THE KEYS TO SUCCESSFULLY integrating a new dog into your household are ones of Time & Patience. Many newdog owners rush their new pet into free play and too much confusion. This inevitably can end in disaster. Remember, even the best tempered dog is the intellectual equivalent of a two year old human child (people puppy). You are the adult and must set the stage for a successful transition to a new home.
The average period of adjustment for your new family member will range from two to four weeks. I have had dogs in my home that initially did not get along but with time they are now best buddies.
If a situation arises and you do not know what to do, call and ask! No question is silly!. The only silly question is an unasked one. Call Al at (516) 884-4278 or Deb at (516) 546-7836. Your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Follow these Guidelines. They represent years of experience re-homing pets.

We have done our best to socialize your new pet. The animal that you are adopting has been well socialized with other animals (dogs & cats) and young children.

1. Help your new dog to feel secure in its new environment. The dog will need a place of its own in which to stay. This can be a crate, pen or a room. Dogs need to be alone sometimes, just like you. Expand the dog's space slowly so he feels comfortable with all of it.

2. Spend time with your new pet. *Designate one person in your family to be the first one to work with and supervise the dog.

3. When you first arrive home you should work one on one with your new dog. You take charge! Let other members of the family start to take care of the dog later in the week. The dog needs to know you first - the new master.
4. Do not give any harsh corrections. You must bond with your new pet. You can toughen up later on when it has learned to trust you. Praise! Praise! Praise!

5. Do not expect the new dog to understand your commands. It may have been taught another set of commands either verbal or hand signals. Give it the chance to learn yours. Praise! Praise! Praise!

6. Pay attention and be consistent! Don't give mixed messages. If you correct behavior sometimes and ignore the same behavior other times, your dog will become confused and will never behave reliably. Keep the rules simple and enforce them, but don't forget to praise.

7. Resist the temptation to introduce your new pet to the world. Do not make parties the first week or bring him/her visiting. This is too stressful. Keep the environment quiet.

8. Do not leave dogs and children alone unattended. Always supervise your children around a new dog. Both children and adults may encourage wild behavior in your dog. They think that they are befriending the pet. Don't let wild play and running go on in the house. Discourage even outdoor antics until you have complete control of your new dog.

9. "Let sleeping dogs lie". The old adage is true. sleeping dog and make sure your children follow suit.

10. Dogs shouldn't roam when no one is home. A newly adopted dog that is free to wander through the house in the owner's absence is almost certain to get into trouble or practice bad habits. In most cases, the damage is not done out of spite, but because the animal is frightened, stimulated to escape, bored or just exploring. It is strongly recommended that you restrict crate (pen/cage) your dog when no one is home.

11. Never tie or tether to a choke collar. It can kill your dog. In fact, a choke collar should only be used when walking with a leash and only when you have been taught to use it correctly. Incorrect use of a choke will cause problems rather than cure them. Keep a regular leather or nylon collar with a license and identification tag on your dog at all times.

12. Love to a dog is authority. Leadership is the most important thing to a dog. Remember that it is a pack animal and you need to be Alpha (# 1). You should consult with a professional trainer or enroll in an obedience class in order to get expert help in developing your leadership and control.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR MULTIDOG HOUSEHOLDS
1. To introduce your new dog to his pack: please do this on neutral territory. Do not bring the new dog into your home and on the turf of your already established pet(s). Dogs will often growl at any new animal that steps onto their territory. A good way to do this is to arrange to have your dog (if you have more than one dog then pick the most dominant dog) go with you to meet and pick up the new dog and then ride home with you in the car. Let them take a long walk together and then bring the new dog into the home.

2. To further socialize them, keep the new dog on the leash. If your dog is not under your complete command keep him on the leash also. It is a good idea to have someone with you. Remember - they may not be best buddies right away. This takes time. If they ignore each other it is O.K. They win learn to play later.
Allow them to sniff each other.

Do not rush free play. You will know after they sniff if they need more time to adjust.
Do not leave them alone unattended.
Do not feed them together. Try to find separate areas in which to feed.

4. Do not give treats, toys and especially rawhides. Competition and may end up in growling and a fight.

AND REMEMBER! - CALL WITH ANY OUESTIONS!!