If you’re bringing a new adult dog into your home, your major concern is to check out how well socialized the dog is and to strengthen any weak spots.
For example, if you find that this dog is a bit uncomfortable with men in hats, then you must make a concerted effort to help your new dog learn to love men wearing hats. Invite one or two friends at a time to meet your new dog. Ask them to bring hats, but not to wear them. Have your dog on leash and ask everyone to take a seat. Have one friend (without his hat on) hand-feed the dog her dinner. When your dog is comfortable, have your friend place the hat on the floor or his lap and feed the dog. Then ask him to casually put on the hat and feed the dog. Make an effort to invite over as many of your male friends as possible, one or two at a time, to follow this procedure. Pretty soon your dog will be searching out men wearing hats because she will have learned that they are a generous bunch.
Socializing an Adult Dog from a Shelter
Few things are more rewarding than giving a loving home to an adult dog from a shelter. However, keep in mind that, as with puppies, you might experience a couple of weeks of a honeymoon. As your dog becomes more comfortable in her new home, her true personality will shine through. Be especially careful to take things slowly so as not to push your dog too far too fast in regard to exposure to potentially new and frightening experiences.