When you bring home a new dog, it’s essential to understand the first few days will be a lot like a detox period for them. This is where they learn their new space, get comfortable, and show their personalities. Remember that some dogs may take days or even months to acclimate fully.
Socializing
For many people, when they buy dogs for sale, bringing them home is an exciting time. However, it’s important to remember that this is a stressful time for the new dog. For them, this may be the first time they’ve ever seen your living room or even your house. Be sure to take your new pet for a long walk on their first day or two so they can familiarize themselves with their new environment and burn off some energy. Also, show them where everything is – such as their bed or crate, food, and water bowls (and where the door is for bathroom breaks). If you have children, carefully supervise their interaction with the new dog. Rough play or wrestling can cause injury and should not be encouraged. If you have another dog or cat in your home, introduce them to the new dog on neutral ground outside your house. Again, keep them both on leash so you can control their interactions. If they both show positive body language (tail wagging, friendly mouth movements), let them get to know each other more fully. If either dog shows discomfort (tail between the legs, crouching down with ears back, etc.), separate them immediately and try again later when they are calmer.
Puppy Training
Puppy training is the first step to building a strong bond with your new dog and teaching him the rules of your home. Creating a gated-off living area where the puppy can stay safely during daytime hours is essential. This area should be free of anything he could damage or chew. During this time, you can provide him with toys to keep him occupied and help redirect his sharp teeth and primal hunting instincts. Puppy-level chew toys made from non-toxic materials, plush stuffed dogs, and rope or rubber balls are all good choices. In addition, several short walks a day and play sessions with you are also crucial in keeping the puppy physically fit and mentally stimulated. Your new puppy must learn to use his crate for potty breaks and sleep at night. To minimize accidents inside the house, take the dog outside before bringing him in to do his business. This will also allow you to establish a potty schedule that you can follow. Once the dog has used his potty, you can bring him inside and introduce him to family members individually. Make sure you supervise each interaction and limit excitement and enthusiasm. Also, be sure the other dogs and cats in your household are up to date on their shots before introducing them to the new puppy.
Health Care
Bringing home a new dog is a big responsibility, but it can also be one of the most fulfilling experiences in life. Consider taking out pet insurance to protect your new pup and ensure they’re covered in the case of any pre-existing conditions. It’s essential to keep in mind that your adopted dog will be anxious and probably overwhelmed. When bringing them home, it’s best to avoid exposing them to too much noise or heavy traffic. This will help them settle into their new home and avoid unnecessary stress. Keeping them crate-trained during the day is also good, especially for their first few days at home. This will prevent them from potty training in the house, destroying things they shouldn’t be reaching, and interacting with your other resident pets. Be sure to purchase all the necessary supplies, including a leash and collar, ID tag with your phone number, food and water bowls, crate (if using), and bedding. It’s also a good idea to have a basic first aid kit with vet wrap, canned pumpkin, styptic powder, and hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting in case your new dog eats something dangerous.
Training Tips
Take your new dog on a long walk before taking them home to burn off energy and give you time to bond. Have a few treats on hand to reward good behavior and help keep your pup focused. Remember that rescue dogs often come from a stressful start to life and are learning about their new homes. It is not unusual for them to show stressful behaviors (such as urinating or chewing) as they learn what is and isn’t acceptable. Being patient and not scolding them for these behaviors is essential, as this will only confuse them and make them more anxious. When deciding how to house your pup, create a safe and secure area they can go to when they need to relax or sleep. Ensure that this space is away from anything they could potentially damage or chew and is gated off with a baby gate. It’s a good idea to have food that your pet was eating in the shelter on hand for the first few days, as making a sudden change in diet can be pretty stressful. Slowly introduce the new food over a few days or a week, mixing it with the old and increasing the proportion of the new each day.