Adopting a Shelter Dog
While every dog is different, it’s completely normal to see behaviors like nervousness, shutdown, or even unexpected energy when bringing home a new dog. At Cincinnati Animal CARE, many of our dogs have experienced stress, long shelter stays, or complex histories, so patience, structure, and thoughtful introductions are key. Our Behavior & Training team is here to support you with resources, guidance, and realistic expectations—because successful adoptions don’t happen overnight, they happen with time, consistency, and compassion.
Decompression is #1!
Bringing home a new dog, especially one from an animal shelter, is an adjustment for everyone involved. Many dogs need time to decompress, learn a new routine, and begin to feel safe in their new environment. You may have heard of the “3-3-3 Rule,” which is a helpful guideline: the first 3 days are about decompressing, the first 3 weeks are about learning your routine, and the first 3 months are when a dog truly begins to feel at home.
Dog Behavior & Training Resources
Bringing home a new pet is a big step, and learning about their needs helps set everyone up for a happy life together. Strong relationships are built on communication, and these resources will help you better understand what your pet is telling you so you can be the best pet parent possible.
Slow introductions are a proven method for acclimating new animals to your home, allowing them and your resident pets to adjust at their own pace.
This post will cover common behaviors you can expect to observe when bringing a new dog home and some tips for how to work through them with your new family member.
Every dog is unique, with its own personality and preferences. Making the selection of dog gear a critical step in ensuring your pet’s longterm well-being.
This blog offers expert guidance on how to safely and successfully introduce dogs and children, along with practical tips for long-term management and peaceful coexistence in your home.
Cats are sensitive creatures who thrive on predictability, and introducing a new species into their space requires patience, planning, and a good understanding of both feline and canine behavior.
While crate training isn’t a quick fix, it can be an incredibly useful tool. It helps prevent unwanted behavior, gives them a place to chill when overwhelmed, and makes travel safer.
Mental enrichment is just as important for your dog as physical exercise. Without mental stimulation, dogs can become bored and sometimes destructive around the house, trying to entertain themselves.
All dogs can benefit from muzzle conditioning. It’s important to make the muzzle a positive experience for the dog. Having the muzzle on should never feel like a punishment.
A dog who has good manners and will respond to basic cues such as "sit," "stay," and "come" is much easier to live with and will be much more comfortable in our hectic world. You can help your dog develop good social skills and master simple cues with just a fundamental understanding of dog behavior and a little practice.
The following are some basic resources:
Teaching Your Dog Basic Cues
Getting the Behavior You Want from Your Dog
These resources in the Best Friends online pet care library can help you with specific behavior and training issues:
Barrier Aggression
Chewing in Dogs
Collar Sensitivity
Crate Training: The Benefits for You and Your Dog
Dealing with Excessive Barking
Digging in Dogs
Housetraining Your Dog
Dog Jumping Up
Scared Dog: How to Approach a Fearful Dog
Dog Mouthing
Dog Food Aggression: Prevention
Dog Bites Child: How to Prevent This Scenario
Preventing Your Dog from Escaping
Dog Pulling on Leash
Submissive Urination and Excited Peeing in Dogs
Dog Marking: How to Stop It
