The first week with your rescue dog sets the tone for your life together. Focus on routine, patience, and decompression. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Day 0: Prepare your home (puppy-proof, set up a safe zone, stock up on supplies).
Day 1: Go outside first, then slowly introduce your home. Keep things quiet.
Day 2: Allow slow exploration, introduce other pets carefully, watch eating/pooping.
Days 3–7: Build routine, expand activities, work on potty training, and focus on bonding.
Want a printable checklist to make this week easier? Download my free Adoption Survival Kit.
The first few days and even weeks can also be overwhelming for you and your rescue pup. So, let’s ensure the first week goes as smoothly as possible.
This day-by-day guide will help you make the most of your first week together.
Day 0: BEFORE you bring home your new rescue dog
A successful transition from shelter to home starts even before you bring your dog home. Do these four steps to prepare your home for a dog:
1. Dog/puppy-proof your house.
Make sure no electrical wires are hanging on the floor, pick up small items a dog may find enticing to chew, and gate off areas of the home you don’t want the dog to have access to.
📖 Get tips on how to best puppy-proof your home.
2. Walk through your yard.
Check that your fence is in good condition with no areas where the dog may squeeze or dig under the fence. Check the gates to make sure they are closed and latched.
3. Create a safety zone for your dog.
Give your new rescue dog a safe area to decompress, this will help them feel more comfortable.
An open crate in a quiet room is a great tool to create a comforting den-like area.
If you choose not to use a crate, then set up an area with a dog bed, blankets, water, and chew toys.
📖 READ: How and Why Crate Train Your Dog in 3 Easy Steps
4. Stock up on supplies.
It’s best to go to the store or order your dog supplies before you bring home your pup. Do not take your new dog to the pet supply store on the way home. This would be much too overwhelming to start your relationship together.
You will need food, food/water bowls, a collar, a leash, and an ID tag. Of course, a few toys and a chew bone would be nice too.
Here is my Amazon shopping list for my recommended dog products.
Day 1: Bringing your dog home
We have adopted eight dogs and fostered many more over the years, so to say I’ve gone through this phase many times is an understatement.
The following advice works and will make your life easier and your dog’s transition into your home much smoother. Take your time, do not rush any of these steps.
1. Outside before inside
When you arrive home after picking up your new pup, introduce them to the outside of your house first. Let them take in all the new smells and surroundings.
Show them where they will go potty in your yard. And then take them for a long walk, at the very least around the block.
2. Introducing your new dog to the inside of your home
After the walk, enter and introduce your dog to your house slowly.
They will be stressed for the first few days, so the smaller the new area is, the more comfortable they will be. Restrict access to one area of the home.
Keep them on a leash for at least the first day, preferably the first three days. You don’t always have to hold on to the leash; they can drag the leash around with them, but this gives you quick access to them if needed.
I do this with each of our foster dogs. It helps the dog not get overwhelmed, stay out of trouble, and limits potty accidents.
3. Keep the first day and week quiet and low-key
The first day your adopted dog comes home should be uneventful. Keep things quiet and calm. As tempting as it may be, don’t invite your friends to meet your new pup.
Don’t take them to the dog park. Avoid overwhelming situations altogether.
Wait until they have a chance to get to know you and their new home first. Give them plenty of quiet time to settle in.
4. Get to know your new dog
Sit back and observe your new best friend. Let them approach you. Don’t overwhelm them with too much affection right away. Remember, the first few days are all about decompression.
If you have kids, don’t allow them to hang on the dog, hug them, put their faces to the dog’s face, etc. In other words, help your kids understand the dog needs time and space for a little while.
Learn to read your dog’s body language. It will help you bond and understand your dog so much better!
5. Bringing a new dog home to another dog
If you have other pets in the home, keep them separated for the first 24-48 hours.
Remember, your new dog is stressed. Meeting another dog just adds to that stress and can result in a dogfight.
Even if they are the friendliest dogs in the world, or if the dogs have met before. Bringing another dog into your home is different than a casual meeting, and dogs react differently when it is in their territory.
Whenever we bring in a new foster dog, they are separated from our dogs for a full 24 hours. The 24-hour rule is required by the rescue I work with. I will admit, it was very hard the first few times we brought in a foster dog.
It’s so tempting to want to bring the dog in and let everyone play.
