How to Welcome a Dog into Your Family

When you welcome a dog into your family, you turn the page to the next chapter. As beloved as a dog will be, there will be an adjustment at first, albeit mostly positive. A dog may be shy, fearful, angry, or sad, requiring time to acclimate. You introduce them to new people they’ve never met and to a new environment with all-new rules.

Think about the stress! Here is how to welcome a dog into your family.

Buy High-Quality Supplies

To truly make your dog comfortable, ensure you’re set up with the best dog food you can afford. Before you bring your dog home, you’ll also need puppy pee pads, water and eating bowls, a leash and collar, some dog toys, and any other dog supplies.

Put Them in a Separate Room

When introducing a new puppy to your home, especially if they’re shy, keep them in one room. This could be for as little as twenty minutes. Once the family and dog are comfortable, you can open the door. Your puppy will eventually get curious and come out to explore.

Let Your Dog Make the First Move

Let your new dog approach your family and not vice versa. After they’re home, let your dog feel out of the space until it is ready to socialize. Don’t approach or touch your dog before that time. You may only want to speak to it once it is ready to move.

Introduce Them to Other Pets Slowly

If you already have a dog, cat, or other pet, introduce your new dog to them slowly. You can keep your old pet in a separate room while your new dog roams and adapts to the surroundings.

Everyone in the Family Feeds The Dog

Dogs enjoy premium-grade dog food. Choose high-quality brands like Acana dog food for your pet. As you fill their bowl daily, ensure you rotate who does it. Your family may be new to your dog, and your dog needs to build a safe relationship with each family member. A rotation of exposure to feeding will associate positive feelings in the dog’s mind with everyone in the household.

Maintain Some Ground Rules

Establish some house rules, such as not letting your pet eat from your plate. Make a list of rules that are important to you. Ensure you enforce them consistently so your dog knows what is expected of them.

Give Your Dog a Tour of the House

Let your dog know where to find their food and water dishes, where their bed is, and where you want them to use as a toilet in the yard.

Establish a Routine

A dog feels safe and secure with a routine. Set time for eating, walking and socializing between them and the family. A defined pattern can soothe and reassure dogs as they learn what to do in your presence.

Be Kind About Accidents

A dog is going to have accidents. Be kind to them when they do. That said, start puppy housetraining as soon as you can, ensuring they know where to go to the bathroom.

Don’t Punish Them

Behavioural issues may occur within those first few days or weeks as your dog learns what’s expected of them. Try not to punish them or yell. It will only associate you with negative feelings for them. Instead, show them what they’ve done and model positive behaviour for them. Let your dog learn organically without becoming a villain.

Reward Good Behaviour

Use treats or your favourite high-quality dog food as a reward whenever your dog does something you like. A reward tells your pet they’ve done something good, so they know the expectations. It builds trust between a dog owner and the dog.

Do Not Leave Your Dog And Kids Unattended

Even if it’s a very polite dog, especially in the early days, leaving the dog alone with young children is not recommended. If you can’t supervise, putting the dog in a separate room from the children is best to ensure no accidental bite or scare.

Use Basic Commands on Your Dog

Training your dog to know what “sit,” “lie down,” “come,” and “drop it” are. These basic commands are essential to a well-behaved pet. It will also help them with self-control and create a bond as you both engage in the training activity.

Give Your Dogs Their Own Space

Please set up a crate for your dog with a dog bed. This will give your dog space to feel comfortable and a place to take refuge. Don’t use the crate as punishment now. Keep it neutral or positive when referring to it.