Transitioning New Dogs Into the Home

Marissa Martino, CTC, CPDTA-KA, behavior manager for Dumb Friends League in Denver, Colorado, and Andrew Mathias, CBCC-KA, canine care specialist for Multnomah County Animal Services in Troutdale, Oregon, give advice on what to tell new pet owners when transitioning a new dog into their home.

New pet owners should be encouraged to let their adopted dog go into their home without their resident dog so the dog can explore the environment alone and get a lay of the land. All resources—beds, phones, food, toys, etc.—should be picked up before the dog comes home to prevent any unwanted altercations.