Bringing Your New Dog Home - What to Expect
Knowing what to plan for and what to expect when bringing your new friend home can make the difference between a not so good experience and a great experience. As your dog settles in expect noticeable stages of adjustment, and things to be prepared for at each stage.
The First 1 to 2 Weeks – New Routines and House Rules
The early days of bringing your new dog home can feel unsettled and fluid at times – new fido must learn new family members, new routines, and a whole new environment of smells and places.
Plan for 1 to 2 weeks or so to decompress and adjust. You’ll notice him begin to settle into the household routine. Don’t be disappointed if your new friend doesn’t bond to you right away or listen to you.
New dogs have not established loyalties or attachments to you or your home. This will take weeks to months. It’s best to keep your new dog on a lead at all times, or in a fenced yard when he/she is outside.
The First Few Months – Settling In
Your new friend’s early months are the settling in period. He’ll start look to you as leader for structure and ground rules. No matter his background or personality, he’ll need to know what’s appropriate or inappropriate behavior – it’s your job to teach him.
You might consider training with a professional trainer for you and your new friend – training is a wonderful way to bond, establish trust, and get your new relationship off to a great start.
Congratulations on your new dog. The next few days will probably be a bit confusing for your new Fido friend, but rest assured within a matter of days to weeks most dogs settle into the new household groove without much fuss.
Nonetheless, here’s “the big stuff" on what you can expect and some suggestions to ease the transition for your new friend (and you!), while he adjusts to new routines and new family members.
Its always a good idea to have a few days at home for time to spend with your new friend. When you do...
1- Keep your dog on leash in the house the first couple days. It’s a good way to establish your new connection together, and if accidents happen you can quickly redirect your new friend outdoors. (“Marking” new territory is not uncommon in a new home during the first 1 2 days. Just be prepared to redirect.)
2- Hunker down at home for a few days. Spend some one-on-one time with your friend just taking it easy. Let the dog park or doggy play-groups wait
a week or two. This is get acquainted time so that you can learn more about each other and begin to build a connection.
3- Transition your dog over to new food over the course of 2 to 3 days. Hopefully the rehoming family has provided some of Fido’s current food to do this. If not though you might start with a quality dog food that’s easier on the digestion system, like lamb + rice kibble.
Big Important Stuff
Keep your new dog on leash with you everywhere you go outdoors for the first week. Your dog hasn’t bonded with you yet and doesn’t understand the new game plan. Purchase temporary dog ID tags at the local pet store —just in case you do get separated in the early days.
Build The Connection - Do Stuff Together!
• Play time together or po for long walks on leash
• Practice “Come". Good recall is an important skill for your dog. Practice this, over and over again with the reward of a tasty treat (little nibbles goes a long way).
• See what tricks your friend might already know: sit, lay down, shake. Teach him new tricks!
DON'T FORGET THE TREATS
You can make friends fast with your new dog with yummy treats. Small little bitefuls go a long way.