Bringing Home a New Dog: A Guide to Settling In
Life changes are hard for everyone: moving to new cities, starting new jobs, welcoming new family members, attending new schools, and more. Dogs, too, experience stress when faced with change. Keep this in mind when considering adding a new dog to your family or fostering one for a shelter or rescue group. Your new furry friend needs all the help they can get to gradually acclimate to their new home.
The First Few Days: Exploration and Relaxation
When Fido first arrives, he’ll need plenty of time to sniff around and explore his new surroundings. Dogs experience the world through their noses, so allow him ample time to explore and orient himself. Keep other pets and people away during this initial exploration period to avoid overwhelming him. Once he’s done exploring, begin teaching him that his new confinement area is a happy and peaceful place to relax. Take him into the area, and if he seems unsure, coax him with high-value treats.
Creating a Safe and Happy Space
While he’s in the room or exercise pen, give him a stuffed Kong or marrow bone to chew on while you read a book, browse the web, or simply relax. The goal is for him to learn that his new relaxation area is safe, happy, and quiet. You’re also teaching him that going to this area does not mean being alone. As he acclimates to his new routine, you can gradually increase the time he spends alone, especially when he’s well-exercised and has an enticing chew bone. For an extra touch, you can play relaxing classical music to help dampen any stimulating sounds that might prevent him from settling down for a nap. If you have children, this part is similar to preparing them for a nap.
Gradual Adjustment is Key
Allowing Fido to adjust gradually to your home while learning the rules and routine will set him and you up for success. Remember that for many shelter dogs, it can take up to a week for stress hormones to break down, allowing them to finally relax. Be patient with Fido.
Tips for Setting Your Canine Companion Up for Success:
- Gather all necessary supplies before bringing the dog home (crate, leash, Kong, collar, etc.).
- Create a realistic routine for meals, exercise, and social time for Fido.
- Establish a safe confinement area that is quiet and welcoming (a bathroom or exercise pen works well for open floor plans).
- Keep the resident dog’s resting places, feeding areas, and toys completely separate from the new dog.
- If possible, use secure baby gates and other barriers to separate the new dog from existing pets.
- For cats, ensure they have plenty of hiding places, cat trees, and other escape routes if they feel uncomfortable. Do not force them to interact with the new dog.
- Keep resident dogs completely separate inside the house for at least 3-4 days minimum, but ideally a week or more.
- If at any point the new dog growls, lunges, or attempts to bite any pets or people, please consult an experienced, reward-based trainer immediately.