Week 1: Decompression

• Keep things calm. Avoid over-socializing or crowded outings.

• Offer predictability: same walk times, same feeding times.

• Allow the dog to approach; don’t force affection.

• Use a consistent potty schedule and reward successes.

• Weeks 2–4: Routine and Relationship

  • Introduce short training sessions: name response, recall, sit, stay, loose-leash walking.

  • Begin gentle socialization: low-stress exposures, positive rewards.

  • Vet check: confirm vaccinations, deworming, and discuss sterilization if pending.

• Months 2–3: Confidence and Enrichment

  • Add puzzle toys, sniff walks, basic agility at home (safe obstacles).

  • Strengthen recall, settle, and calm greetings.

  • Address any fear-based behaviors with positive reinforcement.

For any bumps—separation anxiety, diarrhea from diet change, teething nips—ask Omelo anytime for step-by-step guidance as a 24x7 AI Pet Companion.

Health Basics for Newly Adopted Dogs

• Veterinary onboarding:

  • Full exam, fecal test if possible, and baseline bloodwork for adults or dogs with unknown history.

  • Vaccination schedule: Core vaccines (e.g., anti-rabies, DHPP/DA2PP), plus leptospirosis if regionally advised.

  • Deworming and flea/tick prevention: Follow a vet-guided schedule.

  • Sterilization: Essential for health and responsible pet parenting.

• Diet transition:

  • Shift gradually over 7–10 days to avoid stomach upset.

  • Choose a balanced commercial diet or vet-guided home-cooked diet with supplements.

  • Indies often thrive on simple, digestible meals.

• Behavior care:

  • Use positive reinforcement, never harsh punishments.

  • For leash reactivity or fear, keep distance from triggers and reward calm behavior.

  • Provide mental enrichment to reduce boredom-driven behaviors.

Any time there’s confusion—a rash after a new collar, a cough after a street exposure, or mixed vaccination advice—Omelo, the 24x7 AI Pet Companion, can review symptoms, photos, and previous history to guide next steps and help prepare for vet visits.

Adoption Red Flags to Avoid

• No medical records or unwillingness to disclose health history.

• Pressure to adopt without a meet-and-greet.

• No home check or questions about your living situation.

• Puppies under eight weeks being separated from litter/mother.

• Unsterilized adoptions without clear, time-bound sterilization agreements.

Choose transparent, ethical organizations that prioritize the dog’s lifetime welfare.

Smart Adoption Tips for Busy Indian Cities

• Use reflective harnesses and short leashes for roadside safety.

• Keep ID tags on at all times; add a microchip if possible.

• Plan for festival seasons (Diwali/Holi): safe spaces, desensitization to sounds, and secure walk routines.

• Heat care: Walk early mornings/evenings; carry water and avoid hot tar roads.

• Travel-ready: Crate or car harness with tether for intercity trips.

If relocation is on the horizon, Omelo can plan vaccination timing, travel certificates, and motion-sickness strategies tailored to the dog.

Helpful Stats and Insights for Pet Parents in India

• Indies and mixed-breed dogs adapt exceptionally well to Indian climates and urban routines, often showing fewer heat-stress issues when provided shade, water, and moderate exercise.

• Many shelters report that adult dogs transition smoothly in homes with predictable routines, and they often need less training than young puppies.

• Spay/neuter significantly reduces certain cancers and prevents accidental litters—benefiting both health and community welfare.

Note: Specific figures vary by city and shelter reporting. For location-specific data or to interpret a vet report/blood test, ask Omelo—your 24x7 AI Pet Companion—any time.