To get my full protocol on adding a second dog…
📖 READ: The Best Way to Introduce a Second Dog Into Your Pack.
The first meal
Don’t worry if your dog doesn’t want to eat the first few days, this is completely normal. Most dogs won’t eat when they are stressed.
If you can feed them the same food they were eating in the shelter to alleviate any upset stomachs and diarrhea. And make sure they drink plenty of water.
Wean them to a new food next week. For this first week, keep things simple.
📖 READ: How long can a dog go without eating?
The first night
Your new dog is most likely going to be exhausted the first few nights. But some dogs may cry, howl, or bark when it’s time for bed.
We put a crate in our bedroom for our new foster dogs to sleep. This helps the dogs feel more comfortable knowing they aren’t alone.
Some people feel that a crate is cruel. It is not… a crate will keep them safe when you are sleeping. Imagine if they were allowed to roam around the house without supervision, a house they aren’t familiar with… oh, the trouble they could find!
PRO TIP: Want a detailed day-by-day adoption checklist? Download my free Adoption Survival Kit.
Day 2: Expanding their world
Your dog may want to explore their surroundings more. You can open another area of the home for them to get to know.
Every dog is different; so, don’t be concerned if your newly adopted dog prefers to hide under the table or in their crate. This is perfectly normal and part of the decompression process.
But if your dog is ready to explore, take it slowly. Do not give them full access to your home just yet.
Keeping their “freedom” to a minimum will help keep unwanted behaviors at bay. I know… You look into those puppy eyes and wonder what they could do that would be so terrible!
When a dog is stressed and in a new environment, stuff happens… potty accidents, chewing, marking, and who knows what else!
Other pets
If you have other pets, you may introduce them now. If it is another dog, make the meeting outside in a neutral area. Take them both for a long walk together before entering the home again.
If you have a cat, then I suggest keeping the introduction on the cat’s terms. Using a baby gate to give the cat a space to escape if desired.
Remember, your new dog may have never seen or experienced things you take for granted. Stairs, TV, kids, bicycles, can all be strange to a new dog.
It’s always interesting to me that with every foster dog we bring in, each one has some sort of quirk. Many of our fosters have never been on a walk, so when we walked by a big boulder or someone riding a bike, the dog would jump back out of fear.
It’s important to keep all this in mind when introducing and exposing your dog to new experiences.
Always be patient, positive, and reassuring. Don’t avoid the things that make him fearful, but slowly show him there is nothing to be afraid of.
Eating and pooping
Most dogs will eat on the second day, but again, there is no reason to panic if they don’t want to eat yet. As long as they are drinking water, they will be okay.
Some dogs also don’t like to potty in strange places, so don’t be surprised if they haven’t pooped yet… especially if they haven’t eaten.
This is a little gross but look at their poop for the next few weeks. Even if the shelter or foster home gave them a clean bill of health, sometimes worms and parasites can creep up during times of stress. Any signs of abnormal poop warrant a visit to your vet.
Days 3-7: Building Trust and Routine
The next few days are about comfort and connection.
- Sit on the floor, let them approach.
- Observe where they settle — move their safe zone if needed.
- Start establishing routine: feeding, walks, potty, play, sleep. Routine = security.
- Add small outings like short neighborhood walks.
- Expect potty accidents — go back to basics.
- Be a confident leader: calm, consistent, reassuring. Dogs take cues from your energy.
What happens after the first week?
Congrats, you made it through the first week with your new rescue dog! Was it easier or harder than you expected?
Remember, every dog is unique. Don’t compare your dog to someone else’s. Your pup may need more time, and that’s okay.
📖 Next, read about the 3-3-3 rule for dogs to understand the bigger picture of adjustment.
And don’t forget, Rescue Dogs 101 has resources to help you every step of the way.
FAQs: First Week With a Rescue Dog
What should I do if my rescue dog cries the first night?
Place their crate in your bedroom so they don’t feel alone. Offer a soft bed, a blanket, and patience. Most dogs settle in after the first few nights.
How much exercise should my rescue dog get in the first week?
Keep it light… short, calm walks are perfect. Avoid dog parks or high-energy outings. Let them decompress before adding more.
Is it normal for my new dog not to eat right away?
Yes! Stress can suppress appetite for a few days. Stick with familiar food and always provide water. Appetite usually returns within a week.
