Adopting a new dog is an amazing feeling. You're getting the chance to share your home and affection with a pet you'll get to love its whole life. While you and your pup are sure to experience many wonderful times together over the years, the first few nights might be quite an adjustment for you, especially if you've never had a dog before. Don't get upset or intimidated. It may take some time, but you and your pooch will get used to enjoying life together. Here are some tips to help you get through the more challenging times.
Work on Housetraining
Regardless of your new pup's age, or if you've been told that it's already housetrained, you should still work on this skill. Dogs behave differently in new environments, sometimes even forgetting basic training. The stress of the move, unfamiliar faces and a new home may cause your pup to forget all about making its way outside to go to the bathroom.
Instead of getting upset, work on retraining your pup. You can do this in two ways. Either reward your dog when it goes to the bathroom outside or be proactive and take your pup out a few times each hour. Your dog will understand what to do in no time.
Consider Crate Training
Getting your dog used to being kept in a crate in different circumstances is a beneficial tool. Dogs instinctively seek out quiet, comforting spaces when they feel stressed or overwhelmed, and by giving your dog a crate, you're appeasing your pooch's natural desire.
Additionally, if you're curious how to ensure your dog won't destroy things while you're away for short periods at a time, Google the concern "wondering how to stop dog from destroying things when gone." One of the top solutions is sure to be "use a crate." However, you can't just put your dog in the crate the first time it sees this cage and leave the house. Getting your pup used to a crate takes time and patience.
To train your dog correctly, keep in mind that it needs to associate going into its crate with a pleasant experience. Don't use the cage as somewhere you put your dog if it misbehaves. Introduce your pup to the cage and coax it in with food, treats or a toy and a welcoming voice.
Depending on its personality, it can take your dog minutes to days to feel comfortable in the crate. Once your pooch feels at ease, start feeding it in the crate. Soon you'll be able to shut the door during meals and for a few minutes afterward. From this point, you'll be able to slowly lengthen the time your pup stays in the crate, from short stays to overnight slumbers.
Take a Trip to the Vet
Find a vet that you trust and take your pup for its first visit. You'll want to discuss vaccinations and have the vet run a blood panel to check for and treat abnormalities before they become more significant issues. Another subject to address is whether getting your pup microchipped is something you'd be interested in doing. This chip is worth getting because if your dog gets lost or stolen, your chances of getting it back greatly increase.
Puppy-Proof Your Home
Making sure your house is safe for your new pooch is especially important if you have a puppy. Puppies are notorious for getting into and tearing apart everything. The only way to keep your pup and your property safe is to puppy-proof your home.
There are several things you can do to ensure your dog's safety. Because dogs are nosy and want to sniff and taste things they shouldn't, keep medications, lotions, food and gum out of reach. Xylitol poisoning is becoming a bigger problem because more than 700 products contain this sweetener, so it's more important than ever to store products in places your pets can't get to.
It's also essential to keep your trash somewhere your pup doesn't have access to. The food odors will lure your pup in, so if your trash can doesn't have a secure lid, your pooch will definitely break in to get the goods. Eating trash is dangerous because your dog could eat old foods that could make it sick, get its head stuck in a bag and possibly suffocate or choke on a bone. The best way to ensure your dog stays safe is to store the trash can in a cupboard or garage.
While the first few weeks might be stressful, keep your eye on the prize. After your pup adjusts to its new living arrangement and starts listening to your commands, your bond will begin to grow strong, resulting in your pooch becoming more of a pal than a pet.
