How To Introduce A New Dog To The Family

Before you visit the shelter, take time to evaluate what breed of dog will best fit your family. Do you live in a small space with a limited outdoor play area? A miniature breed might be perfect. Are you looking for a dog who will alert you to potential dangers? A Labrador retriever or German shepherd could be ideal. Be sure to consider some important factors:

• How much space you have
• How often can you spend time with the dog
• What special qualities (like protectiveness or a calm temperament) are important to you?

Like humans, dogs have unique personalities. That means dogs don't get along with every human they meet. It's important to set up a time to visit with your dog before bringing them home. Most shelters allow you to interact with the dog in an enclosed space. If possible, bring the whole family along. You don't want to adopt a dog only to discover that they don't like your partner or kids.

Being a pet parent means taking responsibility for your pet's safety. If you don't already have pets, make sure your dog or puppy can't access dangerous cleaning chemicals, poisonous house plants, and hazards like ant traps or snacks like chocolate or grapes left out. Check the fence around your yard to ensure it's secure. If you're worried about a new pet getting into your pantry or other cupboards, use child-proof locks to keep them closed.

When you bring your dog home, they might be anxious, scared, or confused. Help ease this stress by setting up a comfortable dog bed and chew toys in a quiet area of your home. This will help both your family and your new dog adjust. If you've adopted a puppy, a crate is essential to potty training. Some pet parents keep puppies in their bedrooms so they can take care of middle-of-the-night needs.

Almost all dogs enjoy bonding with humans, but moving to a new home can be an overwhelming experience. Instead of expecting your dog to explore and "find" everyone in your family, take the pup on a tour and introduce them to family members. It will help your dog get a sense of the geography of your home and who belongs there. You should do this even if your family has already met your new dog at the shelter.

Once your dog has taken a tour of your house, introduce them to your backyard if you have one. Let the dog walk around, sniff things, and mark their territory. If you don't have a yard, take your dog for a walk (on a leash, of course). If your dog is calm and already leash trained, it may be safe to introduce them to neighbors and other pets. Too much excitement right away might not be a good idea, however. Let your dog get used to their new surroundings before adding more new experiences.

Establishing a routine is one of the best ways to help your new pet get used to their new life. Use a feeding schedule to keep your pet's diet on track. Set a time every day—when you get home from work, for instance—to take your dog outside for some exercise. Knowing what to expect will help your dog feel comfortable and cared for.

Dogs are generally social and enjoy being around other animals. However, it's important to proceed with caution. Introduce pets in an area of your house where you can play with them. Watch for signs of aggression like growling, teeth-baring, or raising their hackles. Separate the pets immediately if any of these occur. Supervise their interaction until your pets are familiar with each other and any signs of aggression have passed.

Regular veterinary care is essential for your new dog's well-being. Be sure to schedule their first checkup and any necessary vaccinations within the first few weeks of bringing them home. Ask your veterinarian if there are activities, like visiting a dog park, that you should avoid until your dog is fully vaccinated.

When introducing a new dog to your family, take it slow. Whether you're adopting from a shelter or buying from a breeder, you are a stranger to your dog. They will need a few days to a few weeks to warm up to you and feel comfortable in their new home. Be patient and provide your new companion with plenty of attention.