Moving can be both a nervous and an exciting experience. While it can be unsettling leaving your comfort zone the end experience may feel quite rewarding. However, moving is quite unsettling for a dog. Whether you adopted a dog or got a new puppy home they will take a few days to get used to their new home and lifestyle. Here some tips to help your dog adjust to its new home:
Start by Taking it Slowly
Your dog will need a couple of days to adjust to your home. You should give it some quite time and let him get used to the home at its own pace. Some dogs may quickly be accustomed to their new home and easily start seeking you for attention, however, some dogs may take some time to take in all the smells, sights and sounds before becoming comfortable and bonding with their owner. Overstimulating your dog can make it nervous and aggressive.
Set up its Own Space
Giving your dog its own space which it can go to when tired or anxious can help it get adjusted quicker. The dog can feel at home in this area. Becoming familiar with this space will help the dog adjust easily.
Be sure to keep all its essential supplies in this room. This space should have your dog’s bed, it’s favourite toys to play with and some treats. Keeping your dog comfortable in its room will help it develop positive feeling for its new home.
Keeping a Routine
If you have adopted a dog, it may have had a set routine. Following that routine as much as possible will make your dog more comfortable.
If you got a new puppy you should try to set up a routine as soon as possible. You can help your dog adjust to its home by feeding it at the same time everyday, taking it for walks at the same time everyday, going out consistently for potty breaks and going to bed around the same time everyday.
If your dog gets a set routine it will become more comfortable and know what to expect at set times. Also try to set a play time, exercise time, cuddle time, etc.
Keep Your Dog Active
Changing environments can make pets more stressed. Your dog may experience anxiety and start acting differently when this occurs.
Keeping your dog active by taking it for daily walks, giving it enough exercise and play time can help it spend all its extra energy. This way the dog will be calmer and not become very destructive while adjusting to its new home.
Give Your Dog Attention
Spending time with your dog can help it get adjusted to a new environment quicker. Giving your dog plenty of attention, regularly playing with it or giving it belly rubs will make your dog feel more comfortable in this new place.
Also consider spending more time at home for the first few days. Leaving your dog alone from the first day itself can be stressful for the dog. Spending time with your dog while it is getting adjusted to its new home will make it more comfortable.
Supervise Your Dog
Before first going for work you should crate train your dog. Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety and may become nervous and destructive. If introduced properly a crate could become a relaxing place for a dog.
When going outside at first be sure to keep your dog on a leash. Dogs who are not used to an environment may try to escape. Dogs are also very good at digging and jumping so make sure to keep your eye on it at all times.
Be Patient
Dogs will take time to adjust to a new environment with strangers. It could take from a days to a few weeks. It will easier for a puppy to adjust than a dog from a shelter. Forcing your dog to adjust sooner will just make your dog nervous as well as spoil the relation between you and your dog. You should be patient and give your dog as much time as it needs to adapt to its new environment.
These tips should make it easier and more comfortable for your dog to adjust to a new environment. Check the 10 dog care accessories every dog owner should know.
