Bringing a new dog home — whether you’re fostering through Dallas Street Dog Advocates (DSDA) or adopting a rescue — is an exciting time. But it can also feel overwhelming, especially if you already have pets or children in the household.
Because many DSDA dogs come from the streets or shelters, we don’t always know their history or how they’ll respond to new environments. That’s why slow, thoughtful introductions are key to setting everyone up for success.
This guide, adapted from DSDA’s foster resources, applies equally to foster families and anyone welcoming a newly adopted rescue dog into their home.
Dog-to-Dog Introductions
Whether your new pup is a temporary foster or a forever family member, the first meeting with your resident dog(s) sets the tone for their future relationship.
Tips for a Successful First Meeting
- Choose Neutral Territory
Meet outdoors when possible — in a yard, on a walk, or somewhere neither dog feels territorial. - Keep Dogs on Leash
Give them space and freedom to approach each other naturally. - Have One Adult Per Dog
This ensures each dog gets calm, focused guidance. - Start Slow
Begin with parallel walks or brief, supervised greetings rather than forcing interaction.
A DSDA representative will assist with introductions when bringing a foster dog home, but even adopters should plan for multiple short sessions before the dogs become fully comfortable.
Managing High-Value Items
Whether your new dog is a foster or an adopted rescue, resources can trigger competition until relationships are established:
- Put away food, bones, and toys during early interactions.
- Feed dogs separately — crates or designated spaces work best.
- Avoid sharing chew toys until the dogs show comfort around each other.
Introducing Dogs to Cats
Some dogs have never lived with cats, and we can’t always predict their reactions. These steps work for fosters and adopters alike:
Step 1: Separate First
- Give cats and dogs their own safe spaces with essentials like food, water, and beds.
- Let them smell and hear each other through closed doors initially.
Step 2: Exchange Scents
- Swap blankets or towels between spaces to help them adjust to each other’s smells before meeting.
Step 3: Controlled Introduction
- After 1–2 weeks, supervise face-to-face meetings with the dog on leash.
- Let your cat approach at their own pace and keep introductions short.
- If you have multiple cats, introduce them one at a time.
- Watch both animals’ body language closely and end the session if either becomes stressed.
The goal is always to keep interactions calm, safe, and positive — never forced.
Children and New Dogs
Whether fostering or adopting, it’s important to remember that DSDA dogs often come from unknown backgrounds, and we can’t always predict how they’ll react around kids. Supervise all interactions, especially in the early days.
Teaching Kids How to Interact Safely
- Give space when the dog is eating, chewing, or sleeping.
- Never grab toys, bones, or food from the dog.
- Avoid teasing or chasing — sudden movements may scare them.
- Pick up children’s toys to avoid confusion over what’s safe to chew.
- Don’t allow young children to walk the dog — they may not be strong or experienced enough to handle unexpected encounters.
Did You Know? — The First 72 Hours Are Key
For both foster and adopted dogs, the first few days are often overwhelming. Expect a “decompression period” where your dog may:
- Be anxious, restless, or withdrawn
- Avoid eating or exploring at first
- Need extra quiet time to feel safe
Go slowly, keep routines simple, and give them space to settle in — this helps build trust and reduces stress.
Setting Everyone Up for Success
Introducing a foster or newly adopted rescue dog to your pets and family members takes time, patience, and consistency. Slow, structured introductions set the foundation for positive relationships and help your dog feel safe in their new environment.
And remember, you’re not alone. DSDA is here to support fosters and adopters every step of the way — from first introductions to helping your new pup thrive in your home.