Wondering how to introduce your dog to their new home? After adopting a new dog, it can be a little stressful as you try to prepare. But don’t worry! Follow this guide as you get ready to introduce your pup to their new forever home!
How to Introduce Your Dog to Their New Home
1. Stock Up
It’s time to stock your house up with all the items your new dog will need immediately. Before bringing home your new dog, make sure you have the basics. This can include:
- Food and water bowl
- Collar
- Leash
- Grooming brush
- Various dog toys and balls
- Crate or gate system
- Puppy pads, if needed
2. Introduce All Pets
If you have other animals in your house, it’s important to introduce your new dog to the rest of the pets slowly. Be patient. If you already have a dog, have the dogs meet on neutral ground outside of the house where your dogs might be less territorial.
If you have a cat, you can obviously introduce them indoors. Keep your new pup on their leash and always give your cat an area to run off to when things get to be a bit too much.
Your pets won’t automatically be best friends immediately. Just try to be patient and give all animals room to breathe. They’ll get along eventually!
3. Start With Your Yard
When you first bring your new dog to their new home, it helps to ease them into it. Start by introducing them to your front yard and even your back yard, if you’d like. Allow them to explore and really get to know it.
Then, slowly start to make your way indoors. Again, don’t pressure them. Walk them slowly by your side on a leash. Try not to pick them up and hold them, instead letting them feel in charge as they eventually make their way indoors.
4. Don’t Hold Your Dog
We’ve touched a bit on this above. If you’re wondering how to introduce your dog to their new home, there are many great steps you can take. Not holding them is one amazing step.
While many people want to hold their puppies as they introduce them to their new surroundings and other pets, this might just stress your dog out even more. After all, they’re still getting to know you!
Therefore, it’s best to just let them adjust. Keep them safe on a leash by your side instead!
5. Be Patient
Always try to be patient. Your pup might take a while to adjust to their new forever home — and this okay! Just give them the opportunity to breathe and they’ll eventually adjust accordingly!
How long does it take a puppy to get used to a new home?
It can take about three weeks for a puppy to get used to their new home and begin to fully settle in without any stress or anxiety.
The Next Step For Your New Dog
If you’re preparing to adopt a new dog, the first step you should take is ensuring you have all the items you’ll need, which we listed above. It also helps to prepare your home and puppy-proof anything that needs to be!
Is your new dog ready for their next step now that they’ve adjusted at home? Our training services are a great next step! Get more information and make your reservation here!
