How to Make a New Puppy Feel Safe and At Home

Last Updated: April 12, 2023

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Adopting a new puppy is an exciting time for every member of the family, including the new pup. However, it's also an incredibly stressful time for the newly born puppy.

They have been whisked away from everything they know and have become comfortable with in their short life, including their family.

It's a crucial time to set up a good relationship with the puppy.

It's important to create an environment in which the young dog can grow and develop into a lovable part of the family. Making your new furry friend feel comfortable at home begins before they even get there.

Gather the Essentials

pet store front

There's nothing worse than picking up a newly adopted puppy and heading straight to the pet store to get the necessary equipment.

All of this should be prepared ahead of time so that all you need to do is head home and start getting acquainted. Everything should be set up and ready for their arrival.

Puppies need more equipment than adult dogs. This includes food, training accessories, toys, and much more. Prior to picking the puppy up, new owners should take the time to choose the appropriate essentials to accommodate their new lifestyle.

It's a great time to research dog foods and toys to ensure they're good for the particular breed.

Puppy-Proof The House

After getting the necessities, it's important to make the home safe for the puppy. Unlike adults dogs, puppies don't know any better. They don't understand that electricity can harm them or that the world beyond the property lines are to be avoided.

It's far too common for new puppies to become lost or injured within the first few days in their new home due to a lack of preparedness on the owner's part.

Treat the new puppy like a newborn baby. Every potentially dangerous obstacle should be removed and taken care of. Fences and security gates should be put into place and anything they can chew on should be hidden. This will ensure that they can safely explore their new home.

Create Their Space

stress free puppy in bed

Puppies should always have a space that they can call their own. It's a place that they can go to rest and get away from the action.

Most dog owners use a crate, bed, or entire room. This should be chosen based on convenience. Kitchens are a popular location because the flooring is easy to clean up and it's near their food and water sources.

Regardless of the location, this spot should be used throughout their lives.

Once home, it's important to show the new puppy their spot. A comfortable bed and a few toys will make the area more inviting. Eventually, they'll gravitate to the spot naturally and go there when they want alone time.

Alternatively, owners can use this spot to house pets when they need to be contained away from others. If they aren't going to the spot, pheromones are a great option.

Some pheromones, such as Adaptil, mimic the pheromones released by their mother. It'll reduce anxiety and promote calm in the space.

Keep It Social

Upon pickup, it's a good idea to bring another member of the family along so that the puppy experiences loving socialization from the first moment on. A car ride in a crate can be scary to a new puppy.

By being held or talked to, the puppy with be more comfortable. Upon arriving, it's important to begin socializing immediately.

Owners can tour the home with the new pup while paying extra attention to their designated space. Other members of the family should be prepared to deal with the new puppy in a loving manner. They all need to introduce themselves lovingly to establish the relationships.

The most important thing is to show the new puppy a lot of attention, especially within the first few days. They need that socialization to develop proper skills. Proper socialization is the foundation of good behavior. They need to be shown kindness, gentleness, and love as much as possible.

Introducing Other Pets

introduce a puppy to a larger dog

If the home has other pets living in it, it's important to introduce the animals to each other carefully. This can be a bit daunting, especially if the other animal is a cat or larger dog.

Avoid putting them in the same room immediately. This can be dangerous and incredibly frustrating. They need time to acclimate and get used to one another's scent.

One of the Best Methods

One good method for introduction is scent swapping. Simply rub a towel on each animal so that their scent is attached. Then, place the towels in the opposite's living space.

For new puppies, it's a great idea to place scented towels on their bed or crate immediately. They'll associate the scent with something safe and soothing. Eventually, owners can let them touch each other through the bottom of the door or over a gate.

  • It may take a while, but they'll learn to live together soon enough.

Start Training Immediately

potty training

Chances are, new puppies don't have any form of training. They're not housebroken and don't understand verbal commands. It's important to start the training process immediately on day one.

This is especially true when it comes to house training. Understand that the puppy is young and doesn't have full control of their bladder. Take them out frequently to the same spot to establish some sort of continuity and rules.

Owners that decide to put off training will only find that it's more difficult after they've become comfortable in the house. By starting the training process immediately, the new puppy has nothing to compare to. They'll be able to associate commands, behaviors, and areas with their training easier.

It's important to stay patient. Puppies can be difficult to train. Owners need to stay positive and light-hearted. With time, their new puppy will get the hang of things and start following schedules and rules accordingly.

Final Words

These steps can make your new puppy feel at home from the minute they walk through the door. Owners can avoid the awkward hiding and nervous stages by beginning their lives together on the right foot. With the right foundation of socialization and comfort, puppies will flourish into a fun part of the family in no time.

Also Read: The Reason Why Dogs Sneeze when They're Playing

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About the author 

Steve

Steve is a writer with over 10 years of experience in dog training and nutritiion.

His goal is to educate dog owners about the ins and outs of canine behavior as well as keeping up with the latest scientific research in the field.