Column: Give your new dog a quiet spot and time to adjust at your place

Back when I was growing up in La Cañada Flintridge, there was one thing I looked forward to every year without fail — summer break!

And now that summer vacation is here, it’s an exciting time at the shelter. We are getting ready for our first big adoption event of the year — the second annual California Adopt-a-Pet Day on Saturday, June 6.

With over 150 shelters participating statewide, the hope is that 5,000 shelter pets across California will find new homes in a single day.

Right now at Pasadena Humane, we have nearly 70 dogs looking for a new home. So, if you are considering adopting, now is a great time.

Of course, bringing a new dog home is just the beginning. The first few days and weeks can make a big difference as your dog learns their new routine, gets to know their family and begins to feel safe in unfamiliar surroundings.

Tiffany McKillop, our adoptions manager and a certified dog trainer, has some helpful advice for anyone thinking about adding a dog to their family or for anyone who has recently welcomed a new dog home.

Tiffany’s No. 1 tip for preparing to bring a new dog home is to create a quiet and comfortable space just for them. This can include a comfy dog bed, soft blankets, easy access to water, and your pup’s favorite form of enrichment, whether that’s a chew toy or a treat puzzle.

This sanctuary space is intended only for your new dog. It should not be a high-traffic area where other animals or family members regularly move throughout the day.

Even in a smaller space, you can still set up a safe area for your new dog. For example, put an open crate in the corner or use baby gates to section off a small area.

In addition to recommending a quiet place, Tiffany suggests creating a set routine to help build a sense of trust and safety. Regular activities like feeding, walking and potty breaks should happen at the same time each day.

It’s also important to allow your dog to make their own choices during this time. Allow your new dog to come to you without forcing the interaction. Or, if your dog prefers to be on the other side of the couch, allow them their space.

And don’t forget to offer treats throughout the day! Positive reinforcement using food is a successful way to create happy associations not only with new experiences, but with you as their new person.

Tiffany also advises fighting the temptation to do too much, too quickly. Give your dog some time to adjust to their new life before introducing them to your friend’s dogs or taking them to the groomer.

Most importantly, she reminds us that every dog is an individual. Each dog will have their own way of expressing excitement or stress. Some dogs may avoid attention, while others constantly want to be by your side.

Just remember that as your dog adjusts to your home, it’s important to continue building your relationship on your dog’s timeline. Slow and steady is the way to go.

At Pasadena Humane, our adopters become part of our larger community, and we believe in supporting them throughout the entire process, including post-adoption support.

I hope you’ll stop by Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. for our first big summer adoption event. Adoption fees will be waived for all available animals. Our regular adoption process still applies.

Learn more and view adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org/adopt

 

Chris Ramon is president and CEO of Pasadena Humane. 

This blog post originally appeared as a column in the Pasadena Star-News on June 5, 2026.