Introducing a New Pet Into Your Home
Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is an exciting time for everyone. However, it can also be challenging if you aren’t prepared.
There can be all sorts of teething problems as you and your new pet gets to know each other. This isn’t something that’s limited to novice pet owners, either.
Even experienced dog owners looking to register as dog breeders can benefit from knowing how to introduce a new pet into their home.
When you’ve decided to add a new furry friend to your family, there are some things you’ll want to do in order to make sure the transition goes as smoothly as possible for everyone involved.
Here’s a helpful guide on how to introduce a new dog or cat into your home.
Preparations
Before bringing your new pet home, take some time to puppy- or kitten-proof your house. This means making sure any small objects that could be swallowed are out of reach, and that any poisonous plants are removed.
You’ll also want to create a safe space for your new arrival, whether that’s a quiet room with their food, water, bedding, and litter box, or a designated area in the yard.
The most important thing to remember when introducing a new pet into your home is to take things slow. Rushing the process can cause undue stress for both you and your new furry friend and can lead to behavioral issues down the road.
Give yourself and your new pet time to adjust and get comfortable with one another.
Setting Up a Safe Space
When you first bring your new dog or cat home, confine them to one room or area of the house. This will be their “safe space” to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed or need time to themselves.
This area will help them feel safe and secure in their new surroundings while giving them time to get used to the smells, sounds, and sights of their new home.
Be sure to provide them with everything they need in this space, including food, water, a litter box (for cats), toys, and a bed.
Don’t try to force them to interact with you or other family members if they’re not ready yet.
Exploring the House and Making Introductions
After a few days, slowly start introducing your new pet to the rest of the house. Allow them access to one room at a time so they don’t feel overwhelmed. During this period, you can also try to handle them and introduce them to other family members.
If they seem scared or hesitant, give them some time to adjust before trying to handle or pick them up.
Once they seem more comfortable, slowly introduce them to each family member, starting with the ones they seem most interested in.
Have everyone take turns offering treats and petting, and avoid overwhelming your new pet by having too many people around at once.
Meeting Other Pets
If you have other pets in the house, introducing them will be a little different. Start by keeping your new arrival in their safe space while allowing your other pets to sniff them through the door or gate.
Once everyone seems calm and relaxed, you can let them meet face-to-face. Supervise closely at first and be prepared to separate them if necessary. With patience and positive reinforcement (lots of treats!), your pets will soon be best friends.
Start a Routine
It’s also important to create a routine for your new pet as soon as possible. Set meal times and stick to them as closely as possible.
Set aside time each day for walks or playtime so your pet knows what to expect and can start looking forward to these activities. The more predictable their environment is, the easier it will be for them to adjust.
Early Training
Even if your new pet is already house-trained, it’s important to start working on basic obedience commands (sit, stay, come, down, etc.) as soon as possible.
This will help them understand what you expect of them and help cement your authority as their owner or leader. Whenever your new pet does something you want them to do, be sure to praise them lavishly! This will reinforce good behavior and help them learn to follow your commands.
House Rules
It’s important that your new pet knows what is expected of them from the beginning. Establish rules about where they are allowed to go in the house, what furniture they are allowed on, and so forth.
Be consistent with enforcing these rules and don’t give in if they beg or plead – it will only confuse them and make training more difficult in the long run.
Patience is Key
Finally, be patient and understanding during this transition period. It can be tough adjusting to a new pet, but remember that they’re just as stressed out as you are. With time and patience, everyone in your home will soon be getting along swimmingly!
