An adult dog presents its new owner with different responsibilities, so make sure you know what to expect.

Bringing a new dog home is a time of enormous excitement.  But with that excitement comes responsibility, and when bringing home an adult dog rather than a puppy - particularly one that's come from an animal welfare organisation like the SPCA - you should consider a number of issues.

First and foremost, be sure to listen carefully to the organisation's suggestions on training and handling - they are very experienced when it comes to ensuring a happy match between owner and dog and a successful settling-in period.

Unless dogs are taken in as strays, most rescue centres will have a fairly good idea of their nature, either from information from previous owners and/or their own internal assessment programme.

As social animals, dogs may need time - sometimes several months - to adjust to their new social group before their behaviour adjusts or they feel free to express their usual behavioural patterns.

Changing homes can be a traumatic experience for adult dogs. They lose their companions and familiar surroundings, so make sure you have prepared a sleeping area where the new arrival can feel safe, equipped with a blanket or cushion as well as water and food bowl. This provides a 'time out' place for the dog to escape to.

If you're introducing an adopted dog to another adult dog, don't assume they'll get along immediately. Introductions on neutral ground away from your home are usually a good idea. Let them get to know each other gradually, always giving the resident dog plenty of attention so the new companion isn't seen as a threat.

When it comes to meeting a resident cat, the road to social harmony often takes a little longer, but it is achievable in most circumstances. Take it gradually and never allow your dog to chase the cat. Most dogs quickly learn to respect cats, especially their teeth and claws!

An adult dog may come with a great deal of training, or with very little. Again, you are best guided by the animal welfare organisation on how to proceed - but not surprisingly, you may have to put in some extra time and effort to teach your old dog new tricks!

To ease the transition to a new home, it's best at first to stick with the food that the dog was fed before arriving - it's just one less new thing to cope with. 

If you do decide to change brands, try to make the transition as smooth as possible, as dogs can often be sensitive to changes in their diet.

Start by mixing the new food with the previous brand, then gradually increase the proportion over a week to 10 days, until your dog is only eating the new food. Don't be surprised if your dog has an upset tummy to begin with. This is quite normal.

Dogs that haven't been desexed are more prone to fighting.