Dog on Doormat

Helping Your New Dog Adjust.

Are you interested in helping your new dog adjust to their new home? Are all the medicines locked in the cabinet? Have you removed the cookie jar from the counter? What about the chocolate bars that you keep in the kitchen on the lower shelf? That glass lamp on your living room side table will probably be the first thing that breaks!

What are we talking about when we say this?

We are talking about the chaos that may ensue after your new dog comes home. You should canine-proof your house now because things could get messy.

The experience of adopting a dog brings happiness to both the canine and their human. Whether you are getting a pup, an adult, or a senior dog, you need to make sure that their transition into your home is stress-free, safe, and calm.

Below are five tips on how to ease your dog into a new environment:

1.     Let Him Explore at His Own Pace

Dogs get stressed too. Seeing a different surrounding might make them anxious or scared. So, instead of forcing him to cuddle or play with you, leave him be. Open the backyard door and let him sniff around. The more he will acclimate to the surroundings, the more at ease he will feel.

2.     Give Him His Own Space

Some dogs are clingy, while others like to keep to themselves until they have formed a bond with their owner. Create a bed for your dog so that when he feels exhausted or overwhelmed, he can lie down and decompress. To engage his attention, give him a food-dispensing toy, like a stuffed Kong. This is a great way to show your dog how awesome you are. Even though a small gesture, this will build his trust in you.

3.     Establish a Routine

Once your dog has taken a tour of the house and knows where he can go for some alone time, you can start planning a routine. Everything should be done at a slow pace, from feeding time to walking time, playing, and force-free training, everything should be done at a slow pace. Remember, you are still learning your dog’s habits, which means that he will like some things and dislike others.

4.     Be Prepared for Any Stomach Issues

It often happens that when a dog’s diet changes suddenly, he experiences stomach issues. From vomiting to diarrhea and gas problems, you can expect anything. Ask the shelter what brand of food they were giving the dog and then get a month’s supply. Gradually add your preference of dog food over the span of the month and see how it sits with the dog. If the dog continues to have diarrhea, visit a vet immediately.

5.     Get Your Dog into a Training Class

You will have to supervise your new dog closely to make sure that he isn’t misbehaving. Often, adopted dogs are not house-trained. They may not know how you want them to interact with their new environment. If you don’t think a group class is an appropriate environment for your specific pup, forcing your dog to socialize is not a good idea. Online dog training would be a good option for you. You can also get a personal force-free dog trainer and have one-on-one classes. This is a good way of helping your new dog adjust.

If your dog was previously abused, then beware of escape attempts. For the first few weeks, put a lock on the doggy door. Then, establish boundaries by teaching things like “place” and “stay” so that your dog can stay safe. If you need extra help with your new rescue buddy, consider hiring a certified professional to help get you on the right track.

For dog training in Miami, visit the website Dances with Dogs. They offer online dog training for puppies as well as adult and older dogs. To know more about their services or to schedule an appointment, call on 786-299-1552.