How can I help my pup to settle?
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Make sure the puppy has been toileted before trying to settle for the night. By praising and rewarding your dog with treats every time it wees outside, it will eventually stop making a mess inside. New noises, smells and surroundings can take its toll on your dog who may get little sleep for the first few nights. This goes for other pets and other family members . It’s a good idea to introduce the calmest members of the family first.
If you have excitable children in the house ask them to respect the puppy's needs by not waking him if he's sleeping and not pulling him around. Draw up a rota so every family member has time with the puppy and some responsibility for him. This can include things like feeding and grooming, as well as taking him out to toilet. Start by taking him into the garden to the spot where you want him to toilet. Hopefully, he will oblige and be less inclined to mess in the house.
What are considered warning signs for new dogs?
Discouraging them by loudly saying ‘Ouch’ and ceasing attention whenever your dog does it to show that it’s unacceptable. Giving your dog chew toys and reinforcing the good behaviour by petting them can help break the habit of chewing. Don’t forget to enrol in puppy socialisation and training classes recommended by your local vet to help your puppy grow into a confident, polite and stress-free adult dog. This is why bribery (let’s call it what it is) will work like a charm in your bonding adventure. Treats can include food, dental chews or toys such as sticks .
A collar should be introduced as soon as possible and choosing the right size is important. The collar should fit so that two fingers easily fit underneath it. The collar is likely to need replacing as the puppy grows. Your puppy will need separate food and water bowls that are durable and non-slip.
How long can it take for a rescue dog to settle in?
Like humans, puppies will need a bit of time adjusting to a new environment. Your first instinct may be to bring him in the house, let him explore and immediately meet his new family. Always remain calm as your puppy will sense your mood. If you seem happy and normal, then they are less likely to worry.
These could occur when you offer small treats, but most likely, they will appear when you are feeding him. ✔️ Your First Puppy Guide- taking you through all the various stages during the first year of your dogs life. Don't make any changes to his diet until he has settled in; then do so gradually. He should begin to sleep through when he realises he won't be petted or played with. Just like you – we’re also training to get better.
RESOURCES FOR DOG SPORT PARTICIPANTS
It sends ‘comforting messages’ to help your furry friend feel comfortable and secure in the household. When your puppy first arrives, go straight to the garden or out for a small walk to give toilet opportunities. Try to have little puppy treats cut up in your hand or pocket to reward your puppy for travelling in the car or straight after going to the toilet outside.
Ensure each pet has the opportunity to seek refuge to get some quiet time away from one another. You might like to use a crate, play pen or separate pets via a gate. It is helpful to ensure each pet can rest without disturbance and this also teaches each individual to be comfortable on their own. Show your puppy where their sleeping spot is and establish it as their quiet refuge – a place to escape the world when needed. When introducing your puppy to children, always ensure a responsible adult is present.
Discuss with children the need to be quiet and calm when interacting with the puppy. Make sure that interactions between children and pets are always supervised. To ensure a positive association with children, give treats to the puppy while they interact with them. Chances are, no matter how comfortable you make the puppy feel, night one won’t be easy for you.
You may not want the new puppy to sleep on your bed. You can place him or her in a crate beside your bed. This will also be useful as a place for the puppy to use later as a ‘den’ for when you are away or to keep the pup safe when visitors, children or other dogs come to visit. Firstly, it’s not going to spoil your puppy to have it sleep inside for the first few nights. In fact, sleeping in your bedroom will provide some much needed human company after being separated from its mum, litter mates and previous human carers. A little bit of love is not going to ruin your pup!
If your puppy is too young to go outside to the toilet then take them to the puppy pad to try to encourage them to use. Make sure you try to establish a routine that all good things happen in this very special place. I like to have a variety of “Kong” toys filled with either my dog’s meal or some tasty treats to give to my puppy when they are in the crate. Gently close over the door of the crate but allow puppy to come out if they seem concerned.
There is no quick or easy solution to creating a good bedtime regime, some puppies will settle within the first couple of nights and some will take longer. Basically, your new puppy will have to learn doggie manners, and if done correctly you should gradually build the relationship between both dogs. That place can be where her bed is, or a spot in the corner of the living room where you want her to lie, or her crate. By letting her off the leash here, you are telling her, “This is yours.” Don’t be surprised if she immediately decides to settle down and ignore the family for a while. When you pick the dog up, everyone must remain calm.
If there are any household rules you want to stick to it’s important that these are set up from day one as a bad habit can be hard to break once started! For example, if you don’t want your dog to go on the sofa, that rule needs to be in place from day one. Instead, play with them on the floor to teach them that fun things happen off the sofa. Start him off where you want him to be later – put his crate or dog bed in your bedroom. Put his food and water dish someplace he’ll feel safe, so you don’t stimulate guarding behavior.
Train the puppy to be relaxed around the cat, and to pay attention to you when the cat is nearby. You want to avoid any situations where one chases the other. You might like to use a crate for your puppy which can also assist with toilet training. Choose a suitable size crate and train your puppy to view their crate as a great place to be by using treats and chew toys. The puppy will need a lot of attention and playtime.
Choosing The Right Breed
For areas your puppy won’t be allowed, think about how you will block their access. A puppy or child gate is very useful as it allows you to still move about your house, while preventing your puppy from entering any areas they shouldn’t. Adding a new family member is a big decision and importantly how the new pet is integrated into the household is critical to a smooth transition. While there will always be bumps in the road, preparation and planning will make all the difference.
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