It is the best feeling, bringing your new dog home with you. As I’m sure you can imagine, being brought to a new place to live is a huge adjustment for your dog, and so it can become overwhelming for both of you.
There are things you can do to help soothe your new dog on the day of bringing them home. If possible, take some days off of work so that you can be there for them.
Be Ready With Necessities
Before bringing your new dog home, make sure you have everything they need. This is so that you are not having to rush out to the pet store on that day, which will make your new dog feel insecure.
The items you should have are a leash and collar/harness, food, food and water bowl, toys, treats, poop scoop/bags, bedding, and a crate/doggy gate/playpen. If possible, give them the food they were already eating because a sudden change in diet can cause an upset stomach.
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If you want to change their food, introduce the new food slowly. The toys you get should also be age-appropriate and safe for your dog.
Keep Your Home Relaxed
Bringing your dog into a new environment is already a huge adjustment for your dog. They’ll need the first couple of hours to explore.
Don’t overwhelm them by having visitors over. If you have children, tell them to give your dog space while they are exploring their new environment. If you have other pets, oversee that they are also not harassing your new dog.
Give Them A Routine
Introduce them to their loo area first thing. They will then need to be taken there first thing in the morning, the last thing at night and after mealtimes or naps, and every hour until they are house trained. It can take a few months to fully house train them.
Even if they are already house trained, they still need to learn where their new loo place is. Praising them after they have done the correct thing is important for house training too.
Establish an exercise and eating routine for them too. Feed them in a designated meal place. If you have other dogs, they will likely learn their new routine quicker.
Set Chewing Boundaries
Your dog will inevitably chew. Supervision, while they are exploring, is important. Interrupt any undesired chewing and Redirect their chewing energy on their toys. Give lots of praise to them for chewing the correct items. The first few days are an ideal time for them to learn what they can chew on.
Related: How To Handle Your Puppy’s Non-Stop Chewing
Set A Designated Doggy Area In Your Home
When you leave your dog unsupervised, they will need a safe space to stay. You can either crate train them, have a doggy gate or a playpen. Prepare this area before they arrive. After a few hours of supervision while they are exploring, introduce them to this area.
Ensure the area is equipped with cozy bedding, toys, and water. Once you have shown them their area, leave them to take their nap. This is a great opportunity to go and dog-proof any areas around the house that are off-limits that they had shown interest in.
Quality Time At Home
Once a few hours after their arrival has passed, engage in some quality time with them. You can play with them or take them for a stroll around the neighborhood. Gather other members of the household to participate in bonding with your new dog.
Get Enough Sleep
Go to bed earlier than usual and take some naps during the day as you may be interrupted. It is normal for your new dog or puppy to feel insecure for the first few nights. They may cry during the night. Having their bed in your bedroom can help them feel secure.
Puppies will need to be taken out to the loo during the night. If you can, providing your puppy with a blanket with their mom’s scent on it can also help to comfort them at night.
Whether your new dog is a puppy, adult, or senior, following these steps will ease the transition for both of you. You can feel relieved knowing exactly what to do for your new fury baby!
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