It’s the most fabulous experience to have a new dog in family life. But proper planning is necessary to make sure everything works well for the dog during his stay. Introducing a new visitor – be it a puppy or an old dog – will need some time. Those ten comprehensive suggestions will help you successfully integrate into your household with your new puppy.
1. Before the dog arrives, Prepare your home
Before bringing the dog, make sure that you have everything he needs to feel comfortable.
– Provide him with a comfortable bed or a place in the garden to serve as a safe dwelling intended for him.
– Get his basic supplies like food and water bowl, suitable food, toys. . .
– Make sure that the house is safe for him: keep away electrical wires, chewable objects or those that pose a danger to him.
2. Set clear rules for all family members
Before the dog arrives, meet with family members to establish uniform rules on how to handle the new dog.
– Determine who is responsible for feeding, cleaning, and walking him.
– Decide in advance if it is allowed to climb on furniture or sleep in certain rooms.
– Teach everyone the importance of using the same commands when training a dog, such as “sit”, “come”, and”no”.
3. Allow the dog to get to know the house gradually
Upon the arrival of the dog, do not immediately leave him completely freely around the house, but introduce him to the environment gradually.
– Start with one quiet room where he can adapt without too many distractions.
– After that, let him explore the rest of the rooms under your supervision.
– Use a calm and reassuring voice tone to help him feel safe.
4. Make the first meeting with the family calm and slow
Let the dog deal with family members normally, instead of everyone rushing at him.
– Use calm body language, and avoid sudden movements or loud sounds that may scare him.
– Everyone can treat him kindly to let him get to know him.
– Reward him with rewards and compliments when he behaves calmly.
5. Introducing children to the new dog in a safe way
If you have children, it is necessary to teach them how to treat a dog gently and respectfully.
– Teach not to shout or run suddenly in his vicinity, as it makes the dog feel nervous.
– Explain, do not- pull his ears or tail additionally, don’t disturb him while eating or sleeping.
– Encourage children to play with him quietly and motivate them with treats for giving to the dog so he associates them positively with the children.
6. Introduce the new dog to other pets with caution
If you have other pets, then introducing them to the new dog should be gradual to avoid any conflicts.
– At first, let them smell each other from behind a closed door.
– Use a barrier such as a cage or a small fence to allow them to see each other without direct friction.
– Don’t force them to interact, but rather let things happen at a normal pace.
7. Create a daily routine for the dog
Dogs love routine because it makes them feel safe.
– Offer him food at the same times every day.
– Set aside fixed times for walking, playing, and training.
– Make sure he also has a quiet time to relax undisturbed.
8. Use positive reinforcement to build trust
Positive reinforcement (rewards, praise, Games) is the perfect way to train a dog and encourage him to behave well.
– Reward him instantly for good behavior, like sitting down quietly or responding to commands.
– Do not use physical punishment; this will only make him afraid or aggressive.
– Have patience; the dog needs time to learn the new rules.
9. Watch your dog’s body language to understand his feelings
Dogs communicate via body language, that’s why you should monitor his signals to understand his real feelings.
– A wagging tail signifies eagerness or contentment, while a tail tilted down denotes nervousness.
– Erect ears indicate attention, while flat back ones mean fear or stress.
– Growling or showing teeth indicates discomfort, here you should step back and calm the situation.
10. Be patient and leave the dog time to adapt
Some dogs adapt quickly, while others need weeks or even months to feel safe.
– Don’t expect him to understand the rules right away, adaptation takes time.
– Give him the space he needs to feel safe.
– Be kind and understanding, remember that building a strong relationship with your dog requires love and patience.
Final Thoughts
It’s a wonderful experience to bring a new dog into your family, but this requires that you have clear planning to make everyone comfortable. You can assist your dog feel safe and fit in with your new house by heeding these ten suggestions. The dog will grow into a devoted member of your family with time and care, providing you with years of enjoyment and friendship!