Final Thoughts
The first week is about decompression, building trust, and establishing a routine. Keep things simple, quiet, and consistent. Celebrate the little wins, and be patient with setbacks.
👉 Download your free Adoption Survival Kit to get checklists and guides for this week and beyond.
📖 And don’t forget to learn about the 3-3-3 Rule for Dogs, the bigger picture of how long it really takes for your dog to adjust.
You’ve got this. It may feel overwhelming now, but a few months from today, you’ll look back at this first week with a smile, amazed at how far you and your dog have come.
We just brought home a 3 year old rescue pit bull. I have a 9 year old Yorkie. The pit is already a little aggressive if the Yorkie comes near her cage or her toys. She is fine we when walk them together or if the interact when she is leashed in the house. Any suggestions on how we can help her with the aggression towards “her” spaces when she is not leashed?
Please read The Best Way to Introduce a Second Dog Into Your Pack. That should give you a lot of ideas on introducing the two the right way. Take things slow.
He is a five year old beagle mix. He seems to be adjusting fast and appears to be trained, he is very smart but he wants nothing to do with food, I think he would eat tablefood given the chance but I do not want him eating unhealthy foods and begging. I just got him last evening so it has just now been 24 hours. He already is adjusting to me being out of sight for short times
Be patient. It’s very common for dogs to not want to eat during transition. Please read Bringing Home a Rescue Dog and the 3-3-3 Rule
We just brought Dahlia home last night. Lab/pit/terrier mix, 2 years old. After reading some of the stories here, I think we are quite lucky!
I didnt find your site until after we had brought her home, and we did end up with a couple accidents after giving her the run of the house straight away, but thats been the worst of it. She took to us quickly at the shelter, was more than ready to hop in the car to leave and already seems very comfortable with my husband, daughter (7) and I and being in her new home! She seems to be joined at my hip most of the time, it appears that Im her person ????
Im sure there could be setbacks, but for now we’re enjoying her calm and sweet disposition ????
Thanks so much for having a great site for newbies like me to get help, advice, and peace of mind!
Congrats on the new adoption. I’m glad you found the site, if you haven’t already, sign up for the free resource library.
I have a 16yo staffie-pit. She is 86 lbs. The calmest and sweet dog. Likes dogs. I am between yes and no to adopt. My dog is also a rescue
I am going to adopt a pit again. Is my dog too old at this point and should l wait?
Only you can answer this question. You know your dog best and how she will react. If you do decide to adopt a second dog, please read The Best Way to Introduce a Second Dog Into Your Pack
My husband&i have just adopted a two year old Lurcher he’s been a ex working dog so as not had a good start in life so hence him being in a shelter my husband&i saw him a few times before adopting him and didn’t see any signs of distress whilst in pen so that’s one reasons we chose him he’s such a calm loving dog doesn’t chew,soil etc but we’ve found out when we leave him he’s barking,howling, pacing really anxious so he’s obviously got separation issues which is understandable the life he’s had but as we both work he’s going to be left on his own or when we go out at times we’re looking for advice on how we can reassure him we will be back, we’ve took advice from lots people including vets,rspca but nothing works, radio on duvets over crate, toys, treats nothing seems to work we was wondering if anyone can give us some advice as this is desperately needed Thankyou.
Hi Julie, Please read Rescue Dog Separation Anxiety Solutions. I have loads of suggestions in that post.
My mom just brought a new rescue dog into her home, and she already has one other dog. We have contacted a dog trainer to come help us, but with the trainer’s schedule, we have 2 more days before she can see us.
Question is, what do we with the dogs until then? Currently, the new dog is penned in the mud room next to the kitchen with a baby gate. Should we keep her in there until the trainer comes to see us? Can we allow her some short time outside of the room now and then, or is that a bad thing?
Also her resident dog seems kind of unsure or even resentful about the new dog, he’s become somewhat aloof all of the sudden and isn’t really bouncing around the house like he used to? Is he just adjusting to the new situation and it will pass? or do we have reason to be concerned? (There has been no aggression between the two dogs)
Please read The Best Way to Introduce a Second Dog Into Your Pack. This should answer all your questions. I would recommend keeping them separate for now, slow introductions will be key for a smooth transition. Glad to hear you have enlisted the help of a trainer.
