A dog can be a wonderful addition to your family as pets have a way of bringing people closer together. Taking care of a new dog creates shared responsibilities, and it also encourages more family interaction and communication. What’s more, dogs can be beneficial for a child’s overall development, and research shows that children who have a close relationship with their family dogs are more physically active, have increased social competence, and a higher motivation to learn. With a dog providing constant protection, companionship, and unconditional love, everyone in your family is likely to feel happier and healthier as you take care of your new pet.
Since you’re integrating a dog into your existing lifestyle, you may find that certain adjustments have to be made to create a smooth transition for your pooch while ensuring that every member of your household feels secure with the new addition. If you’ve finally decided to take the plunge and get a dog, here’s how to welcome your furry friend into the family home.
Prep Your Home
Dogs are naturally curious creatures, and they’ll explore a new environment to learn about the new scents, objects, and people around them. To prevent your pet from getting hurt or sick, prep your home at least one week before bringing your new dog home. First, keep household chemicals like bleach, ammonia, turpentine, automotive fluids, and fertilizers, among others, locked away in a cabinet that’s out of reach of dogs and children. Next, secure electric cords with velcro strips or zip ties so your dog won’t teeth on them, which could lead to burns, electric shock, or nerve damage. If you have plants like peace lilies, pothos, or sago palm, keep them out of reach since these are highly toxic to dogs.
Your pet will also need a space where they can sleep and enjoy some quiet time, so think about setting up their bed in a dog-proofed room or a nook with good ventilation. Also, don’t forget to get all the essential supplies needed to care for your new pet. Your fur baby will need a food bowl, water bowl, dog food, a crate, a leash, collar and name tag, grooming supplies, toys, treats, potty pads, poop bags, and a carrier, so have all of these ready and keep them in a dedicated drawer or container so everyone will know where to get them if they’re needed. At this point, you’ll also need to designate pup care duties to your family, so have a talk and decide who walks, feeds, and trains your pet, then create a schedule and encourage everyone to stick to it.
Keep the First Day Calm and Quiet
It’s natural for everyone to be excited over your new pet’s arrival, but the sound of loud squeals, as well as non-stop petting and squeezing due to cuteness aggression, can be overwhelming or even scary for your dog. If your pooch seems scared, get your dog to trust you and your family members by creating a calm arrival experience. Bring your dog in on a leash, then allow them to sniff and explore as they make their way into your home. Teach your children to wait for the dog to approach them and remind them to use their indoor voice. Also, tell them to be gentle when petting your dog, and avoid petting their legs, tail, or paws as touching these areas can make them feel threatened.
Since it’s your pet’s first time meeting your family, it’s likely that they won’t respond well to hugs or cuddles right now. According to Dr. Emily Levine, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, hugging, in particular, can make dogs feel suffocated. “[You can pet] the cheek and the chin, probably avoiding going along down the back,” Dr. Levine advises. She also says that some dogs will tolerate pets and hugs, but if they seem anxious or if they start growling, it may be best to back off. If your dog seems stressed, let them rest and have some quiet time so they can decompress from all the new sights, sounds, and smells that they’ve just experienced.
Establish a Routine
Establishing a routine is essential for dogs since it makes them feel safer and more secure. It also helps dog owners to manage their time more effectively, and it allows the dog to know when they’re supposed to sleep, eat, and go on walks. Stick to feeding and walking times to help your new pooch feel at ease, and give them opportunities to take frequent potty breaks outside. When training your dog, see to it that you use treats and praise them for good behavior, and be patient and calm at all times since they’re still learning to behave. Finally, be sure that there’s always an adult around to supervise the kids and your dog while they play. Things can go sideways if a child accidentally hurts a dog while playing, so keep a close eye on everyone, even if the kids and your dog seem calm and chill during their interactions.
Having a dog can be one of the best things that could ever happen to you and your loved ones. Follow these tips to integrate your pooch into your family, and see how these can help to create a smooth and joyful welcoming experience for everyone.
