My Best Tips for Bringing Home a Stray Dog

Thinking about bringing home a stray dog into your household? Here are my best tips since we’ve recently done it!

Yes, we brought a stray dog into our home this October. I recently wrote about some tips for bringing a new puppy into your home, but I wanted to talk about our new stray, Enzo.

How We Ended Up With a Stray Dog

My husband was on a four-mile walk one Sunday when a dog came running up to him on a sidewalk in a residential area. The dog laid on his back and let Zack rub his belly and pet him.

Zack called me to bring some water, food, a collar and a leash. They dog stayed with him while I drove to meet him.

We managed to get the collar on the dog, but the dog bucked out of his hands and went running down the street. We followed his path, but were unable to find him. A creek was recently cleared of all the overgrown brush and there were thorns to get past to go any deeper into the wooded area.

Zack went back a couple more times that day, but didn’t see the dog again. He went back on Monday with no luck. Then he went back on Tuesday and found another dog, same size but different coloring, in the cleared area by the creek.

Zack lured the dog by treats to his truck. Then the dog let Zack put him in the truck.

Zack came home and we put the dog in the backyard (since it was already living outdoors and the weather wasn’t too hot/cold or raining).

And there you have it – how we ended up with a stray dog.

10 Best Tips for Bringing Home a Stray Dog

Bringing home a stray dog is a compassionate act, but it requires patience, preparation, and care to ensure both you and the dog transition smoothly into this new chapter. Here are some of the best tips for welcoming a stray dog into your home.

1. Assess the Dog’s Condition

Before approaching the dog, observe its behavior and body language from a distance. Look for signs of fear, aggression, or illness. A wagging tail or relaxed posture usually signals friendliness, while growling, stiff posture, or cowering may indicate fear or potential aggression.

If the dog appears injured or ill, proceed with caution and consider contacting a local animal rescue or vet for assistance.

Enzo had fleas, ticks, a couple of injures/open wounds, but that couldn’t be treated with some care and maintenance.

2. Approach Slowly and Calmly

A stray dog may be scared or unsure of your intentions. Approach the dog with a relaxed demeanor, avoid direct eye contact, and move slowly. Speak in a soft, reassuring voice to build trust. Sudden movements or loud noises can startle the dog and make it defensive.

Enzo was very calm. I sat on the patio with him and he just laid his head on my leg. When we went inside the house, he just laid by the patio door.

3. Offer Food and Water

Food is a great way to earn a stray dog’s trust. Gently place food and water nearby and step back to allow the dog to eat without feeling threatened. This helps the dog associate you with safety and kindness.

I put out some of Hank’s food and a bowl of water. He ate all of the food.

4. Use a Leash or Carrier

Once the dog begins to trust you, try to secure it using a leash, collar, or carrier. Avoid forcing the dog into a confined space, as this can be overwhelming. If the dog resists, be patient and give it more time to acclimate to your presence.

The first night Enzo slept on the patio. Since Enzo was outside, he had space to roam around, but every time we checked he was right by the door.

5. Provide a Safe Space

When you bring the dog home, create a quiet, comfortable area where it can relax. A soft blanket, a water bowl, and some food are great starting points. Keep the space free of distractions and away from other pets or children initially, allowing the dog time to adjust.

We covered the windows so that our animals couldn’t look outside and Enzo couldn’t see inside either.

6. Visit the Vet

Schedule a veterinary check-up as soon as possible. The vet can check for injuries, diseases, parasites, and determine if the dog is microchipped. Vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and other treatments may be necessary to ensure the dog’s health.

Zack and I both helped clean the dog up a bit. I used baby wipes to clean his eyes, face, head. Then I switched to using a brush to comb out some of the knots in his coat. That’s when I discovered the fleas.

The next morning we gave him several flea baths to clean him up. We then found a nearby vet that we could take him to around lunchtime.

We had them scan for a chip, but there wasn’t one. Then we asked him to see if there’s anything really wrong with the pup, like needing a surgery, etc. or if he was in any pain. We didn’t want to keep a stray if we had to pay for surgeries or if he was ill enough to be put down.

The vet gave him a clean bill of health. So we had them give all the necessary shots and a quote on neutering*.

7. Be Patient with Socialization

Stray dogs often carry emotional scars from their past. Give the dog time to adapt to your home and routine. Avoid overwhelming it with too much attention or activity. Gradual introductions to family members and other pets can prevent stress and foster positive relationships.

Enzo is still a puppy, so there has been biting/nipping at Hank. He also chases the cat, which I don’t want to encourage because Hank already does that. And Enzo likes to steal Hank’s toys, so there’s a bit of work we need there.

There was some food growling in the beginning, so we keep feeding areas separate. And the little one would growl/snip at Hank, but Enzo gets a timeout to establish some household order.

8. Establish a Routine

Dogs thrive on routine, which gives them a sense of security. Set a consistent schedule for feeding, bathroom breaks, and walks. This structure will help the dog settle into its new environment more easily.

Our biggest routine has been putting Enzo in a kennel in my office around 8:30/9 p.m. at night. Zack takes both dogs out when he first gets up, then puts Enzo back into the kennel until I get up. Then I do breakfast and morning walks with both of them before I start work.

9. Provide Training and Boundaries

While training may not be your first priority, it’s essential for the dog’s long-term well-being. Use positive reinforcement techniques to teach basic commands and discourage undesirable behaviors. Patience and consistency are key.

Enzo is learning things, but we still haven’t had formal training at this point. He can sit, but doesn’t stay. He’s still learning his name.

10. Show Love and Care

Most importantly, offer the stray dog plenty of love and understanding. Adjust your expectations, especially in the early days, as the dog may take time to overcome its fears and adapt to its new life.

Enzo seems to like me more than Zack. He often wants to sit near me, which was a hurdle when we were trying to watch tv before heading to bed. He kept trying to take Hank’s bed because it was closer to me. We’re still working on this, but it’s been getting better.

Bonus Tip: Consider Professional Help

If the dog displays extreme fear, aggression, or other behavioral issues, consider consulting a professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist. They can provide tailored advice to help the dog adjust and thrive.

Final Thoughts

Bringing a stray dog into your home is a rewarding experience, but it’s also a significant responsibility. By approaching the process thoughtfully and with compassion, you can give a stray dog the loving home it deserves while building a lifelong bond.

Now onto the next step: trying to keep my house clean with two dogs!

Cheers,
Katie

*The vet quoted us over $500 for the neutering and chipping procedures. My best tip to avoid paying high prices is to look around for other places nearby that help with this service.

I called the Humane Society of North Texas (from where Hank was adopted), but they didn’t have anything open on their schedule for several months. The same with the Texas Coalition for Animal Protection.

I also looked into the local SPCA branch, but they were located west of Dallas and a little too far for me to drive to.

I ended up finding the Spay Neuter Network. They had appointments available the following week at their Fort Worth clinic. They only charged $120 for both the neutering and chipping.