Do you know which pet has a prominent existence worldwide? It is a dog. According to Tryfi, the entire world is home to 600 million to 900 million dogs, and surveys report that the USA has the most dogs. As an American resident, you may know that 65 million households have dogs.
See if you find yourself among those dog keepers or not. If not, we bet soon you will register your name on that list. So, we are here to make your preparations for the time when you will make a plan for integrating a new dog into your home. Here, we will discuss what to consider before taking the dog home and what to do when you have a furry companion. So, let us not delay our fruitful discussion and get started.
1. Things to Consider before you take them home
Whenever you plan to integrate a new dog into your home, you must consider a few things as an obligation, like getting expert advice, choosing an authentic and experienced shelter to get a dog from, and other things.
. Expert Advice
Every dog is different, and some will always prefer their own space and companionship, even though you would love for your dogs to become the greatest of friends. For instance, a lively puppy could not be accepted in the home by an elderly dog. Because of this, it’s a good idea to consult with a certified dog behaviorist or trainer before beginning your search for a puppy or dog.
They need to assist both canines in adjusting to their new circumstances and assist you in determining what breed of dog would be a suitable fit in your home. Hiring a behaviorist or trainer at an early stage has several advantages.
. Choose an authentic shelter to get a dog from!
Don’t purchase; instead, adopt! Dogs ranging in age from pups to the elderly, mixed breeds to purebreds, are abundant at shelters and in need of caring homes. You receive a great match with professional assistance, spare a life from brutal breeding, and save a life.
Adoptions also come with health checkups and are affordable. When selecting a trustworthy shelter, look for openness, appropriate care, and conscientious adoption practices. Join us in ending unethical practices and giving deserving pets a second shot!
. Ensure Their Vaccination
Your pets, whether dogs or cats, should be secure and healthy. If you are considering adopting or petting an animal, it becomes more crucial that it have current immunization records before you take it home.
If not, ensure their vaccination because a little careless act risks affecting others with illnesses. Before bringing your new puppy home, you must ensure that your current dog has all of its vaccines.
. Prepare A Proper Space
When you finish both tasks, the consideration of creating their space takes its turn. Otherwise, the situation may become problematic and leave a negative impression on you in front of your new companion.
Establish a particular area where they feel protected and at ease. This might be a designated space, a kennel, or a comfortable nook with their bed, toys, and a water dish. This space will act as their haven, giving them a place to go when they need some alone time. Ensure this place is peaceful, devoid of threats, and away from busy roads.
Read More: How to Create a New Dog Breed? Registration, Timing, and Process
2. Now, When the Dog is Home
Now, it is time to discuss the things to consider after integrating a new dog into your home. Suppose, for a while, a friend of yours is at your home for the first time. What should you do? Undoubtedly, you would prefer to do a home tour to understand your house. The same is the story with canines; let them start their lives with a home tour.
. Introduce them to your home.
It’s crucial to delicately introduce your new puppy to different sections of the house in the first few days. Access to additional rooms should be progressively granted, starting with the allocated area. Doing this may give the dog only a little new knowledge at once. Watch over them while they explore, ensuring every place is secure and clear of hazards. Close the doors to any sections off-limits initially, then gradually open them as they become used to their new environment and feel more at ease.
. Build a Routine
Dogs enjoy routines because they provide them with a sense of security and predictability. Set a regular schedule for sleeping, playing, eating, and exercising daily. Your new dog will learn expectations and adjust to their new home with the support of consistency. Establish timetables for meals, walks, and other activities, and make every effort to adhere to them. They will feel more at ease, and their training and behavior development will also benefit from this.
. Provide them with mental and physical stimulation.
During the transition period, providing your new dog with mental and physical stimulation is especially important. Take part in interactive play sessions, give them toys that dispense treats or puzzles to keep their minds busy, and arrange frequent exercise sessions to help them burn off energy. In addition to preventing boredom, mental and physical stimulation reduces stress and encourages a smooth transition to their new surroundings.
. Go for Positive Reinforcement Training
Developing trust and a close relationship with your new dog may be achieved through positive reinforcement training. Use incentives like play, praise, and food to reinforce desired behaviors and prepare them for success. As they get more comfortable, gradually introduce more complex training. Start with fundamental obedience commands like seat, remain, and come. Training sessions assist you and your dog in developing a transparent communication system and offer mental stimulation.
. Oversee their Initial Interactions
Puppies only learn about the world and can pick up a lot from your adult dog and you. They may want additional guidance and assistance from you because they do not yet comprehend all of the social signs that your present dog uses. During the first few days and weeks, you must supervise the dogs’ interactions.
When that’s not an option, please keep your dog and puppy apart by placing them in different rooms of the house and separating them with a door that can be closed. Make sure that they have food, drink, toys, and enrichment activities available to them both. In addition, it’s crucial to sometimes separate the dogs from one another by doing this.
. Monitor Mealtime
Regarding mealtimes, keep your new dog and the resident dog apart. You may put their bowls in different rooms or install a dog gate to keep them apart.
Keep one dog from lingering while the other eats if he finishes before. It would help if you separated them until both dogs licked their bowls clean to avoid stress. Following feeding time, always clear the dishes.
. Schedule a vet visit after a particular duration.
A dog at your home is your family and responsibility; caring for your canine is all he deserves. However, a dog cannot tell you on its own that it is suffering from any medical condition, but you have to watch its body language and activities. If you find any change in its mood or campaigns, schedule a visit as a priority. However, meeting with a vet at a particular time ensures good health.
Conclusion
A new furry pet is an exciting voyage into your house that will involve love, joy, and a few chewed-up shoes! You are bringing a dog into your home by following these procedures and preparing them for a long and happy life with you. Thus, prepare for lots of cuddling, wet licks, and tail wags since you are about to embark on a new journey with your dog!
FAQs
What is the 3-3-3 rule with dogs?
The first three days, three weeks, and three months following the adoption of a new dog are governed by a set of criteria known as the 3-3-3 rule. The 3-3-3 rule is intended to assist the dog in acclimating to their new surroundings and laying the groundwork for a long and happy existence with their new family.
What is a dog’s average time to become used to a new dog?
A month or more may pass before an old dog, and a new dog truly adjust to one another and accept their respective roles in the pack. You should not worry if you desire a second dog, but rather, be prepared to dedicate yourself to the procedure.
How can I handle it if my dog dislikes my new puppy?
If the puppy is growling at your older dog, take a minute to calm them down and attempt to convince them both that everything is okay. If the puppy keeps snarling, take them outside and place them in a different room. Then, please return to your elder dog and reassure them once more that everything will be well.
With a new puppy, how can I help my unhappy dog?
Don’t prioritize one pet over another when it comes to attention. It would help to teach your dog to feel at ease and secure in the box. Provide different areas for each animal to eat. Avoid intentionally making people envious by not petting one of your pets.
