to have proper room to move. These are great for the rainy Florida afternoons and can be a great way to get exercise no matter the weather outside.
Equipment
Leather is my favorite material for leashes. Nothing quite beats the feel of a well worn high quality leather leash. My favorite leashes arrive stiff and should be soaked in an oil (I use Neatsfoot Oil) to moisturize the leather. Don't forget that leather is skin so when it arrives it may be quite dried out.
Equipment
The 3/8" nylon long lines are my favorite, but any size will do. These are affordable so it's easy to have one in the car for trips to the park and another in the house if you are practicing in the yard/neighborhood.
Equipment
Biothane is a plastic material that comes in a wide variety of colors, is durable enough to hold up for daily wear and tear and is easy to clean and sanitize.
Equipment
A slip lead can be a great choice for quickly throwing a leash on a dog, but they can also be a great training too. Be sure to use the safety stop to properly size the neck loop.
Sanitary and First Aid
Cleaning
Kennelsol is my go-to for cleaning crates, accidents, bowls etc. It smells great and sanitizes everything keeping disease spread to a minimum.
First Aid
Chlorhexidine spray helps to combat skin conditions associated with bacteria. It's a non-stinging solution on small wipes that can provide localized relief for hot spots, inflamed skin and insect bites.
First Aid
Vetwrap is great because it sticks to itself instead of needing to tape any first aid you might do for your dog.
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First Aid
Even the friendliest dog may bite if they are in pain! A muzzle is a critical tool in the toolbox for all dogs. And they should be muzzle trained before it's a behavior you ever need to use.
Cleaning
Wysiwash attaches to the hose and can sanitize your yard, toys, place beds and more. Be careful though, it can bleach your clothes during use.
First Aid
A wide range of health issues in your dog can be identified by noting a change in your dog's baseline temperature.
First Aid
Vetricyn is a safe and effective spray that you can use several times a day on your dog to clean cuts, abrasions, sores, and skin irritations.
First Aid
Everyone should have a dog first aid kit both at home and in your car. If you aren't sure what should go in the kit, a pre-made kit can be a great option.
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First Aid
A wide range of health issues in your dog can be identified by noting a change in your dog's baseline temperature. This type of thermometer will read temperature when in the dog's rectum.
First Aid
Wound wash is a great tool to have to irrigate a wound to remove any debris before cleaning it. It's a critical part of our at-home first aid.
Supplements
Supplements
I have a variety of tools in my toolbox, so to speak, when it comes to a pup having a bit of the runs. If we know the dog does not have a parasite, we can add some pumpkin or some probiotics to help ease the stomach. This is my preferred pumpkin brand.
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Supplements
I have a variety of tools in my toolbox, so to speak, when it comes to a pup having a bit of the runs. If we know the dog does not have a parasite, we can add some pumpkin or some probiotics to help ease the stomach. These tablets can be crushed or some dogs will eat them straight.
Supplements
This is an oil that helps dogs shed less after 4-6 weeks of consistent feeding. We use it for Finn and it does help to limit her shedding to the times of year when she blows her coat. This won't make your shedding breed NOT shed, but I have found that it helps some.
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Supplements
I have a variety of tools in my toolbox, so to speak, when it comes to a pup having a bit of the runs. If we know the dog does not have a parasite, we can add some pumpkin or some probiotics to help ease the stomach. If you know your pup may not be willing to eat the tablets, you can use this paste to give the probiotics directly to the dog.
Supplements
In dogs much as in horses, everyone has a different feeling about what works. We like these Finn chews because they are high quality, taste great and take the edge off the pups. Your mileage might vary! We use just about every supplement Finn offers.
Supplements
Nutrical is a great weight gain supplement that can be added to food and tastes great. Most dogs will lick it right off my finger and not even wait for it to make it to the bowl!
Grooming Supplies
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Grooming
If you are planning to groom your pup yourself, a grooming table is a great tool in your toolbox. I like this one because the grooming loops being stablized by clamps at both ends is more stable than a single end. There is also storage underneath!
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Grooming
If you aren't comfortable clipping your dog's nails, instead you can grind them using a dremel. This grinder has multiple speeds and a nail guard attachment so you can feel confident during the nail process.
Grooming
If you are looking for a shampoo that can help to limit your dog's shedding, this is the one I like best. Be sure to follow the directions on the bottle for maximum results.
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Grooming
A good oatmeal shampoo is a nice option for shampoo when you aren't dealing with any other skin issues. And it smells great!
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Grooming
If you have a dog with a double coat or a dog that is a shedding breed, and you plan to groom yourself, a force dryer will dramatically change your grooming experience. This dryer is a powerful and high quality option. It comes at a higher price point. I don't have experience with other brands, but do love this one.
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Grooming
A good pair of nail clippers can last you a very long time! These stainless steel clippers from Millers Forge are great quality and easy to use.
Grooming
This shampoo is great for general skin fungus. For itchy/dry skin we use the Duoxo shampoo.
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Grooming
For dogs more sensitive to the noise of the dryer, the happy hoodie can help make grooming a less stressful experience.
Grooming
KWIKSTOP
Sometimes, even if we don't mean to, we may quick a dog's nail. This is when we nick the blood vessel/nerve endings in the dog's nail. These tend to continue to bleed with some help but will quickly stop if you apply Kwikstop.
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Grooming
This shampoo is great for itchy and irritated skin. You can use it 1-2x per week until you see improvement.