ONCE THEY'RE HOME

The first few days in your home will be a time of adjustment.  It is recommended that the new dog be restricted to supervised areas of the house and taken out to the yard immediately when you get home to give them a chance to "mark" the new area.  If you have other animals that have never met your new pet, (if a dog, especially if the other is a cat; if a cat, especially if the other is a dog) put them away during the first explorations -- this allows them to get used to each other's smells before coming in contact with each other.

The foster home will tell you as much as they can about the pet's behavior, but do expect the pet to be nervous and perhaps go off food for a few days, or have a house training accident as it adjusts to your home.  If an accident occurs, whether you see it happening or find it after the fact, the pet should be taken to the accident (before cleaned up) scolded and placed outside for a short time.

If you have adopted a male dog please be aware of their tendency to try and "mark" their new indoor territory.  This is common and can be quickly corrected with proper supervision and discipline.  Watch him closely and if you should catch him in the act, scold him immediately to let him know that this behavior is unacceptable.  If you realize he has "marked" but did not see him, you must still scold him.  Take your dog to the area that is still marked (do not clean it up) and scold him.

We advise using a crate to make sure your new pet becomes accustomed to your house and your schedule with as little problems as possible.  If you have borrowed a crate from us please use it even if you don't think it is needed.  We have crate trained most of our dogs and know that it is a positive way to allow a pet to adjust to his new environment.

It will take several days for your new pet to feel like it is in it's new home.  Expect its personality to bloom as it becomes more "at home".  Don't expect your dog to bark when someone is at the door right away.  There maybe some grieving for the dog's foster parents, but that will pass, as he becomes bonded with you and your family.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS WITH YOUR NEW DOG PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT THE FOSTER PARENTS AS THEY ARE FAMILIAR WITH HIM/HER.

If you are unable to reach the foster parent(s) you can find PALS contact information by clicking the "Contact Us" link above