THINK ABOUT THIS
Your new dog may have been abandoned or surrendered by a previous family. The dog may have been abused. The dog or puppy had to adjust to the shelter and is now going home to a new, unfamiliar place with strangers. Kind of scary if you think about it! Being gentle, considerate, kind and patient will help ease your friend into his new family. 

FREEDOM 
Your dog may have been in a kennel for several weeks or months. He may be CRAZY HAPPY the first few days just because he's so happy to be out and about and around people. Make sure to provide plenty of exercise to help him wind down. Don’t give up.

FEAR 
Your dog might be afraid and unsure of his new surroundings. If he appears to be scared, keep him in a small, quiet area (such as a gated off laundry or bathroom) to start, and take it slow. Don't allow your children to bother the dog if he is afraid; fear can result in nipping. Instead, give your dog plenty of time to adjust to his new surroundings, taking it one step at a time. Don't give up.

ACCIDENTS 
Even a potty trained dog can make mistakes in a new home. He doesn't know which door to go to or how to ask his new owner for what he wants. Start a habit of going out the same door every time you bring him to potty. Keep a watchful eye on your friend and confine him when you can't watch him. Please be aware that change of food or nervousness can set off diarrhea. Take him out for potty time within 30 minutes of eating his meal. Limit his eating and drinking after 6pm. Do not leave bowls of food and water out for him 24/7 until he is potty trained. Once he is trained you will find that you may give him food and drink 24/7 and he will let you know when he has to relieve himself.

THERE WILL BE BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS 
Your dog had a whole other set of rules in his previous home. He may have been allowed to sleep in bed and beg at the table. IT'S UP TO YOU TO TEACH HIM YOUR RULES. Teaching proper behavior takes time and patience. If you need help, check out www.mc-spca.org for valuable website addresses to help you deal with issues that new pet owners have.

HOW LONG WILL ALL THIS TAKE? 
Allow your dog or puppy several weeks to adapt to his new surroundings and up to 6 months to fully 
adjust (adults may take longer than pups). Adopting a pet is a lifetime commitment. We assume 
that you will make a patient and concerted effort to achieve a successful forever home.
For information, tips and more help contact:

www.pets911.org
www.aspca.org          American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
www.hsus.org            Human Society of the United States 
www.petfinders.org    Look under “library”                                                                               

Did you know it is against the law to abandon an animal? The New York State Agriculture & Markets Law, Article 26, Section 355 states: "Abandonment of animals. A  person being the owner or possessor, or having charge or custody of an animal, who abandons such animal,  or leaves it to die in a street, road or public place, or who allows such animal, if it become disabled, to lie in a public street, road or public place more than three hours after he receives notice  that it is left disabled, is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than one year, or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars, or by both." 
If you for some reason can not handle your new family member, please call MC-SPCA @ 842-8050