How to Bring Your New Dog Home

Supplies You’ll Need

• Collar: There are a number of different collar options to choose from. The traditional flat buckle collar will suit most dogs, as long as it fits—you should be able to fit two or three fingers under the collar at all times. A martingale collar, also called a safety collar, is best for dogs that back out of regular collars or have heads that are smaller than their necks. For some dogs, particularly very small breeds, you may want a harness that goes around the dog’s body instead. A head halter is useful for training shy dogs and large dogs that are difficult to control.
   
  
• Leash: Four- or six-foot nylon, cotton, or leather leashes are best. Do not use a steel chain leash. Use a narrow leash for small dogs and a thicker leash for medium or large dogs.
• Food and water bowls: Simple ceramic or metal bowls are better than plastic.
• Food: Offer your dog the same food it was eating at the breeder or rescue group. Start with that food and gradually transition to a new food if necessary (see How to Feed Your Dog).
• Bedding: Provide a comfortable bed for your dog and possibly a crate, depending on your training goals (see How to Train Your Dog).
• Toys for playing: Keep three toys out at a time, rotating them with new toys often to provide variety and to weed out worn or broken toys. One of the most popular dog toys is the Kong®, a hollow rubbery toy that you can fill with treats or dog food.
   
  
• Toys for chewing: Rawhides and bully sticks are the most popular dog chew toys. Essentially artificial “bones” that contain dried meat or meat flavors, they clean your dog’s teeth while also satisfying your dog’s natural instinct to chew.
   
  

Dog Supplies to Avoid

• Choke chains, prong collars, and electronic shock collars: Never buy or use collars designed to cause your dog pain if it pulls on its leash. Instead, use a harness, or, for very strong pullers, use a head halter that slips over the dog’s nose.
   
  
• Retractable leashes: Retractable leashes are bad for two reasons. First, because they maintain constant tension on your dog’s collar or harness, they actually encourage the dog to constantly pull away. Second, retractable leashes make it difficult to restrain your dog if something sudden and unexpected happens. Use a regular cotton, nylon, or leather leash instead.
• Electronic “shock” fences: Invisible electric fences use either pain or noise to contain dogs. Avoid fences that shock—they’re inhumane—and keep in mind that no invisible fence can protect your dog from other dogs and animals. Use a traditional fence instead.

Your Dog’s First Few Days at Home

• Use the weekend: If possible, bring your dog home on a Friday evening or Saturday morning so you’ll have the entire first weekend to spend together.
• The first few nights may be tough: Your dog may whine and cry for the first night or two. Set up its bed or crate near where you sleep but resist the urge to console your new dog. Wait out the crying, and within a few days your dog will sleep through the night.
• Set rules and be consistent: Enforce the rules you expect your dog to obey from the start. Don’t give your dog a grace period just because it’s new.
• Practice leaving your dog alone: Leave your dog alone for short periods of time so it learns to expect you to return when you go out. Start by leaving the room for just a few moments, then by leaving the house for an hour or so. Progress slowly, and your dog will soon be comfortable on its own for up to 8–10 hours per day.