What are the Tips for Bringing Home a New Puppy?

Although getting a new dog is a pleasant experience, there is also an adjustment time involved. Hence, being constant throughout the first few weeks will be crucial in assisting your dog in settling into their new home. This is because, like us, our dogs enjoy routines. Hence, if you are bringing home a new puppy, here’s how you can help them adjust!

If you are bringing your puppy home, here are a few tips to help your dog to adjust in a new environment:

1. Stick to a Single Routine: Make every effort to keep the same general schedule, as changing schedules involves a lot of alterations, all of which are stressful. So, if your dog is accustomed to rising, going outside, having breakfast, and then going for a walk, try to maintain that routine daily. Also, try to maintain as much of the previous routine as possible for at least a few weeks if you move to a different location. Other modifications will be simpler to manage once your dog has adapted.
2. Give Your Dogs a Lot of Love: In most cases, bringing up a puppy seems easy enough, and you only need to play, walk, and simply be with your dog. However, the issue is that when you bring a new puppy, you can unintentionally leave your dog or skip their walk because of stress. So commit to spending quality time with your dog daily, as it will benefit them.
3. Avoid Buying New Dog Gears: If you are moving into a new home, it's only normal to desire to purchase new items. Keep your dog's old belongings around for at least a few weeks to ease them into the new environment. Although bringing an unpleasant, fur-covered old dog bed and water bowls with dents to your new home may not be ideal, your dog might find comfort in those items. If you have an overwhelming desire to purchase new items for your dog, give in by purchasing new chewable toys.
4. Spend Time With Your Dog on the Floor: Recognisable smells are one of many things that can make dogs feel at home. Hence, spending time on the floor with your dog will help to quickly introduce those familiar scents to their new home. Also, together on the floor, you may spend more time showing them the affection they require at this trying time.
5. Don’t Leave Your Dog Alone: Even dogs who have spent years being aloof may struggle in a new environment when you leave them alone. In this regard, most dogs first need to learn to be okay in a new place since they are quite sensitive to their surroundings. Hence, even if it means carrying your dog around awkwardly for a few days, try to wait as long as possible before leaving them alone at your residence.
6. Check Their Appetite: Dogs who are stressed out by their new surroundings may become less hungry. So, it may take a few days for a timid dog you've adopted to feel secure enough to eat a regular meal. Also, a dog may stop eating due to a new diet or a change in food. If your dog is healthy, he will learn to adjust to his new diet and won't starve himself.

If you have a new puppy in the house, for a smooth transition with your dog, here are the top tips you must consider:

1. Give Your Dog Some Time: Giving some time to your dog for adjustment can aid them to settle down in the new environment. You must understand they value some time alone to get acquainted with their new family and surroundings. So, let them explore the house and yard. If you have brought a dog from a shelter, remember that they have grown up in a stressful environment. Hence, it will take more time for them to adjust to your peaceful and comfortable home.
2. Give Them Their Own Space: Giving your puppy a bed to retreat to when they are worn out or overstimulated is one way you may contribute to his comfort. Due to the stress of being in a strange environment, some dogs require a little additional time to relax.Also, try giving your new dog something to do on his own. You can do this by offering a food dispensing toy or plush Kong.
3. Get Prepared for Stomach Issues: Newly acquired dogs frequently get diarrhoea due to stress or unexpected nutritional changes. To avoid an upset stomach from a rapid change in nutrition, you can combine some of the old food with the new.
4. Supervise Them: If your dog is trained to stay in a crate, you might consider leaving him there while you go to work. This is especially important if you have other animals in the house. If you have many pets in your home, don't leave any dogs unattended unless you are sure they get along well. Some dogs can become destructive or extremely anxious when left alone.
5. Be Patient: You will feel a little scared if you are in an unfamiliar environment, surrounded by strangers. Similar is the case for dogs. So, be patient with your dog and do not try too hard. Give them the required space to settle in the new environment.
6. Don't Overwhelm Your Dog:  Getting overjoyed with your puppy can be tempting, and you should give them time to adjust. Due to all the excitement, some dogs may become over-excited and anxious, and others may become very frightened around strangers. Take it slow if your dog exhibits any signs of discomfort. Make that they have access to a private, stress-free environment where they may go if they feel overwhelmed.

Some dogs are friendly and want to welcome everyone they see. But shy puppies might not approach everybody, including you. However, using some tips, you can encourage your timid pup to come out of his shell. In this regard, a few of the tips include the following:

1. Understand Your Pup: Finding out why your dog is shy is always the first step in dog training for shy dogs, and knowing the cause can help you plan to coax him out of his shell. Some dogs are naturally more reserved than others, and others didn't demand much socialisation. Regardless, you must understand your dog's demand to assist them in getting out of their shell.
2. Don’t Force Your Pup: The most crucial advice for shy dogs is to never put them in an uncomfortable scenario to get them over their shyness. Therefore, avoid tying your dog outside a coffee shop while you go inside.
3. Start With Basic Training: Focusing on regular training is one of the best things you can do to give your dog a head start in overcoming their shyness. Simple instructions like learning how to "sit," "stay," and "come" are excellent places to start. The idea is that your dog will know what you need from him and won't become anxious.