Adding a dog to your home is an exciting time. However, there are several steps you can take to make sure that you introduce your new dog to your house successfully.
The first important step into introducing a new dog into your home is to make sure that you prepare your house. For starters, you should make sure that you have all the supplies needed. Just as you would have diapers, clothes, and a place to sleep for a new baby, you should have items for your new pup. A personal food and water bowl, a crate with pee pads, a leash and collar, a toy or two, and a place to sleep should be at the top of your list. Second, you should make sure that you have removed any potential conflict, such as another dog’s favorite toy. The last thing that you want is to start a new dog off on the wrong paw with their new dog mate. Until they are acquainted, keep their toys separated.
When you get your dog home, start out by taking things slow. Let the dog sniff around the backyard, his new domain, and also inside the house. For his find time around the house, keep him on his leash. You should also introduce the new dog to family members slowly, and make sure that both the dog and the other family members stay as calm as possible. It may be best to have your pup on his leash for these first introductions; play it by ear and use your best judgment for when you feel he or she is ready to roam on their own.
When it comes to introducing your new dog to other animals, the most crucial part is to keep a close eye on the interaction. You should introduce your dogs and the new dog, one at a time and if possible, allow this interaction to happen outside. If you have a cat in the house, you should make sure that the cat is safe, until you know how the new dog will react to it (or how the cat will react to him.)
You should also start making routines with the newest family member. Breakfast and dinner should occur at mostly the same time each day. An outing before bedtime. A special playtime after lunch, so on and so forth. You should also make sure you let the dog go outside frequently, especially for new puppies. Watch for signs that your pup needs to go out, such as standing at the door or sniffing around corners. When he starts showing signs, don’t wait. Bring him out as soon as possible to set the routine of, you have to go and we go out.
The overall message should be to keep things as calm as possible and to make sure you keep an eye on the dog. A new dog is fun and exciting and can be a great addition to any home, just as long as you make sure that you both start off with the right paw forward.
