No matter whether you are moving with or adopting a dog, taking time for them to adjust is key for successful transition. Keep these tips in mind to assist your pet’s successful transition.
Striving to create a predictable routine is of utmost importance when caring for a pet. Make sure your walk schedule and playtime coincide.
Provide a Comfortable Bed
No matter if it is moving with them to a new neighborhood in Atlanta, GA or taking them home from an Atlanta shelter, your pup will require time to adjust. Comfortable bedding along with their favorite toys, treats and playtime activities should help ease their transition but give them enough room for exploration as they adapt.
Weber recommends bringing your pet’s preferred bed or crate from its previous home to the room they will spend most of their time initially, according to research from Cornell. She advises a model with three bolstered sides so your pet can choose the position that is most comfortable for them. Click here
An established routine will give them a sense of comfort, strengthening your relationship as they adjust. If your pet has trouble sleeping at night, consult your veterinarian about calming supplements to assist.
Take It Slow
If you adopted your dog from a shelter, keep in mind they were put into an unfamiliar environment filled with noise and people. Being around to provide comfort and assurance that home is a safe space is crucial in helping them adapt.
As much as possible, try not inviting friends or family over during the initial days after moving so that your pet can adjust quickly to its new home without too many distractions. This will allow him/her to settle faster.
Create a daily routine for feeding, walking and play time that your dog can understand in his/her new home, providing consistency which reduces anxiety. If your pup tends to be hyperactive, provide enrichment activities such as longer walks or even playing fetch with them in the yard to burn off some energy and help him/her relax – it may include longer walks or playing fetch with them in your yard!
Don’t Overdo It
No matter if your pup is moving with you to Atlanta, GA or coming home from an adoption center in Dallas, this will still be an exciting and stressful time for him or her. Maintaining their regular routine as much as possible will help smooth his or her transition.
If your pup is used to waking up, eating breakfast, taking an outdoor walk and then returning inside for dinner on an everyday basis at their old house, try your best to keep his schedule as consistent in his new house as well. We often forget the importance of giving their furry pal a stable daily schedule!
While your pet adjusts, too many visitors can increase his or her stress. This can be especially upsetting for non-social dogs; try restricting visitors to only your close family and friends until your new pal feels more at home in his/her new environment and offer them a quiet place if necessary.
Don’t Leave Your Dog Alone
As is usually the case, dogs don’t enjoy being left alone for extended periods, especially if they are new to your home. Anxious dogs may start barking, whining or chewing their possessions when left home alone which could result in significant property damage and make your canine fearful to leave its room again.
Many of us dread having to leave their dogs behind, but work, school and other commitments require it. When this is necessary, it’s essential that they learn to be calm when left on their own. Training them early on will make this much easier for everyone involved.
Your dog’s crate or bed can play an essential role in mitigating separation anxiety. Make it comfortable and inviting so they know it’s a place they can retreat to when you leave them behind, helping reduce separation anxiety. Clicker training with rewards could also be used as an additional preventative measure.