The first days in a new home can be frightening for a dog.
Bringing a new dog home, whether it's a puppy or an adult rescue, can be incredibly exciting. For dogs, however, the first days in a new home are frequently filled with uncertainty and insecurity. Many dogs are so overwhelmed by their new surroundings that they engage in destructive behaviors. Fortunately, with a few simple steps and a little advanced planning, you can acclimate your dog to your home and ensure that it feels comfortable as a member of your family.
Instructions
1. Purchase a crate for the dog. Dogs are den animals that enjoy quiet, dark enclosed spaces. Particularly in the first few days in a new home, a crate can help a dog feel more secure. Put treats, toys and a soft blanket in the crate to encourage the dog to go into it. If you are concerned that the dog might be destructive when unsupervised, or if the dog is a puppy, put the dog in the crate while you are away. Never use the crate as a form of punishment, and avoid locking your dog in the crate for more than two or three hours at a time.
2. Take the dog for frequent walks. Dogs are domesticated wolves, and wild wolves form social relationships by hunting together. In captivity, a walk mimics many of the behaviors associated with hunting in the wild. Walks also help to burn off nervous energy and build trust between dogs and owners.
3. Establish a routine with your dog. Dogs are creatures of habit and do best in homes where they can predict what will happen next. A dog will, for example, be better able to accept being home alone for 10 hours if it's used to this. A sudden change to being home alone for 10 hours, however, could be immensely stressful. Thus it's helpful to mimic the routine your dog had before coming to live with you and gradually move into a new routine.
4. Avoid forcing interactions with your dog. Some dogs react to a new home by withdrawing, and it's important to respect your dog's space. Give it food, treats and periodic affection, but allow it to warm up to you on its own timetable. When your dog approaches you, click the training clicker and give it a treat. This encourages the dog to associate you with receiving food, which creates positive feelings and affection.
Tags: days home, first days, first days home, alone hours, being home, being home alone, home alone