You’ve chosen a puppy, bought supplies, puppy-proofed your home, and established some household rules. Now it’s time to bring your new puppy home. Of course, you’re excited and eager to start this new bond, but try to imagine what this is like for the puppy. He’s just been taken from his mother, siblings, the only humans he knows, and his familiar environment. This can be scary and confusing for a puppy, but there are several things you can do to help him adjust to his new life.
Whether you just got a new puppy or adopted an older dog you can expect them to take a few days to settle in. These tips will help make that transition easier on your dog. Here’s how to help your new dog adjust to your home.
1.Give Your Dog Time to Decompress By Starting Slowly
You can help your dog adjust to your home by taking it slow for the first couple of days. He’ll appreciate some one on one time getting to know his new family and surroundings. Let him explore the house and yard at his own pace.
Some dogs take awhile to adjust to new settings, and sometimes that can be exhausting for them. If you adopted your dog from a shelter realize that he just came from a noisy and stressful environment; your quiet and cozy home is likely the first place he’s gotten a good sleep in awhile.
Don’t overstimulate your dog during the first couple of days. If your dog is a bit standoffish just let them check things out for themselves. If they come up to you for attention by all means be as affectionate as they seem comfortable with.
Not all dogs bond immediately with a new owner – don’t take it personally. They’re in a brand new environment getting used to new sights, smells, and sounds. It can be a stressful time for your new dog so try to make them as comfortable as possible by keeping things calm and positive.
2.Introduce him to his new home
You’ve already prepared a puppy-proof area of your house, right? This is where you’ll bring him. Many people erroneously think they should just let the puppy loose to explore the house at will, but this is a sensory overload. Too many new places, smells, and people at once may just confuse him. Instead, let him explore a designated area. Perhaps where his food and water are. Or he can familiarize himself with the small, puppy-proofed space w
here you’ve placed his crate. Let him get used to this space before you go on further exploratory missions. Then introduce him to the rest of the house, one room at a time, skipping the rooms you’ve decided are off-limits.
3.Introduce him to his new family members
Preferably one person at a time, although this will be difficult with all the excitement about a new puppy. But try to give him a chance to meet each of you quietly.
4.Give Your Dog His Own Space
One way you can help make your new dog more comfortable is by providing him with his own comfy bed or safe spot where he can retreat to when he’s tired or overwhelmed. Some dogs need a little extra time to just chill out every once in a while, especially with all the stress of being in a completely new environment.
If your new dog isn’t in the mood to cuddle or play you can give try giving him something to do on his own by offering a food-dispensing toy or stuffed Kong. By offering yummy treats in a Kong you’re showing your new dog that you’re the provider of awesome things. It’s a simple way to build trust, and if your dog is feeling uneasy in his new situation he might appreciate having a nice treat on his own.
5.Start enforcing rules.
Although it may seem too early to you, he needs to learn the house rules from the very beginning. The more structured and consistent his day is, the better adjusted and happier he’ll be. Whether it’s chewing or any other behavior you don’t want to encourage, use gentle redirection. Yelling at him or punishing him will only frighten and confuse him, not teach him. Remember that he is only just starting to learn what’s expected of him. Praising good behavior and deflecting unacceptable behavior is an effective way of helping him learn.
6.You May Have a Few House Training Issues
Puppies will need to be house trained, but you can also expect a few house training issues with newly adopted dogs as well.
You and your newly adopted dog aren’t automatically going to be on the same schedule, so be prepared for a few accidents during the first couple
of weeks. Your new dog might be getting fed more than usual and he very well might be drinking a lot more. Make sure you take him out regularly to decrease the likelihood of any accidents.
7.Beware of Escape Attempts
When going outdoors remember to keep your new dog on a leash at all times. When in a new environment some dogs will have a tendency to try and run away or escape. And since dogs can dig under or jump over fences don’t leave your dog unsupervised in the yard. Until you know your dog is comfortable with you and will come back when called it’s best to keep them leashed at all times when outdoors.
8.Choose a potty spot
Start by taking him to the outside area where you want him to go potty. If he does relieve himself, use a command that you’ll stick to, like “go potty” or whatever you’re comfortable with and remember to praise him.
9.Most of all, take things slowly.
Gradually expand his environment, under your supervision, of course. With lots of affectionate contact with the family, consistent rules and routine, rewards for good behavior, and gentle corrections for unacceptable behaviors, he’ll quickly learn his place in his new “pack.” Not only that but, And most importantly, as he adjusts to his new environment, you will establish a bond that will endure throughout his life.
10.Love Your New Puppy
The first few days and weeks with a new puppy are both exciting and exhausting! But most dog parents agree that the joys far outweigh the challenges. Above all, enjoy your precious little bundle. When the puppy days are behind you and you’re enjoying the amazing dog he’s become, you’ll probably look back and think about how fast the time went by.
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