So, you are excited about bringing a new puppy into your family who will be the latest family member! Before you get the little one home, just put yourself in his shoes and think- The pup has just been separated from its mother, siblings, and the only humans they may have known at the breeding centre. So, let's bring our puppy home with happiness, excitement, and empathy for what the puppy must be going through. For dogs, new places are often overwhelming with new surroundings and smells. Once given enough time and space, they acclimate to their surroundings and return to their usual selves.
So, let's take a look at what can be done to help adjust your puppy in a new home:
PUPPY-PROOF YOUR HOUSE:
The first step is to puppy-proof your house by following a rule of thumb. Anything out of bounds for your toddler is out of bounds for your puppy, too! Things like
- locking up your dustbins,
- storing foods inside cabinets and not on kitchen counters,
- covering the electric wires that are visible and accessible to avoid your pup chewing on them
- Securing all heavy furniture that your puppy can pull down by using anti-tipping kits
- Make sure your indoor plants are puppy-safe
- Setting up dog gates for both safety and potty training.
It will help you ensure your house is puppy-proof and ensure your puppy is in a safe environment.
INTRODUCE THE PUP TO THEIR NEW HOME AND FAMILY:
The most common mistake people make when they bring a pup home is to let their pet explore the whole house and introduce them to all the family members at once. This can be very
- overwhelming for a canine as it means they must get used to a new environment instantly
- and face it all at once. This can be avoided by allowing your pup to explore an area that you have earmarked for your pet and is pet-proofed. The room is more likely to settle in if it is comfortable and
- cosy and has the dog's food and water. Introduce the family
- members individually and gradually as they spend more time with the pet, building their equation with him.
THE ADJUSTMENT PERIOD FOR DOGS/PETS:
While each canine's time to adjust to their new surroundings differs, the average time taken is usually three days, three months, and three weeks. During the first few days, they might completely shut off or be apprehensive about exploring new things. Since they no longer have their mother or other babies in their litter, the puppy will take its time to feel safe and welcome and in a comfort zone. It's here that setting up a consistent daily routine and feeding pattern will help the canine feel assured about a place to rest and assured meals. It might take about three weeks for the dog to start adjusting and thriving in its routine. By the end of 3 months, you and your pet are usually in love!
SET BOUNDARIES FOR YOUR PUP:
Right from the word go, you set boundaries for your puppy, like not getting on to the furniture, emptying his bowel only in the designated space, and not pestering or begging for food. Also, remember to reward and praise your pet for good behaviour and teach them how to behave with guests without scaring them away!
WATCH OUT FOR SIGNS OF STRESS:
Dogs can go through tremendous stress too, and we can help them combat it by watching out for signs like hiding or trying to run away, destructive chewing, scratching, non-stop barking, refusal to eat, and potty accidents even if the dog has been trained to do potty in a specific place. If you see such signs, spend more time with your pet, give it lots of attention, and ensure it feels comfortable.
START TRAINING EARLY:
As the adage goes- Catch them young! The sooner you start training your pet, the faster they will pick up commands and get used to being around you and the house. A crate room, which is the puppy's own space, will help it get used to the idea of a home of its own, and toys for it to choose from and allow the pup to select its favourite toy are all ways to make it feel cosy and welcome!
Puppies are both fun and work, but if we put in the right amount of work in setting up a home and a safe environment, they pay us back in much larger volumes by becoming treasured family members! So, what are you waiting for? Let's pick up that pet you've been thinking of for a while!