Dogs come from all kinds of places, and they all come with a backstory. Forget the idea of a "blank slate"—there’s no such thing. From the moment they’re born (and even before), dogs are shaped by their genetics, experiences, and environments. A Border Collie doesn’t stop herding just because there aren’t any sheep in the living room. They come hardwired with instincts and traits, plus layers of experiences that mold their behavior.
Now, imagine the journey a new dog might have taken to get to your home. Especially if they came from a shelter, they’ve likely just been through a whirlwind of change—chaotic environments, strange smells, loud noises, and unfamiliar people. And now, they’re expected to seamlessly adapt to a brand-new life? It’s a bit like asking someone to survive an airport layover and then immediately ace their first day at a new job. Unrealistic, right?
Start With Simplicity
When you bring your new dog home, the best thing you can do is keep their life simple. No big parties, no elaborate introductions, no demanding routines right away.
Take a step back and remember that to your dog, you’re just another human. Your home is just another place. They don’t know yet that you’re their human or that this is their home. Give them time to process this monumental shift in their life. Most of all, let them rest!
Set Them Up for Success
Dogs don’t come with a manual, but they do thrive with clear and consistent boundaries. Think of boundaries as their guidebook to understanding life with you. But here’s the thing: boundaries aren’t about punishment. They’re about showing them what to do.
For example:
- If you don’t want them begging under the table, give them something else to do—like enjoying an enrichment feeder in a cozy spot away from the dining area.
- If you don’t want them jumping on guests, leash them when people arrive and ask for a specific behavior, like sitting calmly before greeting.
- If you don’t want them chewing on the houseplants, show them what is obviously available for chewing.
It’s okay to say “No”—but only if you also say “Yes” to something else.
Don’t Wait for Problems to Arise
As humans, we often act like we’re in a fix-it mode, waiting for something to break before addressing it. But dogs aren’t appliances. Barking, jumping, chewing—they aren’t “broken” behaviors to them. That’s just how you dog.
Training isn’t about fixing—it’s about guiding. It’s your chance to teach them what you want before you find yourself elbow-deep in shredded couch cushions or dealing with a bark-a-palooza every time the mail carrier arrives. Seek help from a reputable trainer early, so you can focus on building good habits rather than undoing bad ones.
A good trainer can give you so much insight in a relatively brief period of time. It’s honestly such a privilege to help clients on a one-off basis. Just a few simple exercises can be applied to so many life experiences.
Expect the Unexpected
Here’s the reality: the dog you just adopted may not be showing you their true personality yet. In fact, most dogs won’t let their guard down right away. They’re like houseguests on their best behavior...until they’re not.
As they settle in and feel more comfortable, they might start testing the waters. A dog who seemed perfectly polite at the shelter might suddenly decide your sofa makes a great chew toy or your visitors are the perfect audience for a one-dog comedy show of leaps and barks. This is totally normal—and it’s why early training is so important.
Know Their Developmental Stages
If your dog is under two years old, they’re still going through significant developmental changes. Puppies, for example, have socialization windows—periods where they’re extra sensitive to new experiences. A bad experience during one of these windows can leave a lasting impact on how they approach similar situations for the rest of their lives.
That’s why it’s crucial to pay attention to what your dog is going through and give them positive, confidence-building experiences, especially in their early months.
A Final Thought: Embrace the Journey
Bringing a dog into your life is a big deal—for both of you. They didn’t just appear out of thin air. They come with history, instincts, and quirks. But they also come with so much potential.
The best way to acclimate them into your life is with patience, compassion, and a willingness to guide them. Set them up for success, and you’ll both reap the rewards of a stronger bond and a harmonious life together.
Welcome home!