My mother in law is fostering a 1 year old German Short Haired Pointer. My fiance and I have a Weimaraner and 2 kitties. We have always wanted another dog for Archie (weim) to play with and we have always wanted a GSP. We brought him home 3 days ago to have him stay with us for a few days to see if its a good fit with us and the other animals. He and Archie get alond great and play well together. He is a super sweet dog and they cuddle together at night and in the morning.
The one issue is that he is whining basically 24/7 unless he is playing, on a walk or sleeping. He paces and whines and goes to the door so we let him outside and go with him. Then he paces and whines outside nonstop. Is this anxiety from moving to a new home? What can I do to stop his whining and make him more comfortable? OR is this just his personality?
Thank you!
I have some questions. My sister adopted a dog about 7 months ago. I wasn’t with her. She called ” it going on an errand”. She calls me and tells me about him. I said bring him home. He bonded with her right away.
I live with her she bought a house last year. I have tried talking to and playing with Tuffy (his name). But he hasn’t bonded to me. For first 6 months she had him, he would run away from me when I try to be near him.
He is in dog training classes and doing well. Trainer suggested I feed him until he would get use to me. So he is ok. I did that and it worked. He doesn’t run away anymore. Sometimes he will let me pet him. Sometimes he runs away. I am being gentle.
When she first got him I had a cat. I haven’t had one in months it ran away. I was wondering if maybe he isn’t bonding with me, because I wasn’t there when she got him? She thinks it could be because I had a cat when she got him, my focus was more on my cat then. But I did interact with Tuffy daily.
He was an owner surrender. Owner had health issues. I know my sister said on his paperwork that he was left alone for up to 10 hours a day. I am on disability so I am home, while my sister works.
Tuffy comes alive when she comes home. He just lays on the couch and mostly ignores me when I am home, which I find frustrating.
We didn’t have cats or dogs growing up. This was my first time with living with a dog. She has lived with people who have had dogs in the past.
She is interested in adopting another dog. I told her I wanted to be there when she does. She is fine with that. I admit it took me 4 months to even like her dog. Do you have any advice on how to adjust? To get to the point where he is fine with me around. I am frustrated. My sister is interested in adopting another dog. Maybe a puppy. Then they can bond to me and my sister. They won’t have trauma from living in another house or two.
It’s not uncommon for a dog to bond more with one person. But with that said, there are things you can do to strengthen your relationship. Feeding him is a good start. But also consider taking him for walks, playing ball or tug of war, training him even for a few minutes a day. What are things that your sister does with him that you do not? Consider doing those things while your sister is at work.
I just picked my rescue dog up. Myself and the shelter believe she was abused by a male because she tends to take to females better. She seems like she is afraid to explore the rest of the house. I want her to do it when she feels ready. She is only 3 years. However she has been lying next to the front door and sleeping next to it and sometimes even whining. We take her out to let her do her business and seems to be happy outside but once we bring her in she goes to the door/window and scratches then sleeps. Could this be a sign of homesickness and maybe we should just give her some time to adjust?
Hi Austin, Congrats on your new adoption! She needs more time to become comfortable in her new home and with you.
Some insecure dogs feel more comfortable with women then men, not because they’ve been abused by a male, but because females have a softer voice and way of being, which can be more comforting to dogs.
Give her the space she wants, and I’m sure she will start to come to you as time passes. Read Bringing Home a Rescue Dog and the 3-3-3 Rule. That will help you understand the process your dog is going through. Good luck and just be patient with her.
Thank you very much ma’am for your help! I will be sure to read the information provided!
We have a rescue dog for the first time. She is adjusting well but does. not bark. We were told. She was three then five and now by our vet ten. We’re very sad about her age but love her dearly, She smellsand I don’t. know what to do about it .she has had two haircuts and after a few day the smell is back again. She has had diarreia constantly but has been to the vet many times in the two months we had her. She is on another medicine now and we hope it works. We love her so and willl never give her up.
Deanna, so sorry you are struggling with her age and health. Many times rescues have to guess about the age and they have no background information to go by. Read this, it may help shed some light on the question of age: https://www.rescuedogs101.com/3-big-clues-to-how-old-is-my-dog/.
As for the smell, it sounds like maybe a yeast infection? I recommend getting her on a good probiotic. This is the one we use and recommend.
Also, find a shampoo such as Jax and Daisy shampoo and lotion