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.
Hello and thank you for sharing your fostering information. My husband and I have owned 6 dogs over our 40 years together. After loosing both our dogs to cancer last fall, we decided to adopt a rescue and start fresh. We have a gorgeous Mexican pup who is 7 months old. She came to Canada July 11 along with her mom and sister who were both adopted. Our girl is wonderful is many ways and we have had her for one week, (just my husband and I live in our home) but introducing her to new people is stressful for her. We have kept it to a minimum but as we enter week 2, I would appreciate any advise you have with regard to introducing her to our other family members. Presently, she will have her hackle up and she growls low and steady when introduced. We try not to react but stand close to her to let her know we have her back. She is not viscious, just shy and scared. She will recoil into us, defer to us so she is starting to trust us. Do I reprimand her when she growls at my adult son who is ignoring her? Do I remover her from the situation? Her crate is open but she prefers to stand back and observe, with concern. Should I put her out in the back yard when she behaves this way? How do we move forward to ensure that she is calm around our friends? Thanks in advance.
Hello. About over a week ago we got a 8 month old PitChow. She came from the countryside of Florida. We live in Massachusetts. We took her in because we were told that she is sweet, playful, and energetic, loves kids and people. But she hasn’t fully shown that side of her. She’s actually a fearful dog. And any noise scares her. We live in a somewhat busy city. People scare her, trash barrels, kids, music, anything scares her. She is not too fond of my wife. She growls and barks at her which scares me. But she’s super attached to me. Will follow me anywhere. Plays with me on the yard. Her growling is actually getting worst and my wife tries her best to not look at her or she softly walks by her or she has a treat ready to distract her. She will go to my wife at her own time to sniff her and maybe lick her but that’s not too often. Im a bit discouraged because my wife is so great with dogs. Not sure why our dog doesn’t trust her.
Good advice , thank you
Hi
We have a rescue dog it will be a week tomorrow. He is extremely nervous of everything does not know words, toys, walks and has been growling at my son although he is coming round to him slowly. All he wants to do is sleep. I really don’t know what to do. I’ve spoken to the rescue place but they don’t see to work. Have you any suggestions. Also he won’t stay with my son he’s 25 by the way when I go out and I’ve got to go back to work soon. I’m desperate. I don’t want to send him back. Help!
Thank you
Please be patient with him. Did you read https://www.rescuedogs101.com/bringing-new-dog-home-3-3-3-rule/? He needs time to decompress, adjust to his new home and learn to trust you and your son. If you are on FB, join our community group. It’s a great source of encouragement and advice from others that have gone through similar issues.
Hi!
Just adopted a wonder Shepherd two days ago. When I met him at the rescue we spent a few hours playing and I even took him for a walk. He was originally from Philadelphia, where he was trained pretty well. Knows a ton of commands and is potty and crate trained. The first day I allowed him to decompress. My boyfriend came over that night and I decided to have it be on neutral grounds. As soon as he saw him he lunged and snapped. I assumed it was due to my boyfriend’s height and the reaction to just walk up and say hi.
Once he bent down and the dog knew he was safe he was fine and has been with him.
I took him for his first small walk yesterday. That did not go well! He lunged at two very tall men, on different occasions, both wearing masks due to COVID-19. I thought it was due to men and him being protective, but this morning on our walk he did the same thing to a woman. Which, has me incredibly worried. I have him on a regular leash, but ordered a harness for him. I’m reading as much as I can for this behavior. I have family and friends with children and I’m worried for their safety.
As for me, he follows me around everywhere. Does not leave my side. I’ve established boundaries with the bathroom and even leaving him alone while I garden. Any helpful tips? I know he’s scared and fearful and this is him acting out, I just don’t want this to become a bigger problem than it already is.
