8 Tips To Help Your New Puppy Adjust

1. Watch What They Eat

Your puppy has just moved into a new home, and he might be stressed. He’s in unfamiliar surroundings, being cared for by strangers, and he’s been separated from his mom for the first time.

While he’s so stressed out, your puppy might lose his appetite. Watch what he’s eating, and make sure he gets enough food. Talk to your vet about coaxing his appetite if you need to.

2. Keep Your Schedule The Same

You probably just want to spend all day with your puppy. After all, she’s too cute for words! It’s best for your puppy, however, if you stick to your regular routine. Set a specific time for feeding, walking, and playing with your new puppy.

Once she knows there’s a routine in her new home, she’ll feel much more relaxed. A routine will help her adjust more quickly and will help you with training down the road.

3. Give Them A Special Spot

When a new puppy arrives, everyone wants to pet him. Everyone! Even your neighbors want to come over and say hello to the new addition. While some puppies thrive on attention, your dog should know he has his own space.

Set aside a dog bed or kennel, and when your puppy goes to this spot, let him be. He’ll feel much safer knowing he has boundaries and a space where he can be by himself.

4. Keep Them on a Leash

A new puppy might seem safe in the backyard, but make sure your puppy is on a leash at all times. When she first arrives at your home, she might be tempted to run away, or go exploring. Remember she isn’t trained and she won’t come when you call.

An open gate could mean an escape attempt, and you never know who might open your gate, or come walking past to attract her curiosity. Keep her on a leash whenever she’s outside, even if she seems docile.

5. Don’t Make Too Many Changes

Your puppy has already gone through a lot. He’s living in a new home. He’s eating new food. He’s being fed and held by new people. With all these new changes, it’s hard for him to experience any more.

As much as you can, avoid new changes. Don’t pressure him to like you right away, and try to let him learn at his own pace. When it comes to exploring his new life, let your puppy lead.

6. Practice Alone Time

Most dogs need to be left alone in a crate sometimes, whether their owner is at work or out running errands. You might want to get your puppy used to a crate right away.

If you train her right, her crate can become a place of relaxation, and she won’t feel stressed being tucked inside for a few hours. Get her used to her crate, and try to make it a positive experience. She might choose to hang out there all on her own!

7. Start House Training

Every puppy needs to be house trained. He doesn’t want to keep using newspapers as a toilet, and you don’t want him to, either! Right away, start house training your puppy.

You might start out by filling his home base with newspaper, then limit it to a few squares. If you reprimand him when he goes off the paper, but praise him when he goes on the paper, he’ll soon learn to use the newspaper only. Then, you can transition the newspaper outside.

8. Stay Patient

New puppies aren’t perfect. In fact, your puppy can get into all kinds of trouble. It might take her weeks to finish her house training, and when you’re not looking, she might destroy an entire pile of magazines. Some dogs only chew chew-toys while others chew on furniture!

Your puppy might cause you all kinds of unforeseen problems, and it’s important to be patient. Eventually, she’ll learn what she can and can’t do. Until then, keep your valuables up high and practice patience.

A new puppy is a wonderful gift. He or she can be a lot of trouble, but will always be worth it in the end.

With a new puppy, you’re getting to know a new best friend, and the experience can be amazing.

Rely on some of these tips to help your new puppy adjust and you will soon be enjoying a new life together.