DOGS IN TRANSITION ARE ALWAYS A FLIGHT RISK
From the time he leaves the familiar safety of his home or foster home until he has fully bonded with his new guardian, a dog is
unsettled and more likely to run. The best way to protect your new family member is to give him time to adjust to his new environment
and ensure he doesn’t have the opportunity to flee.

We have learned some hard and tragic lessons with rescued dogs in this situation. A dog on the loose is a dog in danger!
Also, dogs in transition can also be fearful and may use the only language they know to tell us to back off—a growl. This typically
resolves as the dog starts to feel safe. Please follow the tips below until your dog feels comfortable in your home—for both your
safety and the safety of your dog.

THE TRIP HOME
• DO NOT stop for dog potty breaks on the way home
from picking up your dog!

• DO crate the dog in the car or make sure her leash
is securely tied to a structure inside the car.

• DO pull into your garage, if possible, and close the
door before removing your dog from the car.

THE FIRST TWO WEEKS

• DO NOT use a standard flat collar as the only means of
restraining your dog while on a leash.

• DO use the martingale collar that was provided with your dog.

• DO use a martingale collar and two leashes when walking
your dog (or one leash and one slip lead) and hold one in
each hand for the first two weeks.

• DO NOT allow your dog to charge the door when people
are coming and going.

• DO use baby gates at all doors and secure all gates and fences in your yard.

• DO caution your children and their friends about
doors and gates.

• DO NOT give bones, rawhides, or toys that the dog may
feel the need to guard.

• DO NOT remove anything from the dog’s mouth!

• DO trade the item for a yummy treat or wait for the
dog to finish with the item.

• DO NOT reach for the dog’s collar to move him/her.

Keeping your new dog safe whether a foster dog or your new adopted dog is worth the extra effort and can save a life!

Used by permission of Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota (RAGOM)
Updated 7/2014