Bringing a new dog into your home can be a very exciting time for both family members and other pets. Adopting a new pup also requires a lot of planning and organization to ensure a smooth initial meeting and to facilitate a healthy transition into the household. As a pet owner, it’s vital to have a firm understanding of how to manage pet introductions to ensure harmony for everyone in the household.
While this is an exciting time, it’s important to keep in mind that this transition period can also be stressful for the new pup. The best way to make the transition easier for the both of you is by doing a little advanced planning. Here, we have gathered some tips on how to introduce your new dog to your home.
How to Introduce a New Dog to Your Home
Before your puppy arrives, arrange a family meeting, learn about the breed, and prepare your home. Once the dog arrives, introduce family members in different rooms and establish a routine.
Before Your New Pup Arrives:
Before your puppy arrives, you should do the following:
Arrange a Family Meeting
Adopting a new pup is a huge commitment, so before you decide to take the plunge be sure to discuss the decision with other family members. You may be the primary pet owner but other family members may inevitably need to step in and take care of your furry buddy. This is especially true if you leave the house a lot or go on vacations.
This is also a good opportunity to discuss the house rules. These may include where the dog will sleep and which areas of the household are off-limits. Considering your family members’ opinions will help ensure everyone is on the same page.
Learn More About the Breed
There are numerous dog breeds out there and learning more about your new pup’s specific breed will be very useful. Reading up on the breed’s specific characteristics and any special health concerns will prove vital in taking care of your new pup and in making sure their needs are met to promote healthy development.
For instance, if you plan on adopting a Shiba Inu puppy, it helps to learn more about the breed’s temperament, daily exercise needs, and common health issues. By taking the time to read a well-put-together guide on getting a Shiba Inu puppy, you can make informed decisions about your new pup’s care and facilitate a healthy transition into your home.
Prepare Your Home
Before your new pup arrives, stock up on essential supplies so the newest addition can settle in comfortably. You also don’t want to have to make several mad dashes to the nearest pet store once your puppy arrives. Examples of essential items include a collar and leash, dog food and treats, food and water bowls, a crate, and some toys.
When Your New Pup Arrives:
Once your new puppy arrives, you should:
Introduce Family Members and Different Rooms
Once your new pup arrives, give it some time to adjust to its new surroundings. For timid dogs, lively and loud strangers can be overwhelming. So, remember to keep a calm and mellow mood and hold off on inviting guests until your puppy settles in. Slowly introduce each family member and go for a walk around the home.
Introduce your new furry companion to their crate, bed, or area in the household. Your new pup may start to get more comfortable with the new sights, scents, and surroundings of their forever home. After the tour, take your pup to the feeding area and reward him or her with some water and treats to introduce the idea of meals in this specific area.
Establish a Routine with Your Pup
A daily routine with some house training can add more structure to your pup’s day. It can also be reassuring as it adjusts to the new surroundings. Figure out a schedule for meals, bathroom breaks, daily walks, and exercises — and try to follow it.
This routine will help your new dog settle in during the adjustment period. They will learn the appropriate time to have exercise, eat meals, and have some mental enrichment. As you go along, you may find yourself making some adjustments as you observe how your new furry companion responds and how you can better meet their needs.
Other Factors to Consider:
If you have a resident dog, the initial meeting between the two is crucial and sets the tone for their relationship. When making the initial introduction, be sure to find a neutral spot in your home. A neutral spot is ideally a fully-fenced outdoor space that neither dog has claimed through frequent visits or walks.
When this is unavailable, the next best thing is a space with enough room for both dogs to roam on-leash to get to know one another. This could be a neutral space, such as a garage or basement. Make sure this area does not contain anything that might cause a scuffle, such as empty food bowls, toys, or beds.
Look for positive dog body language, such as wagging tails and a calm demeanor. If one or both dogs are exhibiting tense postures or lowered, tucked tails, it could be a sign of discomfort. This is an indication that your dogs need a break from the interaction.
If you have a resident cat, it’s best to keep the two separate for the first 3-4 days. After a few days, start to feed your cat and new pup on opposite sides of a closed door. This will teach them to associate each other’s presence with pleasant things, such as food. It’s generally best to teach your new pup basic commands like “sit” or “down” first before you initiate face-to-face meetings. For smaller pets, we also have a guide for how to introduce your new pup to your pet rabbit.
Conclusion
Bringing home your new pup is an exciting adventure that can also be stressful for everyone involved. Hence, it is best to plan for the occasion appropriately to avoid complications. It is important to facilitate a smooth and happy transition for you and your new pup. By taking the time to prepare for your new dog’s arrival, you can make the initial introduction and adjustment period much easier.
