How to Welcome Home Your New Dog
Bringing home a new dog, especially a rescue dog, is an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience. Oftentimes, rescue dogs have bounced around from shelters to foster homes to vets with little to no structure or consistency. It can be difficult to know what the best way is to welcome your new pup into your home and make them feel safe and secure. Whether you’re adopting a rescue dog or just bringing home a puppy, it’s important to ensure that you create a comfortable environment for your new four-legged friend and set them up for success by implementing structure. With the right preparation, you can ensure that your new pup will transition smoothly into your home. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to welcome home your new dog.
The Rule of 3
Bringing a new dog into your home is an exciting experience, but it’s important to remember that the transition can be stressful for your new furry friend. The rule of 3 is a helpful guideline to follow to ensure your new dog feels safe and secure in their new home.
The rule of 3 gives a rough outline based on what you should be focusing on and what you can expect from your dog in the first three days, three weeks, and three months.
During the first three days, your new dog should be crated frequently. This will provide them with a calm, safe space to take in their new surroundings and adjust to the unfamiliar sounds, smells, and sights of their new home.
After the initial three days, the next few weeks should be focused on creating structure and routine for your new dog. Limiting their access to the house and keeping them on-leash or in their crate will help to establish boundaries/expectations of your home and a sense of consistency. It’s also important to introduce them to their new routine, including meal times, walks, and playtime.
By the three-month mark, most dogs will have settled into their new home and feel comfortable around their new family. They’ll have a better understanding of the expectations of the house and should be having little to no accidents indoors. Remember, every dog is different and may take more or less time to adjust, but following the rule of 3 will help set your new dog up for a successful transition.
How do I Introduce My New Dog to My Other Dog?
Introducing a new dog to an established pack can be a tricky process that requires patience, planning, and careful supervision.
The first step is to introduce the dogs on neutral ground. Taking them for a walk together in a nearby park or neighborhood can be a good way to get them acquainted with each other in a safe, neutral environment. It's essential to keep them on-leash and under close supervision during the first few meetings. Give the dogs time to sniff each other and get familiar with one another from a distance. If one of the dogs seems uncomfortable or anxious, take a step back and try again later.
After your pack walk, start by keeping the new dog separated from the other dog(s) using a baby gate or crate. This way, they can still see and smell each other, but there's no risk of a confrontation. It's essential to supervise their interactions closely, especially during the first few days.
Make sure to feed the dogs separately and put away all bones or toys to prevent any resource guarding. Slowly increase their time together as they become more familiar with each other, always on-leash. If you're worried about aggression or territorial issues, seek the help of a professional dog trainer.
Remember that every dog is different and may react differently to a new dog. Some dogs may take longer to get used to a new housemate than others. Be patient and go at your dog's pace. With time, love, and attention, your dogs will learn to coexist happily in their new pack.
