5 ways to help your new dog settle into their home

Bringing a new dog home can be both exciting and overwhelming. Here are five effective ways to help your new furry friend settle in comfortably.

Published on: Jun 10, 2024, 16:46:17 IST

By Akanksha Agnihotri, New Delhi

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Adopting a dog is a deeply rewarding and emotional experience. By giving a deserving animal a new, wonderful life, you've earned the right to feel proud and excited about your new best friend. It's tempting to immediately introduce your new pup to all your friends and family, but as a new pet parent, it's important to consider what's best for your dog. Taking it easy during the first week is a great way to help them settle into their new surroundings and get to know you better. Whether you've adopted a puppy or an older dog, helping them feel comfortable and secure in their new home should be a top priority. (Also read: Emergency pet care guide: Essential tips for safely moving your sick or injured pet )

Welcoming a new dog into your home is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming for your furry friend. (Unsplash)

5 Ways to Help Your New Dog Settle

Renee Rhoades, Dog Behaviorist, shared in her recent Instagram post some top tips to help your new pet settle in a changed environment.

1. Give the space

There can be much change in a short period of time for newly adopted dogs. Set them up somewhere that is quiet and where they can get much-needed rest.

2. Avoid too many visitors

The first thing we want to do is tell everyone about the new arrival. Tell everyone, but keep the "showing off" to a minimum. Your dog needs time to rest after all the stress.

3. Avoid doing too many things

Of course, you are excited about your new family member, and you want to start showing them the world. Wait 72 hours before starting to expose them to more than their home turf.

4. Don't worry about training

During the first few weeks of your new arrival, don't put pressure on them by trying to teach them things. Their mind is already so full learning about their new life and routines.

5. Nurture secure attachment

Your new addition's whole world has suddenly been flipped upside down. They need a safe, calm person that they can start to trust and form a bond with. Be there to comfort them.

Each relationship is different, so even if you have raised puppies, adopted before or had dogs all your life, getting a professional on board early on can help even out any kinks. It just makes the process so much smoother!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Akanksha Agnihotri
Akanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.Read More

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