Resources
Adopter Tips: Dogs & Puppies
When you bring a new pet home, it’s important to give them space, a safe environment and time to adjust to life as part of your family! While it’s exciting to have a new animal in your home and you might be eager to interact with them right away, remember that they’re adjusting to an unfamiliar place and new people.
Adopting a Dog: Getting Ready
Learn about the supplies you need and getting ready for adopting a dog.
Adopting Deaf Pets
Deaf pets make wonderful companions and are not all that different from hearing pets! Let’s learn a bit more about what makes them unique — and why that may make them the right pet for your home.
Adopting: Choosing the Pet for You
Adopting a pet is one of the most rewarding choices you can make. It means joy, companionship and a second chance for an animal who needs you. But with so many wonderful pets looking for homes, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start.
Adopting: Excitable Dogs
Many dogs struggle with jumping, mouthing, grabbing and barking when they get too excited. If your pup has shown any of these behaviors, it’s important to set up your home for success and consistently teach your dog the behaviors you want them to do instead.
Adopting: Helping a Dog Adjust to a New Home
We are thrilled you’ve chosen to adopt and are here to ensure you and your pet are set up for success as they transition into your home.
Adopting: Puppies
The early months of your puppy’s development will set the stage for their behavior for the rest of their life.
Adopting: Shy or Fearful Dogs
When bringing a new pet home, it’s important to give them time, space and a safe environment to adjust. This is especially true for a dog who is shy or fearful.
Adopting: The Rule of 3s
We know you’re eager to bond with your new pet, but it usually doesn’t happen overnight! The 3-3-3 Rule outlines the adjustment period your pet will need as they get used to their new home.
Behavior Challenges
Animals often behave in ways we don’t understand — and since we can’t ask them about their behavior directly (like we can with humans), it can feel challenging to address behavior we don’t like.
Behavior Challenges: Barking
Your dog barks to communicate, and there are a variety of reasons why. Social barking, territorial barking, attention-seeking barking, warning barking and request barking are all examples of barking that typically occurs in short bursts and are in response to a specific event or occurrence.
Behavior Challenges: Destructive Chewing
It’s normal for dogs (especially puppies!) to use their mouths to explore the world. However, dogs may chew things they aren’t supposed to if they aren’t getting enough mental or physical exercise or if they are experiencing challenges such as anxiety or teething.