Introducing a new dog to your family is sometimes a quick and easy connection, but the road can be bumpy for others. Even if you plan, things can go awry. As you welcome a new pet into your home, it’s important to have patience as they acclimate and learn that where they are is a safe place. Be sure to offer a new dog plenty of verbal praise and privacy to get comfortable.
For a new dog, the best approach is to interact with them in a quiet, neutral area and a calm manner. Avoid direct eye contact at first. Let the dog approach you, and always keep your hands visible. Let your dog meet family members one at a time to avoid overstimulation. Have each person feed the dog a small amount of food to create that positive association every time.
Discover more ways to introduce a new dog to your family.
Prepare the Home
You can prepare your home for a new dog in dozens of ways. Set up a designated area for feeding and a separate area for rest. When you first bring home a dog, try to introduce it to where it’s going to eat so that it knows its rest area, which preferably has a doggy bed and blanket.
Skip the Initial Introduction
Unless things are going well, an initial meet-and-greet may not be the best plan to introduce a pup. If your dog seems nervous or aggressive, give it space. If it is happy and exciting, though, first-time introductions in a calm and quiet area can be very beneficial. It lets your dog get used to each person’s scent and presence.
Don’t Overwhelm Your Dog
Let your dog roam free for a day or two if needed. Try not to bother them much. After a few hours, you may try luring them out of wherever they are hiding with some premium-quality dog food or a treat. That said, for some pups, this is a slow process. Do not force anything. Let your dog control where they are and what’s happening around them.
Establish a Feeding Routine
From the start, establish a feeding routine. Set out feeding times and put some structure into your dog’s day. This can be a great comfort for them. Ensure that their feeding area is relatively quiet and not in any high-traffic areas of the home. Also, ensure you have high-quality dog food that fulfills your pet’s nutritional needs. Consult a pet store to find the best dog food available.
Keep Your New Dog Separated From Other Pets
You may already have cats, dogs, or other pets. Keep your new dog separated from them initially. Let your dog explore their surroundings and de-stress first. It will likely take several days for you to introduce pets. It’s a gradual process wherein both animals should be rewarded with food or treats. Like with human family members, it’s about creating a positive association.
Supervise All Interactions with Children
Do not leave your child alone with your dog. Be present during the initial interactions because even a well-behaved dog can accidentally injure a child. Ensure your child is also conducting themselves in a kind and positive way. There may be behaviours to correct on both sides to ensure a safe experience for all. For example, hugging or grabbing the dog could indicate aggression.
Set Boundaries From Day One
Do not wait to use positive reinforcement to inform your dog of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. Praise them when they do something you like to reinforce these behaviours. If they disobey or are disobedient, your dog may have to be trained, which can be a family activity. All family members should use the same set of boundaries for your dog.
Involve the Family in Feeding
Let different family members feed the dog to build trust between the pet and the person. Teach your kids how to place food bowls calmly and safely. Occasionally, you may want to encourage family members to give your dog food by hand. Similarly, it’s an excellent opportunity to teach children how to approach a new dog slowly and avoid sudden movements. Over time, your family can even create a balanced diet for dogs to ensure the meals are nutritious.
Introduce a Crate for a Safe Space
Crate train your dog. A crate is a secure area for them to relax and decompress in. It should never be used as a punishment. Always give it a positive association. Reward your dog with treats when they enter the crate voluntarily. Entice your dog to use the crate as much as possible. This is their home within a home.
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