Acclimation
Provide your new dog a variety of
​sights, sounds, and smells.

1. ​Sit with your dog outside and watch the neighbors do activities.
2. Wear different hats, sunglasses, and odd clothing (one at a time) around the house and out in the yard at different times; have another person in the house do the same things.
3. Expose your dog to different things that you may have in your garage or shed, such as shovels, rakes, skateboards, bikes, different textures of things, and things that make sound, etc. Let it safely explore these things, and use treats and rewards to make sure your it enjoys their time around these objects.
4. Let your adopted dog walk over, under, and around different things. Encourage them to walk across a cookie sheet or a pillow to experience different textures. They can also walk under a coffee table, or over a pool noodle to adapt to various "obstacles."
5. ​Let your adopted dog explore different areas of the house where they may not ordinarily be allowed. Keep it on a leash at first.
6. Vet office visits. Even if you don't have an appointment, ask your vet if you can stop in from time to time just to say hi. Maybe the vet is super busy; that's ok! Vet staff usually understand and make a point of saying hi.
7. Take your newly adopted dog for car rides. If you have a puppy that gets car sick, make the trips short and enjoyable. Five minute car ride to the park, for instance. Stress free.
8. Go to an open grocery store and sit in the parking lot, giving treats as your puppy watches people walk around outside.
9. Expose your puppy to different sounds. Walk your dog by parks noisy with people, down a busy street, a walk along the beach where people are making noises, outside a school with people coming and going [remember it is your responsibility to not allow people to touch your dog until you feel comfortable in allowing them to do so]. Home Depot is a great place to take a dog.

​Just a few suggestions to get you and your new family member off to a good start!