Best transition plan for adult dog adoption?

July 07, 2025, 11:32 AM

Fly-Sig

We're adopting an adult sheepdog this week. What is the smart transition plan from her foster to us? We spent an hour with the foster and the dog yesterday.

The foster has had her for about 3 months, and has 3 permanent dogs of her own.

The dog was with a family for 5 years prior to that, but they could no longer keep her. She was on the way to a kill shelter when a rescue group took her.

Do we go cold turkey from the foster? Do we have several meetups with the dog first? If so, at our home?

The wife and I have each had multiple dogs in our prior marriages, but always puppies. The foster and her trainer advise to expect 3-3-3, with 3 days of settling down, 3 weeks to get used to our routines, and then 3 months to feel fully at home.

Thanks for all advice!

July 07, 2025, 11:42 AM

old rugged cross

Because you want her that is enough. No doubt you will love and cheerish her. She will soon find out this is her forever home. Telling her that will matter. Just hearing the reassurance in your voices will be all that is needed. Thank you for taking her. You no doubt will have a great life together.

July 07, 2025, 12:09 PM

220-9er

Dogs adapt to new homes easily from my experience so don't over think it.

I'd get some of the same toys the dog has been used to and several days of the same food.
If you plan any diet changes mix the new in over several days to a week so you avoid any issues there.

If the dog has been using a crate for sleeping or when the people are away, it would be good to continue that too.

Plenty of walks, be sure the microchip is changed/registered to you and have a metal name tag with your contact info on the collar.

July 07, 2025, 12:15 PM

sigmonkey

Agree with ORC and 220-9er

Do you both work and spend several hours away where the dog will be left alone?

If so, that might be an issue that anxiety for the dog.

Other than that, if there is someone around, the dog will be fine.

Lots of interaction, talking to the dog about everything will keep them engaged and watching and develop relationship faster.

Go back to puppy mode, take the dog out often and walk the yard/property, play a few minutes every hour or so.

Dog's adapt well if they feel "included" and more likely to want to engage, rather than brood and sulk if they feel isolated.

July 07, 2025, 12:22 PM

LS1 GTO

The dog will know if it is an accepted member of its new pack.

July 07, 2025, 01:19 PM

Fly-Sig

quote:
Originally posted by sigmonkey:

Do you both work and spend several hours away where the dog will be left alone?

Full time retired. One or both of us is home all the time except for a few short overlapping activities which we can easily reschedule for the next few months.

July 07, 2025, 01:46 PM

WaterburyBob

I've had two rescue dogs and both have been fantastic.
It can take up to three months for you to gain their complete trust and for them to learn their place in the new pack.
Just be patient and loving with them and all will work out.

July 07, 2025, 02:15 PM

PR64

I say just take her with you.

The 3-3-3 rule is about right.

We adopted a Pug from Costa Rica and he was stressed out at first. After 3 days he relaxed and after that everything went well. Actually it went well from the get go.

Today WilliethePug is a happy boy.

Good luck…

July 07, 2025, 02:24 PM

SpinZone

I would add, have the person fostering her bring her to your house and spend an hour visiting with you guys while the dog gets comfortable in your house. It she has a bed or crate and food/water bowls, set them up as soon as they get there and leave her to get used to things.

“We truly live in a wondrous age of stupid.” - 83v45magna

"I think it's important that people understand free speech doesn't mean free from consequences societally or politically or culturally."
-Pranjit Kalita, founder and CIO of Birkoa Capital Management

July 07, 2025, 02:27 PM

slosig

quote:
Originally posted by Fly-Sig:
quote:
Originally posted by sigmonkey:

Do you both work and spend several hours away where the dog will be left alone?

Full time retired. One or both of us is home all the time except for a few short overlapping activities which we can easily reschedule for the next few months.

You’ll know when, but a little time alone is good for a dog, not bad for them. Once they have settled in and feel comfortable at their new forever home, having an hour or so alone while you run an errand is a good thing. Dogs need to know how to be alone and entertain themselves just like people do (or at least did before cell phones, social media, and the Internet). You can work up to longer periods as needed. The important thing is that they know they’re loved, supported, and they’re home. That will happen faster w/o long absences which might leave them feeling abandoned.

Just taking with is a great strategy too when you can.

July 07, 2025, 05:38 PM

4MUL8R

Remember that you are NOT a dog, and don’t innately understand body language and facial expressions that you convey to the dog. Read a little on those. With adherence to the dog’s visual language cues, you will communicate safety and security to the dog.

