Whether you're the proud parent of an older rescue or a new puppy, the first few days with your new dog are undeniably exciting. But, if you're new to being a puppy parent, you might also be feeling those first-day nerves.
Luckily, you're not in this alone. There's lots of advice out there to help both new owners and their dogs bond, making those first crucial days a breeze to navigate! So, before you get too caught up in puppy cuddles and dog treats, take the time to read these 5 expert tips.
Take a Few Days Off
Get ready to become a house hermit while you and your dog get comfortable!
Settling your dog in can require 24/7 attention. It's recommended that you take at least 1-2 days off from work and keep your time free, allowing you to focus all of your attention on your puppy. From helping them explore the house to starting the all-important toilet training, you won't have time to do much else for a couple of days.
Stick to One Room
To make settling in a breeze, keep your dog in one room for the first day or two, switching to the bedroom at night. By doing this, you're giving them the chance to get used to one space before sniffing out all the other spots in your home, making it far less likely they'll become overwhelmed.
Keeping doors closed is a smart move to start developing boundaries, too. You're teaching your pup that they don't have free reign over the space and, in time, can explore with your permission. This is particularly important as you toilet-train your dog. Giving them access to your whole home will just make it harder for them to pinpoint where they can do their business.
Staying in one room also makes it easier to keep an eye on your dog. Use baby gates to create a secure space for your pup while still being able to see and hear them when you're elsewhere in the house, making for a stress-free first day.
Take Your Pup Out Every Hour
Whether your dog is toilet trained or not, if you don't want any accidents then be sure to take them outside every hour. This is one of the reasons why having your own yard makes the settling-in experience a lot easier.
If your yard isn't secure, put your puppy on a leash when you go out. Give them a lot of time to sniff and explore, getting them used to their new environment.
This is the perfect time to start reward-based training, too! When they go potty, be sure to give them treats and plenty of praise, too, letting them know they've done something right.
Don't Force Your Dog into a Crate
If the person you've bought or rescued your dog from lets you know that they're crate trained, this can be a great way to make them feel safe on their first night. That being said, don't force a new dog into a crate. This will only lead to negative associations and make the first few days a lot more stressful.
Instead, leave the crate door open and encourage your pup with toys and treats. Make sure they know they can come back out and don't close the gate on them, giving them the freedom to roam.
It's a good idea to bring the crate into your bedroom on the first night or to sleep with them in the living room. By having you near, they may feel less worried, and you'll be better able to jump to action if they need to go outside.
Avoid Too Many People
If you have a lot of people in your house, minimize the number that your dog meets on the first day.
For parents, asking a friend or family member to look after your children is a great way to reduce the stress on you and your pup, creating a calmer household for your dog to settle into. When you do introduce kids to a new dog, do it in small stages and take cues from your puppy to see what they're comfortable with. You never know, they might be over the moon to be the center of attention, but it's always best to go slow and steady.
In terms of guests, though you might be itching to show off your dog, keep visitors away for the first couple of days. For rescue dogs, don't have any guests until your pup has fully settled in.
Bonus Tip: Follow Your Dog!
Remember, your dog will give you plenty of cues as to what they need from you. Pay attention to their body language and behavior so that you adjust your first day and night to suit their personality. By working together, you'll be giving belly rubs and getting lots of kisses in no time.
This article was written by Jessica Cull for Top Gun Dog Training.
Request a FREE Phone Consultation for dog training in Huntsville, AL.
Opmerkingen