No matter what dog came into my life at any time under just about any circumstances, I am going to establish our relationship from the start. Of course there is an adjustment period in any new relationship, but better to be clear about your place in his life now than to have to try to set new rules later.
Socialization & basic skills are essential - but the most important thing for the dog to understand inorder for him to acclimate easily and become balanced is that he has a wonderufl leader looking out for him from the second you bring him into your home.
You need to find a course, book, DVD (see how I snuck that in?
) that teaches you how to be a good leader. Before a dog can feel safe in a social situation or do well in training he needs to believe in his leader.