You’ve decided to give a dog from the shelter a new home, carefully weighing the pros and cons. Now, the next step is to find the right furry companion and prepare for the transition to their new home. Read on to learn about the process of adopting a shelter dog and what to consider regarding training, socialization, and care to ensure a successful adjustment.

A Shelter Dog is Something Special

In shelters, dogs of various ages await new homes. Giving one of these dogs a second or perhaps even a third chance is a commendable and respectable act. Dogs end up in shelters for various reasons:

Many people underestimate the attention and time a dog requires, realizing after a few months or years that they cannot manage. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a surge in dog adoptions as people, alone at home during lockdown, brought dogs into their lives. However, with the return to normalcy and the shift from home office to office, there is no longer room for these dogs. Consequently, many owners choose to surrender their dogs to shelters.

Advantages of Shelter Dogs

Most shelter dogs are already mature and have been trained by their previous owners or shelter staff. This often makes it easier to handle them compared to a puppy, as they are often already house-trained and know basic commands.

Moreover, dogs are social beings that thrive in a pack. A shelter dog usually forms a strong bond with their new caregivers over time, becoming a loyal companion who stands by you through thick and thin.

Unique Aspects of Shelter Dogs

Unlike dogs from breeders, shelter dogs come with a history that you adopt along with them. Some dogs may have had incomplete training, while others might be sensitive, shy, or have developed specific behavioral patterns due to their experiences. Therefore, it’s crucial to gather information about your new canine friend’s characteristics in advance. This knowledge helps you understand what to expect and how to handle it.

How to Adopt a Dog from the Shelter

To adopt a shelter dog, contact a shelter of your choice. Schedule a visit or present yourself during visiting hours. Subsequently, you can calmly observe the dogs to see if there’s a suitable match.

Once you’ve identified a potential match:

Adopting a dog is primarily about getting to know each other. Shelter dogs have often had unfortunate experiences with their previous owners. Therefore, shelter staff are dedicated to finding them a lifelong home. They want to know who you are, where and how you live, and what type of dog you envision. Don’t be discouraged by these questions; they serve as guidance and help shelter staff select the ideal canine companion for you.

Considerations When Choosing a Dog

Before adopting a dog from the shelter, allocate sufficient time to observe the dog. It’s crucial that there’s chemistry between you and that the dog develops trust in you. Focus less on breed and color and more on the dog’s character. This ensures that your new companion suits you well. Shelter caregivers know their charges well and are happy to provide advice.

Ask about the dog’s history. Knowing the circumstances and reasons for being taken to the shelter helps you better understand the dog and their behavior. Some shelter dogs may have pre-existing conditions requiring special attention, such as a specific diet or medication. Consult with the attending veterinarian and decide if you can manage the additional care.

The Importance of the Introduction Period in the Shelter

Depending on their characteristics, shelter dogs may immediately approach you with enthusiasm or remain cautious and observant. Some dogs may be excited or fearful, barking loudly. Be patient and give shelter dogs time to acclimate to you.

Once the initial ice is broken, many shelters allow you to take the chosen dog for a walk. This provides an opportunity for you to get to know each other in a calm environment. It quickly reveals whether you and the dog make a good team and if you can handle the dog’s behavior.

Adoption Fee: What Does it Cost to Adopt a Dog from the Shelter?

Before bringing a shelter dog home, you must pay an adoption fee. This fee typically ranges from $150 to $500, depending on the specific dog. The adoption fee serves multiple purposes:

Shelters do not profit from dog adoptions; they only recover the expenses invested in the animals. The adoption fee usually includes items such as:

For dogs from foreign animal welfare organizations, additional costs may include flight or transportation expenses to the US.

Preparing for Your Shelter Dog’s Arrival

The big day is approaching, and your shelter dog will soon be joining your family. To ensure everything is ready, you should gather the essentials for your new furry family member.

