3 year old toy poodle

Question
Hi, because of a death I will be getting a 3 year old toy poodle.  My daughter has had him now for a couple of weeks and now that I will be off work I will get him.  What should I do to help his transition.  Should I crate him?  All day even if I'm home? Should I treat him as though he is a puppy?  I'm worried he will not adjust.  Help!  Mariana

Answer
Hello Mariana,
Most dogs can adjust to new situations pretty good as long as they are not rushed into anything too quickly.  

I will give you some things you can do to help make his switch to your home as smoothe as possible.  

If your daughter is close and you can go to her house, go and visit the dog frequently so that he gets used to you first.  If not, this is ok.  

Have your daughter sleep in an old tee-shirt for about a week and then give it to the dog.  When he goes to your house, bring his shirt with him.  This way, he has something with your daughters smell on it.

When he comes to your house, let him get used to your house for the first few days.  You can pet him and love on him, but give him time to get to know his new surroundings for a bit before introducing him to things such as walks, new toys or other activities.  

Once he does get used to his surroundings though, go ahead and spoil him a bit.  Slowly give him toys, chewies, talk him for walks or even start to teach him obedience or some fun new tricks.  This will help you and him bond and will keep his mind off missing his former owner.  

Watch him closely for accidents in the house because a switch like this can sometimes throw a dog off their potty routine.  You will have to get him on your schedule and sometimes this can be trickly for him until he gets it down.  
Just be easy on him until he understands your routine.  

If your schedule allows, try to keep him on the same feeding times that he is used to.
Consisancy is best so if there are other things he is used to, doing them in your home will make him feel more comfortable.  

As for keeping him in the crate, you don't have to as long as you can watch him for accidents.  I would use it for a while when you leave or are busy to where you can't watch him, until you can trust him to be left alone.

Just remember that this is a change for the both of you and you will have to adapt to each other.  If you take it slow, and give my suggestions a try, you and your new dog should do just great.  

I hope this has helped you some.  If you have other questions, please feel free to ask.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim