Overview

The first week you and your dog spend together will be exhilarating, but it's also likely to be a bit rocky. A little advance planning can make the initial adjustment period easier on you both.

Set up for a smooth homecoming

1. Have a family pow-wow.
A dog is a big commitment, so before you take the plunge, make sure you're all together on wanting this newest member of the family. Then decide who's going to be the primary caretaker--otherwise you'll spend lots of time arguing while your dog stares at his empty food bowl. To avoid confusing the pup, hammer out the house rules ahead of time, for instance, Will the dog be allowed on the bed? On the couch? Where will the dog sleep? Are any rooms of the house permanently off-limits?.

2. Stock up on the right supplies.
See our list of must-have supplies here.

3. Dog-proof your house.
This requires a little more work if you're getting a puppy, since they can be champion chewers and have a knack for getting into things they shouldn't. But no matter what your dog's age, you'll want to do some dog-proofing, to protect your belongings and prevent tragic (and expensive) accidents.

4. Create a temporary, gated-off living space for your dog.
This space, or playroom, is where she'll stay whenever you can't be with her. Giving her a safe place to play prevents her from wreaking havoc on your belongings, eating something she shouldn't, and helps housetrain her too.

Pick a room that's a center of activity in your household so your dog won't feel isolated. The other requirement: easy-to-clean floors. The kitchen is often a good choice, and you can block it off with baby gates if necessary. Remove anything you don't want chewed on or soiled. Stock it with a crate, water and food bowl, and chewtoys.

5. Arrange for home care.
If you can, take a few days off work to get your new dog or puppy settled in. The extra attention will jump-start your housetraining effort and make it more likely you'll bond quickly.

If you can't take time off you'll need a back up team. Even if you can  [Continued]

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