Congratulations on adopting a new rescue dog! You’ve done the research and found the perfect match for your lifestyle. But what now? Your new dog may be anxious in their new surroundings, so here are tips to help your new dog settle in and make the transition smooth.
1 – Prepare Beforehand
Before you bring them home, it’s essential to prepare your house for their arrival. Make sure you have everything your pup needs, like a leash, food and water dishes, toys, and a first aid kit. Remember that a new environment can be scary for a pup, so try to make them feel comfortable and at home. Don’t forget to consider pet insurance, too, in case of unexpected vet visits. If pet insurance isn’t your cup of tea, consider opening a savings account at your bank to make periodic contributions; that way, you have designated funds to draw from if necessary.
2 – Bringing Home a Calm Pup
It’s important to stay calm and relaxed when bringing home your new puppy. Your excitement may be high, but they are leaving a familiar place for a new one. Additionally, as a rescue, the conditions may have left them traumatized and nervous about strangers. To make the transition smooth as possible, have two people bring them home. One person can drive while the other comforts the pup.
3 – Explore the Neighborhood
After a direct trip to your new home, use a leash and take them for a walk around the neighborhood. This will help familiarize them with the area’s sounds, scents and sights (not to mention tire them out). By the end of the walk, your pup will be calmer and better prepared to explore their new home.
4 – Introduce Them to Their New Home
It’s time to introduce your new furry friend to their new home. Start by teaching them to sit or lay down before entering the house. This will help with their self-control and promote safety. While giving a house tour, keep them on a leash and minimize distractions. Your pup may be overwhelmed, so be there to help them adjust to their new surroundings.
5 – Provide Them Free Time to Explore
After introducing your new pup to the essential elements of their new home, it’s time to let them explore! Show them where they’ll be able to go outside to potty, and give them a treat when they do their business to start reinforcing positive behaviour. Make sure they have access to water and show them where they’ll be sleeping. Introduce them to where and when they’ll have their food. Give them a chance to play with their toys as well. Finally, take them to bed and give them some space to settle in. They may just lie down and relax, which is a good sign that they feel comfortable in their new home.
6 – Keep the Welcome Minimal
Avoid having a big gathering for your new pup’s arrival. Give them a few days to adjust before introducing them to others. Keeping the attendance down to the residents of your household will be the perfect opportunity to become acquainted with the people they will spend most of their time with.
When the time comes to meet others, choose an outdoor space for the greeting. This allows your pup to explore and move around and reduces the chance of overcrowding. This also allows your dog to approach and smell new people, lessening stress and anxiety.
7 – Take It Slow
Giving your new dog some quiet time is essential for their well-being and helps them adjust to their new home. After a long day of exploring and meeting new people and animals, they may feel overwhelmed and need time to process everything. During this time, make sure they have a cozy spot to relax, such as a dog bed or crate, and let them rest in peace. Avoid disturbing them with loud noises or too much excitement. This downtime will allow them to recharge and feel more comfortable in their new environment. By providing them with a peaceful space, they will be better able to handle the unique experiences of adjusting to a new home.
8 – Establishing Clear Boundaries
We understand the urge to cuddle with your new pet, but it might be wise to wait before letting them sleep in your bed. Establishing clear boundaries for designated areas for each of you during the adjustment period is crucial. Allowing them to sleep in their set bed initially will help them associate it as their haven and vice versa for your bed. Once they’ve acclimated to their new surroundings and understand the rules and boundaries, consider inviting them to join you in bed for snuggles.
