Though bringing a new pet into your home is an incredibly exciting time for both you and your pet, it can also be quite a daunting and nerve-wracking time for them at first, especially if you have other pets. Sometimes this can make it take a little longer for them to get settled. Furthermore, as they are being brought into a brand new, unfamiliar environment, it may take a while for them to familiarise themselves with the surroundings and settle in. Therefore, as their owner it is your responsibility to make it as relaxed and comfortable as possible.
Here at Pets we see firsthand the excitement of getting a new dog and have a wealth of knowledge in how to help make your dog feel more comfortable and settled when bringing them into a new home. So, we thought we would share some of these tips with you…
Allow them to explore and settle in their own time
Dogs, like all animals, like to do things at their own pace. Introducing a new dog to your home requires patience and means that you need to give them space. Let them explore your home in their own time and at their own pace, that way they familiarise themselves with the new environment on their own terms and when they feel comfortable and ready to do so.
Furthermore, if your dog chooses to stay in their bed or cage at first, allow them to do so. You shouldn’t push them to come out, as they will build up to it in their own time and come out and explore when they feel ready. This allows your dog to build up their confidence when they are ready.
Work on building a relationship with them
When you get a new dog, it’s not just about bringing them into a new home, it’s about bringing them into a new family too. Dogs thrive off human love, care and attention. Building a relationship with them will help them to really get settled into your home and ensure that they are happy and comfortable. Furthermore, having a good relationship with your dog is so important, as they will be a companion for life and they need to develop that trust and bond with their owner.
Understand that all dogs are different
All dogs have different personalities. Whether this is from breed to breed, or simply just different temperaments. It is important as an owner bringing a new dog into your home to remember that every dog is different, and therefore will build confidence in their own time. Some dogs may settle straight away and feel completely at ease and excitable, whereas others may be a lot more nervous and need more time and space to adjust.
This can also be circumstantial. For example, if you are getting a brand new puppy from a breeder, they might be excitable and eager to explore your home in every way they can. On the other hand, you might get a rescue dog that has been neglected or had abusive owners in the past. Understandably if this is the case, they will probably be a lot more reserved and anxious, and so you would need to take extra care in helping them settle and be a lot more patient and understanding.
Comfort items
Perhaps your new dog already has comfort items, such as their own bed or toys. If this is the case, you should bring these things into your home so that straight away your dog has something they are familiar with and that will bring them comfort. On the other hand, you might want to purchase some items such as a cage, or a new bed and some new toys for your dog to settle with and feel comfortable. Allowing your dog their own space, for example with a bed or cage, will often make them feel safe and secure and therefore more relaxed.
Be wary of other pets
If you are bringing a new dog into your home and you already have other pets, you should be mindful of this and be careful in how you introduce them to each other. This can be stressful for both pets, as one may feel threatened that a new animal has come into their home, and the other may be nervous too. You should be tactical in how you introduce them to each other, and ensure not to rush things. Furthermore, you need to be patient, as it could be a gradual process of them getting to know each other.
For more information and advice or if you would like to speak to us about getting a new dog, simply get in touch with us via our contact page wne we will be more than happy to help.
