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The first week at home

The first week is usually harder on the person than on the dog: it feels as if everything is going wrong. This is what we would tell ourselves a few years ago.

Routine matters more than training

Walks, meals and sleep at roughly the same times every day help a dog settle faster. There is plenty of time for commands later.

Let it hide

If the dog creeps under the table or into a corner of the hallway, that is the safe place it has chosen. Do not pull it out – put a bed there instead.

Learning to be alone, bit by bit

From day one, leave the room for a moment, then the flat for five minutes. Come back without a fuss. That is how a dog learns that people who leave come back.

When something goes wrong

A puddle on the floor or a chewed shoe is not revenge. Clean up without comment and go outside more often. Praise for what went right works faster than scolding.

When to ask for help

If the dog has not eaten for more than a day, is vomiting, has diarrhoea, growls or bites, contact a vet or a dog behaviour specialist. The shelter you adopted from will gladly advise too.