Initial Supplies for Your Shelter Dog:

Ask the shelter about the type of dog food your new companion has been receiving and ensure you have an ample supply. If you plan to switch to a different food, wait a few weeks before making the transition, proceeding gradually. The new environment can make the dog’s digestive system sensitive to unfamiliar food, often leading to nausea and diarrhea.

The Shelter Dog in Your Home

In your home, everything is new and unfamiliar to the shelter dog. This may result in increased nervousness and restlessness. Some dogs are highly alert, immediately jumping up or barking at any movement or noise. Others may feel intimidated by the new surroundings and withdraw. Sometimes, tension may manifest through intense chewing on objects or excessive sleeping.

These behaviors are normal in the beginning and usually subside as the dog feels secure and settles into your home.

Ensuring a Stress-Free Introduction for Your Canine Companion

You can help your new dog feel at home in the following ways:

Allow the dog some peace initially, avoiding visits and other distractions.
Importantly, avoid overwhelming the dog by touching or interacting with all family members at once, as this might make the dog feel cornered and fearful.
Stay in the same room as the new family member and let the dog decide when they want to initiate contact. It is helpful to pay the dog as little attention as possible during this period. Engage in your usual activities, read the newspaper, or carry on with your daily routine. This helps the new furry resident settle down more quickly.

Out and About with Your Shelter Dog:

During the adjustment period, shelter dogs can easily become startled and may run away. For this reason, keep them on a leash during walks for the first few weeks. The dog needs time to build a bond with you and to trust you before being allowed to roam freely.

An excellent alternative is a long training leash of five, ten, or fifteen meters. This gives your dog ample freedom of movement while keeping them securely tethered. Use it preferably with a safety harness to prevent the dog from escaping.

How Long Does the Adjustment Take for a Shelter Dog?

The duration of the adjustment period varies from dog to dog. Some may feel comfortable after a few days, while others may be more cautious and take longer to warm up. In general, it takes between six to twelve weeks for the shelter dog to truly settle in.

Tips for Socializing Shelter Dogs:

Once the dog has moved from the shelter to your home, they need to figure out their place in this new community. During this period, they observe you and other residents closely, wanting to understand your expectations.

This adjustment phase is ideal for familiarizing the canine companion with your daily routine, preferences, and boundaries. Use this time to discourage undesirable behavior. It is often easier to address such issues during this initial period than at a later stage when the dog feels more secure.

Follow these rules:

Show understanding and patience. With empathy and consistency, you will soon see positive results. Additionally, a reputable dog school with experienced trainers can provide valuable guidance on various behavioral issues related to shelter dogs.

Possible Training Challenges with Shelter Dogs

Depending on their past, shelter dogs may not have received proper or complete training. In both cases, there is a need for catch-up training to ensure harmonious coexistence.

Here are some behaviors of shelter dogs that may require training:

The Shelter Dog is Not Housebroken:

Housebreaking a shelter dog is similar to training a puppy:

The Shelter Dog Doesn’t Like Being Alone:

Many shelter dogs suffer from separation anxiety, having lost their bond partners before. In such cases, leaving the dog alone can be challenging, as they may whine and bark in your absence. Counter this by initially leaving the room for short periods, for example, to step outside. Return after a few moments and briefly praise the dog if they behaved calmly. React naturally, without making a big deal out of it. The more normal it is for you, the less stressful it will be for the dog.

If leaving for short periods goes well, gradually extend the times by, for instance:

The idea is for your four-legged friend to learn that coming and going is entirely normal. After a few repetitions, the dog understands that you always come back, building trust.

The Shelter Dog Barks When the Doorbell Rings and Visitors Arrive:

In the shelter, dogs were constantly exposed to unfamiliar people. There was a lot of barking and excitement. This has influenced your new friend, and they may believe that the same will happen in your home. With patience and consistency, you can address this unwanted behavior.

Here’s how you can proceed:

This training works best with a helper who rings the bell. Position yourself near your dog’s designated resting area and be ready to intervene if they try to jump up and bark.
For further advice on anti-barking training and other behavioral corrections, consult a dog trainer or attend a dog school.