1. Do not bring him home and leave. Plan to spend the day and night home with him. When you first leave him make it a short period of time and gradually make it longer. If you have to go to work the next day, consider getting a dog walker to come in and let him out for the first week or so.
2. Do not expect your adopted dog to fully be housebroken or to be free of separation anxiety. Think about what this poor guy has been through. Even if your new friend is fully housebroken he may have accidents for a while (could be a month or more) depending on the stress and uneasiness he feels. Your reactions and acceptance of your furry buddy will affect how fast your dog adjusts. Patience is the key word through the transition period.
3. Do not feed your dog table scraps. You are not being kind. Think how your stomach feels when you are nervous, scared, and in a strange place. Give him smaller meals at first and if he doesn't want to eat; don't push it for the first few days.
4. You can introduce the new dog to other dogs in the household. If you have more than one dog, then introduce one dog at a time. The introductions should be as long as the new dog will tolerate. He may only meet one other dog on the first day. That is OK. Move at his pace; not yours!
5. Do not let other household pets approach the new dog on the first day. Keep them separated with a baby gate for the 1st week that way they can smell each other through the gate, yet not feel threatened by the other pet or pets invading their territory. (cats or other small animals)
6. Do not let your new pooch play with other dogs the first day. It is overwhelming enough to meet new parents and new home and be sniffed over by new dogs as well. (this referring to neighbor dogs)
7. Do not take a very young puppy to the park the first day. Your pup can get very sick. Your puppy must have all his shots before he goes outside. Ask your veterinarian.
8. If you have children, do not let them handle a new dog excessively the first day.
9. Do not allow your dog to sleep with you in bed. After all, he may not be fully housebroken and that can be a rude way to wake up! When your dog is trained, finished teething, and fully housebroken, he can sleep wherever you want.
10. Do not allow your dog to roam freely (unsupervised) in your house. Create an area for the dog where he can safely be left alone. Designate free time in the house when you are able to watch him.
11. Keep visitors to a minimum on the first few days. Give your dog some quiet time and adjust at his pace.
