Introducing a New Dog or Puppy to Your Home

Table of Content

• Think About the Finances and Responsibilities of Raising Multiple Pets
• Take your dog on a walk first
• Ways to create a familiar environment for your dog
• Make sure to tour the new neighborhood when you introduce your dog to a new home

Allow the two dogs to interact through the bars of the crate for up to 20 minutes. Let the new dog out of the crate and take him to his toilet area. Make sure your new dog knows where to go when he needs to relieve himself. Take him to the toileting area every few hours during the first 24 hours. Many rescue shelters will facilitate these meetings to see if the dogs will get along. Plan this visit to take place several days before the new dog is scheduled to come home with you.

We didn’t understand so much the paperwork but, our new found friend Harold took us through it all with ease and he kept us informed every step of the way. Hobo our cat, is now safely in California with us and we owe that all to you Harold, thanks a million. Remember that even if you have a large backyard, you’ll still need to take your dog for frequent walks to keep him emotionally and physically stimulated.

Think About the Finances and Responsibilities of Raising Multiple Pets

The rescue shelter or owner should walk the dog in the same park where you are. Plan to meet at the same time so that the dogs can interact. Dog appeasing pheromone sprays can boost the scent recognition process. These can be purchased from your veterinarian or at major pet retailers. DAP contains a synthetic version of the pheromone that a nursing bitch gives off in order to make her pups feel safe and content. If so desired, spritz the t-shirts with DAP at each stage, giving it as bedding to the first dog, then spritz again when it’s transferred to the second dog.

CESAR® SIMPLY CRAFTED™ & CESAR® WHOLESOME BOWLS™ wet dog foods deliver culinary-inspired flavors they can't resist. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 21,163 times. Play with the dog in the same way and at the same time as you used to.

Take your dog on a walk first

Give some thought to choosing a new dog who can be compatible with your present dog. In our experience, conflict is least likely to occur between a male dog and a female dog. Male with male is the next best combination, female with female is the combination most likely to result in conflict. When you choose a new dog, consider your present dog's needs. For example, try not to bring a very active young dog into a home with an older dog who already has health problems such as osteoarthritis.

Make sure your home is extradog-proofbefore introducing your new friend. Look at each of your rooms and take appropriate safety measures. Place childproof locks on low cabinet doors and place sturdy lids on kitchen trash cans. Remove human medications and small objects off counters and tables to prevent your dog from swallowing and choking on them. Identify all plants and flowers in your home and discard any that are toxic to dogs.

Ways to create a familiar environment for your dog

If you do this watch out for scent marking as there may be some competition for territory. Introduce the dog to household members calmly, one at a time. Make sure that there are no toys, food or treats left around the home that the dogs could potentially fight over.

It is a good idea to let the dog get to know its new home slowly. This will allow the dog to fully explore the whole place without getting overwhelmed or uneasy. Keep the dog on a leash when you bring it into the house.

It may just take a little longer and require more patience. Pet your puppy only when they approach you first, but if not, maintain a calm and composed vibe as they adjust to their unfamiliar surroundings. After they’ve fully explored the house and appear more comfortable, you can start on their everyday routine. Play with them, feed them their lunch, teach them reward-based commands, and potty train them.

We have never had another dog visiting our home so any advice is appreciated. Something to remember when letting your dog explore freely is that they may start peeing on items, particularly if they are male. Be sure you are familiar with your dog’s personality and be ready to stop them when they start really sniffing something.

Do your best to ignore the new dog during this time, so that the older dog is not jealous. For the first few days, only praise the new dog when the established dog isn’t around. Give your dog positive reinforcement by telling him that he’s a good dog. Just like each person is different, each dog is different in how quickly they adjust to their new home. Some pets are quick to adjust within days, while some may take weeks to months to settle into their new routine.

Then, test the compatibility between your current dog and your three favorite potential new dogs. If you own cats, don’t forget to introduce your felines to each dog. The optimal way to do this is to keep the dog on a leash or inside of a crate and let your cat check out the dog on her terms.

Make sure to tour the new neighborhood when you introduce your dog to a new home

Of course, It’s not that you shouldn’t let your dog join in with the move, but you should know how your dog reacts in chaotic situations. If they enjoy the frenzy then let them help, if they tend to pant and back away a lot of the time then maybe consider removing them from the situation. Beware of the escapists who rush the door whenever someone enters. Keep the dog attached to you, confined, or supervised at all times.