One of best ways to help your dog adjust to their new home comfortably and without stress is to gradually introduce them to the new home and the new environment in a calm, slow and relaxed manner. Experts in dog behavior (such as the American Kennel Club) say that a gradual introduction will provide your dog with a sense of trust and comfort which will help to decrease their level of anxiety and build a good relationship with you, their new pet owner.
Therefore, there is no better way for both you and your new dog to achieve this than during the first few days of living with your new dog (either from an adoption or through a breeder). This guide will give you easy and practical step-by-step directions to successfully introduce your new dog to your home and to ensure that you and your new dog experience a positive transition process.
Home preparation for new dog
The best way to prepare your new dog for their entrance into your home is to prepare your home so that your dog has the opportunity to feel safe, secure, and relaxed in his or her new home. The basic supplies needed for your dog include the following items; dog food bowl, dog water bowl, dog bed, dog toys and grooming tools.
Food for your dog will depend on the breed and age of your dog and there is a vast selection of high-quality dog food available from many trusted brands such as Royal Canin or Pedigree.
Making Your Home “Dog Proof” Before Your Dog Comes Home
Making your home “dog proof” is very similar to making your home “child proof” – you need to make sure there are no items in your home that may cause harm to your dog or be damaged by your dog. Therefore you will want to keep electrical cords, cleaning supplies, and smaller items out of reach from your dog.
Also you will want to limit or block your new dog from accessing areas of your home that would be restricted for any other purposes by using gates or closed doors. This will avoid your new dog from wandering into unsafe areas of your home while they are still learning about their new environment.
Essential Checklist For Supplies Needed When Bringing Home Your New Dog
Preparing to have your new dog will help create a much smoother and more pleasant transition for your new dog and will also help to reduce the likelihood of you feeling stressed the very first day with him.
- Food and water bowls
- A place to sleep (a comfortable bed or crate)
- Toys (for providing mental stimulation)
- Comfortable bed/crate Toys
- Leash/collar
Creating a Safe Space
Having a safe area for your dog reduces anxiety and provides for a sense of control for your dog. Dogs that experience a stressful moment will usually look for aHaving a specific space helps a pet be comfortable quickly.
Having a specific area also improves your pet’s behaviour. For comfort: use soft bedding and make sure to have fresh water available.
First Day Guidelines
What to do during the first couple of hours
Taking a calm and patient approach on the first day will create a great base for your dog’s transition. Create A Routine Early On.
What you should not do on the first day
- Avoid making loud celebrations or gatherings
- Do not force the dog to interact
- Do not change food immediately
Create A Routine Early On
A predictable daily routine helps to support training and behavioral modifications. The fewer times your dog is surprised or confused by when things will happen, the less stress he will have.
According to American Veterinary Medical Association veterinary experts, creating consistency in your dog’s daily routine is one of the most important things you can do for your dog’s overall emotional and physical health.
Building Routine = Building Confidence
How To Create A Daily Routine. One approach is to have each person approach the dog gently and not make sudden movements; calm introductions are believed by RSPCA to help build trust, and lessen fear; thus creating an environment where your dog feels secure.
Best Way to Introduce People
Begin by allowing the dog to watch from a distance; let the dog approach you when it wants to, do not force any interaction; by letting your dog build trust in their own way, you will lessen the chance of your dog experiencing anxiety.
Encouragement of family members to speak softly to the dog without looking directly into its eyes is another example of how this simple action can create a large difference in your dog’s ability to relax, and accept your family as part of its new home.
Things To Avoid During Introductions
Not considering some behaviours can create discomfort for your dog and therefore delay his bond to family members. If you know what you should avoid; it will help create a better bonding experience for both you and your dog.
- Avoid crowding the dog
- Do not pick the dog up, or hug the dog immediately upon meeting
- Do not speak loudly, or make sudden gestures
Socialization With Other Pets
When introducing yourSo that they have the chance to adjust to each other without having to meet up close and personal initially, keep the two animals at a distance apart for as long as they need. You can control both animals on leashes as necessary until they meet each other for the first time, in order to increase your control of both of the animals when they initially meet.
Calm, interested animals. Taking your time during introductions will help to ensure that your dog creates strong and positive relationships with everyone in the home.
Begin Training Immediately After Arrival of Your New Dog
Using positive reinforcement techniques when training your dog is usually the most effective method. A lot of professionals and groups including the Association of Professional Dog Trainers feel that rewarding your dog for doing well with treats, praise, or giving your dog playtime will help encourage the performance of the desired action and also aid in teaching your dog at a quicker rate without fear.
Training Basics
- Use simple and consistent commands
Signs of Adjustment
They will begin to demonstrate some degree of curiosity towards their surroundings, as well as develop a higher level of obedience related to responding to your commands, and their interest in playing and interacting with you.
When a dog starts adjusting to their new living environment and feeling secure, you will see an improvement in their eating patterns, and a more regular sleeping pattern.
Signs of Stress
You must recognise the signs of excess stress as early as possible because it requires immediate intervention.
- Barking excessively and/or hiding
