It may seem very daunting to welcome a dog into a new home. But it is much easier than you think, especially when you have a plan. We have listed the main aspects that you may consider when helping your new pup enter your home and life.
Home
Precautions
If you’re not sure how your new family member will behave, limit their access to the areas where you want everything to remain untouched at first. A dog needs some time to adapt, and it depends on the breed and personal characteristics. If you’re not sure whether you can live them alone, perhaps dog cameras review or professional consultation may help you to choose the device that monitors their behavior. Such a camera may allow seeing their stress level when they’re alone and could give a hint to some of their favorite spots.
Give some space
Every living being needs a special place to relax, sleep, or interact with others. Be gentle and generous: find the dog bed that would suit the style of your home and is comfortable. Although some people like to sleep with their pets, this may be problematic when you need some time for yourself, or when your dog is huge and occupies the whole bed. Find the open space for your dog to play with and leave some toys there; don’t buy a lot immediately, but analyze which ones are more appealing. Besides, make sure that your home is clean and safe so as not to confuse your pet.
Socialization
People
We all consider dogs extraordinarily communicative and desiring constant attention. And it’s mostly true: dogs are among the most socialized animals on Earth. However, be careful as every dog may like or dislike specific movements or sounds. It is essential to pay attention to them and invite the other family members to do the same. If your puppy knows that you won’t harm them, they will readily adjust their behavior to yours. It is crucial always to behave confidently and not to press the pet into a stressful situation. Try to avoid petting the dog when they don’t want it.
Other pets
Dogs love the company, but there are exceptions. Be careful when introducing your pup to other animals. Start slowly and do not push for interaction when you observe a significant level of discomfort. If you have any other pet, note whether everyone is comfortable before allowing them to be in the same room without control. Give your pup treats each time he or she is successful in communication. To avoid jealousy, make sure that every pet you have receives an equal amount of attention. Once your dog is used to other pets, try walking in the park. It may be overwhelming for a dog to perceive so many sounds and visual triggers at once, so be careful.
Routine
Having a routine is extremely important for any pet, but for animals such as dogs especially. A new owner should introduce a dog to a specific sleeping, eating, and walking schedule to ensure the most comfortable conditions. An owner should continually walk with a dog in an approximately one period of time. Feeding should also be scheduled as this would increase the pet’s healthy eating habits and show that food is available when necessary.
Dogs also need time for their training and socialization as elements of their natural development. Dedicate specific hours for your pup to play and train with. If you can’t always do it, ask a family member or a friend for help. If you want your dog to behave quietly in the night, it is essential to set specific sleeping patterns and follow this schedule even during the weekends. It not only helps a dog to adapt but also to feel a part of a family. By doing so, the owner will reduce stress levels significantly. Remember that you can always ask a vet or a professional trainer to assist if you’re not sure regarding some habits of your dog that you cannot change. It’s always a good idea to be covered with pet insurance (try Bivvy), in case of any unpredicted events.
Is it as hard as we believe?
A dog is a perfect companion for people of all ages. It is a human’s responsibility to provide all the means, but once it is done, it is hard to find anyone as faithful as a beloved pet. Just follow a structure that we have outlined here, and the process will become much more comfortable.