Then, be a calm assertive companion. Allow the dog to be himself. Remember he will bark to serve his new pack. He will patrol. He will look for his job. He will self-ideate his job. Work with him. Show him new boundaries carefully. For instance, walk his new pasture perimeter with him. Over and over. He will soon relish a new home, with something to do and a family.

July 07, 2025, 09:38 PM

Fly-Sig

Thanks for all the suggestions and encouragement. Thursday is looking like the big day.

July 07, 2025, 10:30 PM

irreverent

Congrats! I agree with those who posted. Have the foster parent come and visit you and drop the dog off with blankets and toys that you’ve provided (but that the dog has had an opportunity to use in the foster home and get comfy smells on).
Also, I would say a good foster mom would have an old blanket or a rag or shirt that smells like them that they would give up for the dog to take with its new environment.
Then it’s all you - but the foster parent should be checking in regularly over the first few months, then drop off to once a year or so.

I did rescue for a few years. A home visit was required, and when we decided the dog was a suitable match to the family, I would bring the dog, it’s crate, toys and blankets to their new home, visit for a while, provide a list including vet care, their current diet and schedule, as well as quirks/fav toys, and then disengage.
Good luck with your new baby!

July 08, 2025, 12:21 AM

Speedbird

I've adopted 3 retired racing greyhounds over the years. They were between 3 and 5 when I got them. Racing Greyhounds are a little different; they are fully grown, but only raced and lived in a kennel. So, many things were new to them and challenges for us. i.e. steps and wildlife. One was problematic because he was so big and strong, and when he freaked out, it was me vs a 80 lb dog, not me vs a 10 lb puppy. So, I would say don't assume, exercise some caution and patience.

Housebreaking actually went very well. We started with the crate, then blocked off most of the house and within 6-12 months they had the run of the house.

Best of luck and all the respect in the world for helping a dog find his new forever home.

PS: Suggest get a full check-up from the vet to include the full blood panel. (Brace yourself)

July 08, 2025, 09:16 AM

Fly-Sig

quote:
Originally posted by Speedbird:

PS: Suggest get a full check-up from the vet to include the full blood panel. (Brace yourself)

She's going to the vet today for a final checkup and rabies shot. This rescue org has some generous financial backers and a dedicated staff, so the dogs are ready when they go.

From the stories we hear about vet bills these days, we are expecting sticker shock whenever we do take her to the vet.

July 08, 2025, 09:20 AM

Fly-Sig

quote:
Originally posted by irreverent:
Congrats! I agree with those who posted. Have the foster parent come and visit you and drop the dog off with blankets and toys that you’ve provided (but that the dog has had an opportunity to use in the foster home and get comfy smells on).
Also, I would say a good foster mom would have an old blanket or a rag or shirt that smells like them that they would give up for the dog to take with its new environment.
Then it’s all you - but the foster parent should be checking in regularly over the first few months, then drop off to once a year or so.

I did rescue for a few years. A home visit was required, and when we decided the dog was a suitable match to the family, I would bring the dog, it’s crate, toys and blankets to their new home, visit for a while, provide a list including vet care, their current diet and schedule, as well as quirks/fav toys, and then disengage.
Good luck with your new baby!

I expect the foster has all of this under control, but I'll be pest and ask her.

We had to meet with the rescue owner, the foster, and their trainer to get approved. The application was like we were applying for a human adoption!

July 08, 2025, 09:55 AM

Patrick-SP2022

quote:
From the stories we hear about vet bills these days, we are expecting sticker shock whenever we do take her to the vet.

I feel your pain on the vet bills.

Best wishes on the new doggie.

July 08, 2025, 11:46 AM

sigmonkey

Check with the "rescue/foster" folks in your area.

Often there are "vets" that rotate, pro-bon, in some (rescue) facilities and provide a lot of the basic repetitive care, and lessor acute issues.

The one I use is $5.00 "visit" fee, then the cost of meds (and those are cost/or discounted).
Walk in, and typical wait/visit is about an hour. Link at bottom to get an idea of what you (or others) looking for affordable options) may find available.

The facility has about a dozen people on staff as well as 1-2 vets, and "looks" like any medium to large vet office. About 8000 sq ft. Clean and bright facilities.

https://www.kittiesandkanines.com