Adopting dogs is not always an easy task or an easy decision. But is a life-changing moment when you decide to rescue a neglected dog? Adopting a dog is very different from buying one.
When you adopt a dog, that specific dog has not much history besides being a house pet for a while and getting used to being domesticated. But for adopted dogs, it is a heartbreaking story behind each and every one of them.
The research found that 71% of abuses are targeted to pets, and most of these pets end up being in the street and neglected. In other cases, these pets such as dogs are being thrown away by their original owners, so you can imagine how heartbreaking this must be for the animal.
Most adopted dogs need time to adapt, heal, and adjust to their new environment. After being abused and having a long harsh history, it would take a lot of work as well as time to develop trust again between the owner and the pet.
So as owners, you need to be very patient in handling your newly adopted pets. And in today’s article, we will give you some tips on how you can make your newly adopted dog feel comfortable in your home.
- Be patient
We know how exciting owning a new pet can be, especially if it is an active and fun pet such as a dog. But don’t be too hurried, because adopted dogs need time to be introduced to your new home and to new people.
So we suggest you have patience, do not get too emotional or excited, and go with the flow. Enjoy the bonding time with your new dog and learn its behaviors. While learning its behavior, make sure to also learn the 10 types of adaptation on dogs.
- No fast movements
Dealing with a traumatized animal will take a few steps to achieve. One of those steps is to not make any sudden movements or any fast movements that can potentially scare and startle your adopted dog. Take your time and be calm around your new pet, this way the dog will also be calm and be more willing to trust you.
- Introduction to everyone
Don’t wait any longer to introduce your new pet to everyone in the house. Take the dog around the house and have a small family meeting with it. Make sure that your new dog is familiar with the faces and that each family member or person treats the new pet well.
Simply by petting and giving treats would make the dog more familiar and bond with other people around the house.This way, the dog would be more comfortable being around the house.
Also, did you know that humans can recognize dog’ expressions?
- Training
Go for a run or play along with your dogs. It may be effective to use food when training a dog, or you could simply use a leash and go outside to have a little run with your dog.
Training may vary from exercises or voice commands. Although it may be a little too quick if you are training the dog to sit, bark, shake hands and it may overwhelm your dog. Try using treats to make the dogs in training so that it is easier for the dogs to comply. But, is it effective to use food when train a dog?
- Establish a routine
Adopted dogs are not usually used to living with a structure, that is why within the first day, you need to establish the things that you and your dog want to do.
This routine can vary from feeding time, exercise time, taking a bath, playtime, and such. Make sure to always stick to this routine so that your dog will get used to being around the house and the activities that you do together. Sooner or later, it will all be familiar and you will both enjoy the time together.
- Provide comfort area
With a wide floor space, a dog would be overwhelmed on where to sleep or where to chill when it is boring. You can see where the dog is comfortable from the day it starts walking around the house. Pick a spot where it is comfortable but does not isolate that area from the rest of the house.
Place comfortable soft paddings or pillows that will make the dog fall in love with the house. You could also add a few toys and a blanket to make it the perfect home.
Besides comfort areas, you could even make a shelter for dogs if you choose for the dogs to stay outdoor.
- Watch and listen
One of the most important things that you need to do, is to observe and listen to how your dog is adapting to its new home. Because when you leave your newly adopted dog unattended, your dog might break stuff around the house or even wreck furniture.
Usually, dogs have a traumatic experience when they act differently. And there are many signs that trauma can be recognized in a dog. You just need to observe the behavior and see if anything is strange.
- Fill with love
Last but not least, with every house pet, there must be love and caring amongst each other. So don’t forget to give your pet that extra attention, play with it, pet it, hug it, and give it love. This way, your pet would feel welcomed and be the best companion you could ever want.
To get to know your dog better, learn the things that make your dog bark at night.