Welcome! Transitioning into a new home is exciting for pets, but it can also be stressful. The keys to success are structure, consistency, positive reinforcement, and patience. This guide distills best practices used by major animal welfare organizations to help you set dogs and cats up

for swift, low-stress success.

 

Part A — Dogs: Building reliable habits

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1) Set up for success (Day 1)

• Choose a potty area outdoors and take the dog there on leash every time.

• Keep your dog in an area you can supervise and prevent accidents. Use baby gates, tethers, or a crate/playpen to limit unsupervised space.

• Create a simple schedule (see sample below). Stick to regular feeding times and frequent breaks.

 

2) Frequency and schedules

• First week: take your dog out every 2-4 hours (most importantly, immediately after waking up, playing, or eating; plus right before bedtime).

• Overnight: many dogs can sleep through the night; puppies and small dogs need to go potty more often.

• After returning from outside, you can give your dog some freedom in the house, but always supervise to prevent accidents.

• After 7-10 days accident-free indoors, gradually lengthen intervals by 30-60 minutes.

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3) What to do outside

• Walk the dog to the same spot and wait quietly.

• As they start to go, softly say a cue (e.g., “go potty”). When finished, praise and treat within 1-2 seconds.

• Always praise and reward your dog for going outside, especially during the first two weeks.

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4) What to do indoors

• Watch for early signs (sniffing, circling, pacing away from you) and promptly take outside.

• If you catch them mid-accident, interrupt gently (clap or say “outside!”), escort to the potty spot. Reward if they finish outdoors.

• If you find a mess later, just clean thoroughly; don’t punish (it confuses dogs and slows training).

 

5) Cleaning accidents 

• Use an enzymatic cleaner on any soiled area to break down odors (standard cleaners leave scent markers that invite repeat accidents).

 

6) Crates, confinement, and freedom

• A crate or playpen can help prevent accidents and protect your dog when you can’t supervise.

• Build positive associations (meals, treats in the crate). Start with short, calm sessions and gradually extend.

• As your dog progresses in housetraining, allow more freedom out of the crate or pen after returning from peeing outside.

• Most adult dogs learn to reliably use the outdoors within about two weeks of consistent practice and praise.

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7) Feeding and water tips

• Feed on a consistent schedule and pick up the bowl after 15-20 minutes to predict output times.

• Provide fresh water at all times.

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8) Progression and troubleshooting

• Regression is normal in the first 2-3 weeks. New environments reset habits.

• Marking vs. accidents: neutered/spayed dogs are less likely to urine-mark.

• Submissive/excitement urination: keep greetings low-key; take outside first; reward calm.

 

9) Call the vet or the shelter if…

• Your dog strains, dribbles, or asks out very frequently without producing much.

• New accidents accompany increased thirst/urination, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, or lethargy.

• Housetraining stalls despite strict management for 7-10 days.

 

Part B — Cats: Litter box success from Day 1

 

1) The right box, litter, and location

• Number of boxes: one per cat + one extra

• Size: larger is better; low entry for seniors or small kittens

• Litter: unscented, clumping litter, 1–2 inches deep

• Placement: quiet, accessible, away from food/water; at least one box per floor

 

2) Set-up for the first week

• ​Start in a small, cat-proofed "launch room" with hiding places, food/water, and a litter box.

• Bring the cat to the box after meals, naps, and play.

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3) Daily care

• Scoop daily; top off litter as needed.

• Full clean weekly with unscented soap or baking soda.

 

4) Prevent and fix problems early

• Clean accidents with enzymatic cleaner.

• Add an extra box near problem areas; offer different litter types.

• Confinement retraining may help if issues persist.

 

5) Medical and behavioral red flags (call the vet)

• Straining, blood in urine/stool, or frequent small trips to the box

• Sudden avoidance or elimination on soft surfaces

• Intact cats are more prone to urine marking.

 

6) Multi-cat households and stress

• Provide multiple boxes and resources.

• Consider pheromone diffusers and routine play.

 

Part C — Common Myths (Busted!)

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• “Rubbing a dog’s nose in it teaches them.” → False.

• “Cats know how to use any box.” → Not always.

• “Crates are cruel.” → False; when used properly, crates are safe training tools.

 

Part D — Supplies to have on hand​​

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• Enzymatic cleaner, baby gates, crate (dogs)

• Large litter boxes, unscented litter (cats)

• High-value treats, chew toys, and puzzle feeders

 

When you need help

​If you’re stuck, contact the Fluvanna SPCA for support. Behavior challenges are common and usually solvable with structure and patience. Thank you for giving a shelter pet a loving home!