Bringing Home a New Dog: Tips for a Smooth Transition

At Healthy Pet Products, we understand the excitement of bringing home a new dog or puppy. However, this new journey can come with its challenges. No worries, we're here to assist you!

Before your new dog arrives, ensure you have these essentials ready:

1. Food and water bowl, along with a designated feeding area.
2. Crate (never use it as punishment).
3. Leash, collar, ID tag, and a yard stake (if there's no fence).
4. Designate a bathroom area.
5. Kong toy (to keep your dog stimulated).
6. Training treats.
7. Comfortable bed.

Tips to Pet-Proof Your Home:

- For puppies, limit their access to the entire house until they're potty trained.
- Introduce your new pet to one room or area at a time to aid adjustment.
- Consider introducing them to one floor at a time (use baby gates if needed).
- Remove shoes, socks, and items that can be chewed.
- Using a leash for the first few days can help with control and redirection.

Communication with Your Family:

Discussing a schedule with your family before bringing your new dog home is crucial for their well-being. Stick to the routine to reduce stress and anxiety. Here's an example schedule:

1. Morning bathroom breaks.
2. Feeding times.
3. Daily walks.

In multi-person households, share responsibilities to ensure your dog bonds with everyone.

Building Bonds:

Keep your dog on a leash and close to you to enhance bonding.
Use your dog's name frequently when giving attention or rewards.
This approach is helpful for dogs bonding with different family members.

The Rule of Three for Rescue Dogs:

First 3 Days - Feeling Overwhelmed:

- Your dog may display behavior changes and might feel overwhelmed.
- Stick to your routine and make necessary adjustments.
- Common behaviors include fear, nervousness, and reserved behavior.

3 Weeks After Rescue - Adjusting:

- Behavior issues might arise as your dog adapts to their new home.
- Address behaviors, maintain the routine, and consider professional training.

3 Months After Rescue - Trust and Comfort:

- By this point, your dog should be comfortable and trusting in their new environment.
- You'll see their true personality and traits emerge.