Bringing home a rescue dog is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. Whether this is your first time adopting or you’re welcoming your fifth pup, every dog needs time to adjust. Their world has just changed, and it takes patience, routine, and understanding to help them feel safe and secure. Here's what to expect in those first few days and weeks—and how you can make the transition as smooth as possible.

Before your dog arrives, it’s helpful to prepare a quiet, comfortable space just for them—a crate, playpen, or gated room works well. Make sure you’ve stocked up on the essentials: food, leash, collar with ID tags, and a plan for where they’ll eat, sleep, and go potty. It’s also a good idea to dog-proof your home by removing cords, trash cans, or food on counters that might tempt curious noses.

During the first 3 days, your new dog is decompressing. This is the “settling in” phase, and it’s completely normal for them to seem nervous, withdrawn, or even a little shut down. Keep things low-key—avoid visitors, dog parks, or overwhelming outings. Let them explore slowly, keep them on leash or in a confined area, and let them come to you on their own terms. A predictable routine for meals, potty breaks, and bedtime helps build early trust.

In the first couple of weeks, your dog will start to learn the rhythm of your home. Stick to consistent routines and offer enrichment through things like frozen Kongs, sniffy walks, or lick mats. Begin introducing short periods of crate time or leaving the house to help them practice being alone. If you have other pets, supervise all interactions closely and feed them in separate spaces to avoid conflict. And don’t forget to celebrate the little wins—tail wags, eye contact, or successful potty breaks are big steps in the right direction.

By weeks 3 to 4, most dogs begin to show more of their personality. This is a good time to start gentle training, like sit, touch, or leash manners. Continue to go slow with new people or pet introductions, and look out for any behavior quirks, such as barking or resource guarding. These are normal and manageable with structure and support—consider reaching out to a positive-reinforcement trainer if anything feels overwhelming. If you haven’t already, make sure your dog’s microchip is registered with your current info and schedule a wellness visit with your vet.

Ongoing care is just as important as the early days. Keep your dog on monthly heartworm and flea prevention, and make sure their ID tags are always up to date. And most of all—be patient. It can take up to 3 months (or longer) for a dog to fully settle in. But with kindness, structure, and consistency, you’ll build a bond that lasts a lifetime.

We love updates, too—if your new pup came from our rescue, feel free to share your happy tail! You’re not just giving them a home—you’re giving them a future.

Hounds are lovable, nose-driven escape artists with minds of their own. Here's a quick list to help you prepare for life with your new hound:

✅ Fence check: At least 5–6 ft tall, no gaps, dig guards in place
✅ Lock your gates—visitors and lawn crews forget
✅ Collar with ID tags + microchip (make sure chip is registered!)
✅ Use a secure leash or harness—no retractables for hounds
✅ Designate a potty spot and stick to a routine
✅ Expect sniffing… lots of sniffing. Let them use their nose!
✅ Invest in enrichment: snuffle mats, puzzle feeders, scent games
✅ Don’t expect instant recall—hounds will follow their nose before your voice
✅ Keep walks structured but allow sniff breaks on cue
✅ Avoid off-leash time unless in a securely fenced area
✅ Supervise during yard time—yes, even if they “seem fine”
✅ Give them time to decompress, trust, and show their goofy side

Hounds are independent, clever, and full of personality. When you meet them where they are—with patience, structure, and humor—you’ll have a loyal, hilarious companion for life.