I’d like you to first read https://www.rescuedogs101.com/bringing-new-dog-home-3-3-3-rule/. He needs time to decompress more than just two days and learn to trust you before he can trust others. Do not introduce him to kids or others just yet. The lunging and snapping is very concerning and should not be ignored. I know the prong collar is controversal, but it could be a life saver for you and your dog right now. Please read
https://www.rescuedogs101.com/the-prong-collar-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/
Hi,
We just adopted a 5 year old terrier mix. She unfortunately lost her male owner when he passed away and the body wasn’t discovered for 4 days. (I’m trying not to think too hard about all that could have occurred during those 4 days ????). She’s super sweet, and did amazing on the meet and greet as well as the entire hour ride home. My husband held her and she cuddled him and licked his had. Once home, we introduced her to our fenced back yard which she enjoyed running full speed in. Then I bathed her. Here’s where it gets weird (to me). After the bath, I set her in her new bed along with a toy the shelter said she was VERY attached to. Plus 3 more I bought on the way home. My husband walked out of the bedroom and past her and me sitting on the couch with her in the little bed. All of a sudden she started growling, snarling, and lunging at my husband for no apparent reason. We think possibly she’s had puppies in the past and decided maybe she was being protective of those toys thinking they were puppies? I settled her, took her outside to run around some more, and she was great the rest of this first day…until 7 hours later. Keep in mind, she prefers to be with my husband if possible so again I’m surprised. He again walked out of the bedroom towards where she was laying next to me in her bed. We’ve removed those toys from sight, but she still reacted to his walking by. Not as bad as the first time, but it has us concerned. What am I missing? She isn’t our first rescue, but she is currently the only pet in the home. How do I make her feel safe and loved?
First thing to do is read the 3-3-3 rule on our site. She needs time to decompress and learn to trust you both. I know it feels like she may have settled in already, but trust me, she’s still trying to figure things out. It’s very natural for dogs to “protect” toys, food, bones, etc. it has nothing to do with if she had puppies or not. I’d just give her the time and space she needs. Read https://www.rescuedogs101.com/bringing-new-dog-home-3-3-3-rule/ and also https://www.rescuedogs101.com/resource-guarding-food-aggression-dog/
I have had my1st rescue dog for 5 days and I feel I’ve made quite a few mistakes so have decided to go back to basics again. So today has been day 1 but his fine around me and my husband but I have a very shy and quiet 10yr old daughter who is fearful of dogs and I think he is picking up on this and he keeps barking at her every time she enters the room and has growled a couple of times from a distance he has been told off for it but I cannot get my daughter back into the house properly because she is frightened of him now I know it’s very early days do we just ignore this behaviour or do we keep him separated so she can move around the house he has had a very abusive past he is a street dog from Romania
Keep them separated for now. Ignoring the barking will only make it worse and is reinforcing the behavior. The goal right now is to make both the dog and your daughter feel safe and the only way to do so is separation. Use baby gates and keep the dog in an area your daughter doesn’t frequent. All the dog to decompress in a safe place without having to worry about interactions that are going to stress him out.
My family is going to meet a 5yr old Cane Corso at a local shelter this weekend. If she is a good fit the shelter is prepared to have us adopt her on the spot. Problem is we leave for a 1 week trip two weeks after we would be adopting her. Due to the short notice we have nobody to house sit with her so she would likely have to go to a local kennel for a week. How stressful would this be for her and should we try to postpone adoption until we get back to make it easier on her? Thank you!
The best option would be to hold off on adoption until you return from vacation if it possible. But if she is at a shelter, I’m guessing they won’t hold her. Would it be possible to bring her with you? I’m not going to lie, a kennel would be stressful, she will be in the beginning of transitioning to your home. But she will bounce back, just may take a little longer.
Hi – thank you for any advise. I adopted a 2 years old Shepard mix from a relative that didn’t have time as she was caring for a sick husband for the last year. Cody was raised since 6 months old with her other dog. He actually loves all dogs is not aggressive – doesn’t bark- no accidents except peed cause was scared at first. He is and crate trained . I walk him twice a day approx. a total of 4 miles. My 3 problems are he won’t play ball or with his toys (have bought all kinds), he won’t go into my backyard and per or poop( that’s why so many walks) and he is skittish every time I move about. He will retreat into his crate or spend hours in it. How do I get him to use the backyard if need be and get him to actually play or chew his toys. I have had him about 4 weeks . I know a little of his background that his puppy time was stressful 2 moves and babysat by relatives. Was I assume told to go into crate often. PS if he is eating and I walk by he runs even with food in his mouth and won’t enter my kitchen( maybe taught this?)
Thank you for any advice
All great questions. Some dogs are more particular on where they potty. Keep trying and anytime he does potty in the backyard, give him lots of praise, even treats. Try walking around your backyard?
Toys – not all dogs like to play with toys. I wouldn’t worry about this too much. He may open up and want to play more as he becomes more comfortable in his new home.
Overall It sounds like he needs more time to adjust to his new surroundings and learn to trust you. It doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient.
Just rescued a 18 month old Dorkie. She has been through 4 or 5 homes and has already been bred. We will get ahold of the vet on Monday for her exam, vaccinations and setting her up for spay.
We are keeping her on leash at all times and sayin her name a 100 times a day, she did not come with a name.
Thank you for the information.