Phase 2: Settling Your Dog In

Coming Home

Brining home you new dog is an exciting time for both the family and the neighborhood. But it can also be overwhelming, especially for a young puppy. Naturally, everybody in a 5 mile radius of your home is going to want to come visit, pet your new family member, and hold an adorable puppy. It's important to recognize how stressful this can be for a young dog who has never been in such a social situation. After all,  in many cases, your new puppy has never been away from his or her mother.

The transition to a new home setting can also be stressful for older dogs. When you first bring the dog home, try not to overwhelm it. It's best to introduce your dog to its new home in a calm and relaxed environment. He's going to want to explore and sniff around the house, and run around the garden. When you sense that it's time to introduce your dog to human friends, don't do so in a large group. Have your friends visit your new dog two at a time, and don't rush the process.

First Trip to The Vet

• Your dog will begin to settle in quickly. One of the best things you can do to help with process along is to keep your dogs routine consistent.  Feed your dog at the same times each day and don't vary the food you give him. The more variations in your dog's routine you create, the most adaption is required of the dog. 

Going to the vet is almost always a slightly traumatic experience for a dog. Going the first time is even for difficult. My veterinarian at my local Denver Animal Hospital recommends, if possible, bringing your dog to the vet strait from the breeder or shelter you buy him at. If you can do this, you have one less hassle for you and one less stressful trip for your new dog. One other benefit of going strait to the vet is that if, in the unlikely chance that the vet assesses that there is a problem with your dog, it is easier to return him before introducing him to your home.

First Few Days

• You will, of course, spoil your new puppy with toys. And believe it or not, toys are a great tools for helping dogs settle in. By playing with new toys, dogs adapt faster to new surroundings and overcome fears. Only provide safe toys. These include balls (not too small for the dog to choke on) and other toys that don't have pieces coming out of them. Toys should be hard for the strong jaws all dogs have. My Denver Veterinarian advises against the use of bones because they can chip and dogs can swallow the sharp pieces. Instead, try a rawhide toy, which offers a dog the same satisfaction as chewing on a bone.

• Always provide lots of clean water (and be sure to show your dog where the water bowl is kept). Dogs need to drink a lot, so it's best to keep the water bowl full at all times. Remember, dogs are messy drinkers and have a tendency to bring dirt into the water bowl. If necessary re-fill the bowl with water so dirt doesn't build up. Buy a bowl that is too heavy for the dog to pick up and move - You don't want your puppy thinking the bowl is just another toy.

• The bed you provide for your dog is another important tool for helping your dog fit in to its new home. I recommend buying a machine-washable bed for the convenience and hygiene it offers. These beds can be bought online from retailers like PetSmart. Some dogs are perfectly comfortable with a simple blanket while others prefer a cushioned bottom. Whatever the style, dogs love warmth! Most importantly, you must ensure that you new dog sleeps in the bed (the bed might be in a crate). A strategy to help your dog get used to the bed is putting the bed in an area where there is nothing else comfortable to sleep on. Developing a sense of comfort in a bed will help the dog feel more comfortable with the home setting.