Getting a new pet is an exciting time for your family, and while we’re sure they will love their forever home, it can also be a daunting and stressful time for a dog. Here are our top tips for how you can prepare for your new arrival and welcome them to their new home while minimising stress.
1. Be prepared
Before your new pup arrives home, you must stock up on everything you will need, including a bed, food and bowls, blankets, collar, lead/harness, puppy pads, poo bags, grooming and hygiene supplies, a natural pet stress remedy and, of course, lots and lots of fun toys.
You’ll also need to prepare the environment and ‘puppy proof’ your home: set up designated eating and sleeping areas that are away from each other, secure your garden, add baby gates to any areas of the house you want to keep pet-free, check for poisonous plants and make sure all hazards (e.g. cleaning products) are out of pup’s way.
2. Take it slow and steady
You and your dog are still getting to know each other, so take everything nice and slowly. The most important thing you need to establish is trust, so don’t pressure them right away until they feel fully comfortable in your presence. This tight bond will make training much easier. When the time comes to begin training, try opting for short, regular bursts of training instead of one long, intense session.
3. Ensure they have their own space
Just as humans need some quiet time, so do animals. Make sure you create an area that can be your dog’s safe space. Whether it’s an open crate covered with a blanket or a cosy bed tucked away in the corner, give them a space away from people and try to leave them alone when they enter their safe space.
4. Start as you mean to go on
While you don’t want to pressure pets right away, it is crucial to set house rules in place from the off so you don’t need to break bad habits later down the line. If certain rooms are off-limits, keep doors closed or install a baby gate so the dog knows it’s not for them. If it’s the sofa you want to keep your pets away from, be sure to do lots of play on the floor so they realise that’s where all the fun is.
5. Keep them as calm as possible
Until they are fully settled in, try to keep the atmosphere of the house mellow to instil some calm in them. Establishing a solid daily routine from the get-go helps them to get used to their surroundings and know what to expect.
Every dog is different and the time it will take to settle in can vary from hours to weeks. For pets that are experiencing anxiety, you may want to help settle them with calming pet products. Pet Remedy has a range of products that use a natural blend of Valerian oil, Vetiver, Sweet Basil and Clary Sage that gets to work immediately, soothing your stressed-out pet without sedating them. It can be a big helping hand for that initial period when you’re trying your best to get them settled but nothing seems to be working. A calm pet is more receptive to its owner, so it can really help to cement your new bond.
The final and most important part of getting a new dog is to just enjoy it! Be sure to follow the above steps and your dog will start to feel at home in no time.
