What to expect when bringing a new dog or puppy home
For the first few days, stick to a routine of feeding, walks and other activities at certain times. This will help your dog know what to expect and they’ll feel safe and secure without hidden surprises. It’s a good idea to take some time off work to be with your new furry house mate and help them settle in.
It’s normal for house training to go out the window when your dog is in a new home. Let them out in the garden regularly and go with them while they do their business. That way, you’re on hand to give lots of praise and support.
Some dogs will prefer to stay close to home for walks, until they know you and their surroundings.
Your dog may be a little aloof to start with. This is completely normal as they start getting to know you. Be calm and kind when talking to your dog and don’t force attention on to them. Grooming and other things can wait for now.
If your dog is hesitant to eat their dinner, avoid offering too many things at once, and don’t be tempted to offer more tasty nibbles if they won’t eat their meal! You could be getting into some bad habits here.
Even if you choose to take some time off work to stay at home with your new dog, step out of the house after a few days to see how your dog copes with being alone. If they struggle with this, seek support from a professional.
If your dog refuses to eat for longer than two days, stops drinking or has vomiting or diarrhoea, please contact your vet.
Expect the unexpected. Dogs are all different and some will cope better with a change of home better than others. You could have a dog who takes everything in their stride and settles quickly, others may take a little longer.
Make sure you have everything you need before you bring home your new family member. Try to bring them back with a blanket or piece of bedding, this will help them settle.
Make sure you have a way of securing your dog in the car for the journey home. Car harnesses, crates and dog seatbelts are all good options.
Make sure the whole family understand that the dog will need space while they settle. It’s a good time to teach children about how to responsibly interact with a dog.
I was struggling with my dog's anxiety, especially when we had to leave the house. Thanks to Woodgreen's advice, I've made some changes that have worked wonders. By sticking to a consistent routine, my dog knows what to expect each day, which has significantly reduced her anxiety.
This advice really helped me and my new pup! I tried teaching recall without your guidance and struggled. Woodgreen's step-by-step dog training videos break each action down for you and I'm happy to say we finally made progress!
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