You’ve planned and researched and searched and anticipated; now you’ve found the perfect new dog for your family and she or he is finally coming home (rescued, of course). This is a very exciting time for both you and your pet, and it can also be a period of some stress for the animal as they adjust to a new environment. Even if the dog is a puppy and hasn’t been raised for years in another home, he will still be very worked up, excited and happy – yes, but also may experience some anxiety.
We have some new helpful dog parent tips to make the transition easier and help you get a good start on your journey as a pet owner.
Before Your Dog Comes Home
Just as when you’re having a human baby, your work in dog parenting starts even before the precious furry bundle arrives at the house. Some things you’ll want to do ahead of time include:
- Puppy-proofing the house – particularly if your dog is a baby, he will get into plenty of mischief and you will want him to be in a safe environment. Put chemicals out of reach, make sure your plants aren’t poisonous to pets, stow breakables away for now, and install baby gates if you intend to use them.
- Deciding on crate training – for puppies this is usually the best option, and starting young means they’ll get used to it easily. High energy breeds often do better crated at night so that they can’t get into trouble that may harm them. Choose a crate that’s large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around in, but not so big that they can get out of hand.
- Equipping yourself with supplies – aside from dishes, leash, and toys, you’ll also want to make sure you have the same food the dog has been eating at his previous home. If you want to switch brands this should be done over a period of time, not all at once – especially when the dog’s digestive system may be going through some upheaval with the transition of homes.
After Your Pup’s Arrival
Whatever training method you’re going to use should be implemented immediately. Do not wait until the dog “gets used to his new home” or “matures a bit”. Dominance must be established from day one, for his sake as much as for yours.
Introduce your beloved new pal to his potty area right away. Keep in mind that due to the stress of changing environments he may have some accidents at first, even if he was already housebroken. Don’t worry, just be consistent and continue showing him the proper place to eliminate, along with rewarding him with positive attention and praise when he does it right.
Don’t bring strangers around your new pet too soon. They need some time to calmly observe and learn the routine you’re establishing for their daily life. Likewise do not storm the dog park in the first few days or let neighborhood children overwhelm your new dog.
Down the Road
It may take a few weeks for your dog to acclimate to his new surroundings and learn to trust each member of the family. Don’t get discouraged at setbacks, and don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian about trainers or any health concerns you may have. Good training, consistency, patience, and lots of love are the keys to establishing a good foundation with your precious pet. Invest the time and effort into making a great start and your dog will reward you with unconditional love and years of joy.
