Canine Connection

You adopt a dog, you bring him home, and you live happily ever after. Or at least that’s what you imagine when you start thinking of adopting a dog. The reality is usually a bit different. You may find your “perfect” new pet isn’t housebroken, is fearful of men, gets possessive of his toys, seems aloof, has a medical condition, or has just plain old bad manners, just to name a few potential issues. For some people, finding the reality doesn’t measure up to their expectations makes it difficult for them to live with their new dog.

One of the best pieces of advice I can give to dog owners dealing with problems with their new dog, aside from seeking the help of a trainer, is to give it time. Expect a period of adjustment when you bring home your new pet. Dogs from rescues and shelters come with a lot of baggage. Many have been through more than one home, and living in a shelter is a highly stressful experience for a dog. Moving into your home can be scary, and your new pet is certain to be uncertain of what to expect.

How long should you expect it to take for a dog to adjust to your home? The answer varies from dog to dog. I’ve brought dogs home to foster who acted as if they had lived in my home for their whole life from the minute they walked through the door. My own dog, Maggie, was extremely shy, and it took her almost two months before she started to feel at home. If I had given up on her after only a few weeks, I would have given up one of the best experiences of my life – sharing my life with Maggie.

I guess what I’m trying to say is don’t give up. When you adopt a new dog, go into it with your eyes open, and expect it take up to two months or more for your dog to adjust to his new home. In most cases, you’ll be glad you did.