How To Integrate An Adult Dog Into A New Environment Appropriate an adjustment period A healthy adult dog will have no problem adjusting to a new environment. Although, of course, you should expect an adjustment period before your new dog becomes very comfortable with his new surroundings and family. If you think you would easily fall for a dog, ask your wife, your brother, or a friend to tag along at the animal shelter. Get a second opinion. That never hurt. Sleep on the decision. A little time away from the dogs can help a great deal on deciding which dog to get. It is okay to sleep on your decision as this allows you sufficient time to evaluate your options. Adopting A Dog Spotting Dog Personalities No two dogs have the same temperament even with dogs of the same breed. Typically though, dogs of the same breed share more of the same characteristics. When decided in adopting a dog, choose dog characteristics and traits that you want. If you lead an active lifestyle for example, do not adopt a dog with a phlegmatic character that will be content to hang around the house much of the time, eating, and sleeping. In spite of all these, dogs are predators. They have always been and even behind centuries of domestication, they have not totally lost the instinct. They respect hierarchy. This is why dogs need training because when left to themselves, they would start believing that they are the alpha males and superior to their owners. If rules are not provided and the dog is allowed to do as it wants, it starts thinking that it is the alpha male and will become dominant because contrary to our beliefs, it does not see people as people but as members of the pack where he is a part or where he should lead. Loyalty, sociability, protectiveness, gentleness with those that the dog is familiar with, fierceness to those it does not know and sometimes meanness when there is a perceived violation of territories are real to the dog that endears him to us but these traits are natural instincts practiced within the pack which by extension is given to humans. It is a happy occasion for both you and the family. However, a puppy, cute and squiggly as they are will, as all dogs do, mess the house. The new member of the household has to be potty trained as soon as the first day. It is important to note that dogs could hold their bladder up to five hours, not more than that.