How To Make Your Puppy Feel At Home In 5 Simple Ways
Moving your dog into a new space isn’t easy, and can be pretty anxiety-inducing for both you AND the dog. As any pet owner knows, that pet is not just some animal, they are your companion, and possibly your best friend. A dog lover’s life often revolves around their furry friend and dog owners will go to all ends to make sure their precious pup is happy.
As you prepare to move, you might start experiencing some stress about how your dog will react to being plopped into a brand new space. Know that you aren’t alone and there are several solutions that may help your pet adjust to a different home. Here are five of our recommendations!
1. Maintain Routines
Dogs do not do well with change. It is essential that you keep the same structure as you did in your prior home. Consistency is key! By keeping the same routines, the dog will become more comfortable and adjust much faster. These routines include exercise, feeding, potty time, walks, bedtime, and more. For instance, if you alter your pet’s feeding time from something different than at your old home, that is a huge change for them! Your dog may start to have behavior issues and act out of sorts. By keeping a solid bedtime routine or morning routine the dog will become well adjusted. Most likely, your dog won’t even notice that they moved. You have the power to control this move correctly and your dog will then follow.
2. Take Outside Walks
No animal, especially a dog, likes to be cooped up inside. I mean let’s be real, no human likes it, either! Take them outside and get them situated in their new surroundings. Your dog will start to lash out if they are being left indoors and a little fresh air is perfect for your pet. You can simply grab the leash and find the nearest trail or dog-friendly path for a nice outdoor walk. This is an essential but forgotten piece of moving. Some owners are so busy with themselves during the move they forget that their dog needs some outdoor time! Not only will your dog’s mood increase positively from being outdoors, but he or she will also begin to understand that the walks they had at their old home are the same at their new home. Once your dog feels the wind on their little nose, they’ll be like “what new home?”
3. Introduce Them To Your New Neighbors
One of the hardest things about moving is not being able to see old friends of yours, and dogs feel the same way. Your dog most likely had their little dog squad around them at your last home. They want to play and wrestle with their buddies, but now they’ve had to say goodbye to them. This also goes for the human neighbors they got accustomed to seeing every day. Dogs don’t do well with strangers, so it’s your job to introduce them to their new neighbors (humans and fellow puppies). Once they know their surroundings and constantly see these new friends every day, they will start to warm up to their new neighbors. You can do this by simply walking around your new neighborhood with your pup. This will give you the opportunity to meet others more quickly, allowing your puppy to get a feel for his new world and become more comfortable with his new friends.
4. Set Up Their Own Space
Who doesn’t want their own space? You just got yours, now it’s your dog’s turn. Make their new space safe, but fun to be in. This is your dog’s new home, and you need to make it as enjoyable as possible for them. Don’t be afraid to spoil them a little. Your dog wants to be entertained and comfortable. No dog wants to be given a sliver of space in the corner, they want a space that allows them to spread their legs for a nice long nap. This includes getting a comfy bed, new toys, and bones for them, and placing them in an area where they can easily play with them! Don’t get too consumed with purchasing new items, your dog still cherishes where they lived before. Bring a piece of home with you for them to remember. This might mean including their old stuffed chew toy or withered-down bone in their new area. Whatever it is, this is an essential part of setting up their space. It will soothe them and make them have a familiar sense of comfort. This will help make it THEIR sanctuary. Your dog will begin to feel respected and grounded.
5. Love & Attention
This is the simplest, yet most effective way to make your dog feel at home in his new space. Your dog needs reassurance from you during this new move and unintentionally neglecting your dog won’t make your transition easier. These cute pets worship you. You are their parent, best friend, and confidant. This move is hard enough for them, they need your love and support to help them push through it. Give them lots of hugs and kisses daily! Even if you are on your way out, a rub on the belly goes a long way with a pup. Your dog is in a new place, and currently, their only sense of home is you. They want to know that you are still the same, even though your environment is different. Oh, wait! DO NOT forget to give them treats - and by treats, I mean a lot of them!
You are in the right place if you are looking for a home for you and your little pup. It is important to note that patience is key during this tough transition, but with the help of Thorndike Exchange, you and your dog will have an abundance of resources and amenities to make that transition smooth. For more information, please feel free to explore our website in more detail!
