How To Help Your New Puppy Adjust to Your Home
Getting a new puppy can be a very exciting and rewarding experience for your family – especially if it’s your first! Although it’s wonderful to bring a new furry friend home, adjusting to this new environment may be abrupt and stressful for them. Patience, consistency and a solid plan will help your new puppy through the transition.
Follow these tips to make it easier for your puppy to adjust to their new forever home.
Prep your house
Puppies love to explore the world with their mouths and will chew up just about anything they can get their paws on! Remove any sharp objects and block access to electrical cords, sharp edges and anything else you wouldn’t want them licking or chewing. Secure shelves, televisions, and even trash cans so that your furry friend can’t crash into these and knock them over. You may also want to temporarily remove any area rugs or carpets as this can become a popular potty spot for new pups who still need to be trained.
Establish a routine
Puppies thrive on consistency, so it is important to set a schedule or routine right away. This means feeding, leaving the house, returning home, going for a walk, playing and sleeping should occur at approximately the same time every day. By doing this, you will help your new furry friend feel safe and secure, which will reduce the chances of them developing anxiety in the future.
Set boundaries
Puppies thrive on consistency and setting predictable boundaries can be very beneficial. As we do with children, it is important to enforce the rules from day one. Allowing something to slide “just once” may confuse your pup about what is allowed and what is not.
Supervise them closely
Some dogs can get anxious and even destructive when left alone. Be sure to keep your eye on them, especially during the first few days. When leaving home, consider leaving your puppy in a crate temporarily while they get familiar with their routine and boundaries. Just remember to properly introduce your pup to his or her crate by taking it slow and making it a positive experience for them. If properly introduced, a crate can even become a comforting and relaxing place for your puppy.
Be patient
Every dog adapts at their own speed. Try not to over-stimulate your pup during the first few days but instead keep things calm and positive. It is important to give them time to settle in and get comfortable with their new surroundings and routine.
While the first few days with your new furry friend can be both exciting and exhausting, it is also very rewarding. Above all, be sure to enjoy every moment because your new pup will be your best friend before you know it!
