Choose the answer that best matches the word in italics.

When Gerald brought home his rescued dog for the first time, Spot sniffed around his new domain for hours?

new domain

To determine the best answer that matches the word in italics, we need to understand what the word "domain" means in this context. In the sentence, it says that Spot sniffed around his new domain for hours.

In this case, the word "domain" refers to the area or territory that Spot considers as his own. It suggests that Spot is exploring and getting familiar with his new environment.

Now let's consider the answer choices and choose the best match:

a) Encyclopedia: This option does not relate to Spot sniffing around his new environment.
b) House: This answer choice seems to be the best match because it refers to the place where Gerald and Spot are, and where Spot is investigating and sniffing around.
c) Ball: This option does not relate to Spot's actions of exploring his new surroundings.
d) Bark: This answer choice does not relate to Spot sniffing around his new environment.

Based on the explanations, the best match for the word "domain" is the answer choice b) House.