Adoption Support

Every adopted dog goes through three phases of adjustment. Knowing them already helps you avoid many mistakes.

• The first 3 days — Decompression: Your dog is overwhelmed by new sounds, smells, and faces. They may refuse to eat, hide, or have house-training accidents. This is normal. The goal is to secure their environment without forcing contact.
• The next 3 weeks — Settling in: Their true personality emerges. They start to understand the routine and test boundaries. This is the ideal time to begin basic training and establish a clear framework.
• The next 3 months — Anchoring: The bond of trust solidifies. The routine is integrated. More advanced training and supervised socialization become possible.

My support is designed to guide you through each of these stages. Rather than waiting for problems to take hold, we intervene from the start to prevent undesirable behaviors and lay the foundation for a harmonious life together.

Want to maximize the chances of a successful adoption for your future dog?

I offer you a professional, personalized framework to lay the solid foundations for that success.

Pre-adoption and Adoption: Choosing the right companion

• Assessment of lifestyle, environment, constraints, and expectations
• Objective analysis of the best-suited breed profiles and selection criteria
• Personalized advice on preparation (space setup, initial routine, prevention of common difficulties, etc.)
• Specialized support on selection/adoption day to maximize the chances of a successful cohabitation

Post-adoption: Succeeding with integration

• Canine behavioral assessment
• Development of an individualized integration plan
• Basic training in canine body language
• Ethological application to practicing calm and respectful leadership

• You just adopted a dog (or are about to) and want to start on the right foot
• Your adopted dog shows signs of fear, anxiety, or reactivity
• You are dealing with destruction, house soiling, or excessive barking
• Your dog has difficulty with other dogs or unfamiliar people
• You feel overwhelmed and need a concrete plan and human support
• You want to prevent behavior problems before they take hold

Whether your dog comes from the Montreal SPCA, Proanima, a regional shelter, a foster family, or a rescue situation, my program adapts to their journey and specific needs.

How long does it take for an adopted dog to adjust?

The 3-3-3 rule provides a good benchmark: 3 days of decompression, 3 weeks of settling in, 3 months for solid anchoring. Some dogs adjust faster, others need more time. Professional support accelerates and secures this process.

My adopted dog has separation anxiety. What should I do?

Separation anxiety affects up to 30% of newly adopted dogs. It is one of the most common and most treatable conditions. My program uses progressive deconditioning and positive reinforcement to help your dog stay calm in your absence. The earlier we intervene, the faster the results.

When should I start training my adopted dog?

Ideally, contact me before or within the days following the adoption. The first 3 weeks are a critical window where good habits are established. I can even help you prepare for your dog's arrival to maximize the chances of success.

My dog is reactive towards other dogs. Won't Billy make things worse?

Quite the opposite. Billy is specifically trained to work with reactive dogs. Introductions are done gradually and in a controlled manner — parallel walks at a distance, then progressive approach. Billy remains calm and predictable, which helps your dog defuse their reactivity. At no point is your dog placed in a situation beyond their capabilities.

Where do sessions take place?

At home, in public places, or in adapted environments depending on your dog's specific needs. For an adopted dog, working in their living environment is often the best approach at first, then we gradually expand the contexts. I travel throughout Greater Montreal and the North Shore.

Can my adopted adult dog really change?

Absolutely. A dog can learn at any age. Science shows that post-adoption behavior problems improve significantly with adapted support. Some behaviors like separation anxiety decrease naturally over time, but others require targeted intervention to prevent them from worsening.