Bringing a new dog into your home is an exciting experience! However, whether your new furry friend is coming from a rescue kennel or a private home, they might feel scared and overwhelmed as their world has completely changed. Here are some tips to help them adjust smoothly:
Scent
Provide something familiar from their previous home, such as a blanket, to help them feel more secure.
Hands Off
Try not to handle them too much initially. Give them space to settle in.
Explore
Allow them time to explore their new home at their own pace.
Sleep
Set up a quiet area where they can sleep and rest. They will likely be exhausted from the transition.
Food
Depending on their previous circumstances, they might be anxious around food. Give them a quiet place to eat where they won’t be disturbed. They might not want to eat initially, but continue to offer different options.
Slow Introductions
In the early days, keep your household calm and avoid having visitors. Don’t take them to many different places. Unless there’s an immediate health concern, visits to groomers and vets can wait until your dog has had some decompression time.
Home
Ensure your home is dog-proofed by blocking areas you don’t want the dog to go. Stair gates and puppy pens can be very helpful.
Garden
Make sure your garden is escape-proof with no holes in fences or low, easy-to-jump fences. Fences can be extended with trellis. Don’t underestimate a dog’s ability to escape!
Toilet Training
Treat your new rescue dog like a puppy. Take them out to the garden every hour (or more if needed) and reward them for eliminating in the right place. Ignore any accidents inside and clean up with an appropriate cleaner.
Night Time
To help your new dog settle in, consider sleeping in the same room for at least the first few nights. This will help them feel safe and secure, giving them confidence to be on their own later.
Camera
A dog cam is a great tool to monitor your dog when you’re not in the room, ensuring they are happy and comfortable being left alone.
Sally offers home support packages to help you settle in and train your new rescue dog :-)
If you would like to chat through your requirements just contact us via phone or email below.
