Thinking of adopting a dog? Read the SF SPCA adoption handbook to learn more.
Learn how to meet the needs of your new four-legged friend to ensure everyone’s safety, health and comfort. This guide will inform you of all the equipment and adjustments to expect with dog-ownership so that you can enjoy your new life with a loving canine companion. The following topics are covered in the Dog Adoption Handbook:
Set Up for Success
- Meeting your dog’s needs (supplies checklist)
- Setting up your home
- For a happy and well-behaved dog (mental and physical stimulation)
Arriving Home with Your Dog
- The first hour
- The first day
- The bedtime routine
- Leaving for the first time
House-Training and the Crate
- Crate training your dog
- House-training your dog
- Golden rules of house-training
Dog Training and How to Train
- Practice positive reinforcement
- Why it works so well
- A word on punishment
- Unwanted behaviors
- Dog training principles
- Foundation behaviors (recall, sit, down, stay, focus)
- Dog training classes
When Problems Arise
- Troubleshooting problem behavior (barking, chewing, jumping, pulling on leash, fearfulness in new environments)
Common Misconceptions
Additional Resources