Congratulations on your new furbaby!
Bringing your new dog home can be one of the most fulfilling experiences you can have.
Everything is ready so, you might be thinking, ‘what’s next?’.
Here are five, budget-friendly ways to make your new dog feel at home.
- Make sure that everyone living in your home is on board.
It takes a collective effort to ensure that your dog is well taken care of. That includes instilling discipline.
Make sure that everybody is aligned with the ground rules you want to set. If you want your dog to avoid sitting on a certain piece of furniture, make sure that nobody allows it to do so behind your back. And if, in any case, you have a pet cat, ensure that he or she is properly trained in socialising to avoid any fights.
- Prepare the basic necessities.
You will need certain items ready even before taking your dog home: collar, leash, food and water bowl and of course, food! You would not want to get caught empty-handed, right?
One thing you also have to get right away is an ID (identification) tag. Don’t forget that your pup may spend time checking out its new home so make sure to dog-proof the area. The first thing you want your dog to feel is safe and secure in its new home.
- Help your furry friend to adjust.
The first few days or even weeks will be an adjustment period for both your dog and your household. Your pup may develop physical symptoms of anxiety such as decreased appetite and suppressed bowel movements.
Some days, you may even find it hiding in a corner. Don’t worry. This is expected behaviour. Imagine the anxiety you would feel staying at a stranger’s house!
Show some patience and understanding. Let the dog be. Do not force it to mingle with people right away. It will eventually see how amazing its new home is!
- Establish a schedule.
Feeding and walking might be some of the most routine activities you’d have to do with your dog. It is advisable to walk and feed the pup at the same time each day using the same keywords.
An established routine can give your dog a sense of security that could help it adjust to its new environment.
- Spend time with your dog to bond.
Spending quality time to bond with your dog is very important. Petting it gently may do wonders for your relationship.
As they say, touch is a powerful means of communicating and touching your pup consistently conveys the message of love. It shows that it is important, loved and safe – just what a new dog needs!
There are so many ways to welcome your new dog into your home. The first and most important step is gaining its trust and you can do so by making it feel safe, secure and loved. It will slowly integrate itself into your household and you will be the best of friends in no time!
By Miranda LaSala
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