Are you wondering how to get ready for a new dog? Or are you bringing a second dog into the house? If you are, you have come to the right place. This article will help those adopting a new puppy into a home with or without other dogs. According to the American Human Organization, only 15.8%  of dogs that enter animal shelters are reunited with their owners. Therefore, there is a need for more people to adopt dogs. On the other hand, Animal Humane Society states that their return rates average between 8 to 10% of all adoptions.  Therefore, there is a need for dog owners to understand how they can get along with their new pets. The eight essential steps below will be your guide on how to get ready for a new dog.

Get Necessities

First, you need to prepare your home for a new dog before bringing it. Preparation ensures that you won’t disturb the dog’s peace and possibly scare it away. It may be confusing to a new dog to try and locate its necessities and hence, stress it. 

You need a crate, food and supplements, a dog bed, and other minor items beforehand. These are the necessary items the pet will probably need on the first day. Therefore, you will cause no harm if you over-prepare. You can also prepare the toilet area, although most newly adopted pets never use them. New puppies tend to choose once they familiarize themselves with the environment.

Prep the Family

Mentioning the idea of introducing a new puppy is never a bad idea. Irrespective of whether it's your first or you’re bringing a second dog into the house. You can have this conversation as a family to express your thoughts. Your family also includes other resident puppies. Prepare other pre-existing so that they don’t end up messing up.

One of the best ways to prepare the already present puppies is by separating their necessities. Sharing items is often the root of jealousy when bringing a new puppy into a home with other dogs. That way, the two dogs will rarely interact unless you intend it.

Design the feeding area

Every animal needs a separate feeding area. So how will the dog know its position? Its feeding area should be where it takes its first meal from. Therefore, ensure that you provide the food at the designated location once the new puppy is in the house and starving. 

You don’t need to design the feeding area from scratch. Owners should buy bowls and crates while buying necessities. The new puppy will recognize it once you serve it several times. As a result, it will develop a sense of discipline that it can only take meals from that area.

Take a Home Tour

Once you set everything, it’s time to take a home tour. You should tour the pet on the first day it lands in the house. You should be in the company as you move from one room to another. Also, you can take it around the compound, especially if it's fenced. However, you should remember you’re touring a dog; therefore, be calm and slow.

Do not let your new puppy tour alone as it can be messy as they do not know what’s where. Besides, despite being new, young puppies are very playful and may break items. You can opt to restrict the new puppy for the first few days or weeks as it garners confidence and gets used to the family.

Create a routine

Creating a routine is adversely essential, especially with the food. However, other factors come in as it grows old. Your dog needs to understand the sleeping, playing, and walking time. A routine ensures your dog lives a balanced and healthy life. 

One of the easiest ways to create a routine is to observe how it naturally spends its day during the first few days. With that, you can draft a schedule that works best for you and the dog. Considering it's a new puppy, you should spare much time for your interactions through walks and play.

Less talk and touch

A new environment is often scary and confusing to a newly adopted dog. Therefore, it will be highly observant and defensive. In such a circumstance, the best you can do is to let your puppy explore the environment. The puppy may retaliate or respond to sudden movements toward them and constant eye contact.

Instead, remain calm and let the new puppy feel comfortable and explore the house. More importantly, you should respond to its mistakes by touching them or raising your voice towards them. For example, a newly adopted peeing in the house isn’t a big deal. Once the pet understands and learns its environment, it will use the designated area. 

Consistency

It is vital to remain consistent over time and start small. Let the rules you have put in place within the house remain consistent so that the pet can learn. Changing the rules from time to time may confuse it or develop a vice. 

For example, often, it can be tempting to allow the dog to eat with them. You shouldn’t allow your dog to develop a habit of snatching food. Also, letting the dog sleep on the couch or your bed is a bad idea. It may be fun at first, but it will piss you off with time. Remain consistent with the rules you set from day one. 

Monitor its health

If you bring a new puppy into a home with other dogs, check its health. But how do you know if the pet’s health is deteriorating? First, you need to learn dog care. Also, you need to be keen on the usual behavior patterns and take them for checkups when you notice abnormalities. Also, taking new puppies for check-ups before bringing them home will better protect the resident pets. 

Immediately you notice an irregular pattern, you should consult the vet. The dog could be sick after eating something such as nuts or eggshells. Also, schedule for vaccination and preventative medicine with the veterinarian. However, the pet may be mentally stressed due to a change of environment. The boredom vanishes with time.

Bringing a New Puppy Home: A Guide for Introducing Your New Companion to Your Existing Dog

Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting and heartwarming experience. However, if you already have a dog, it's essential to handle the introduction with care to ensure a smooth transition and foster a positive relationship between the two furry friends. Just like humans, dogs have their unique personalities, and successful introductions are crucial to laying the foundation for a harmonious coexistence. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to bring a new puppy home when you already have a dog, fostering a loving and amicable relationship between the two.

Prepare the Environment:

Before bringing your new puppy home, take some time to prepare the living space. Ensure your existing dog's belongings, such as bed, toys, and food bowls, are in place. Introduce some new toys and a separate bed for the puppy. This helps your existing dog recognize that it still has its territory while the puppy is given its own safe space.

Leash Meeting:

The first meeting between your existing dog and the new puppy should take place in a neutral location, such as a nearby park or a friend's yard. Have both dogs on a leash, and let them see and smell each other from a distance. Gradually move them closer, paying close attention to their body language. If either dog seems tense or uncomfortable, take a step back and try again later. The key is to keep the initial interaction positive and stress-free.

Controlled Introduction at Home:

Once the initial meeting on neutral ground goes well, it's time to introduce them at home. Keep both dogs on leashes during this process. Allow them to sniff and interact while maintaining control over their movements. It's natural for dogs to establish a pecking order, but as long as there is no aggressive behavior, let them work it out. Always supervise their interactions and intervene if necessary, using positive reinforcement and treats to encourage good behavior.

Individual Attention:

While the dogs are getting used to each other's presence, make sure to give each one individual attention. Your existing dog might feel a bit jealous of the new addition, so continue your usual routines and bonding activities with them. By showing your existing dog that they are still a valued member of the family, they will be more accepting of the puppy.

Avoid Favoritism:

While giving individual attention is essential, avoid showing favoritism. Equal love and care for both dogs will prevent jealousy and rivalry. Treat both dogs fairly and equally, ensuring that they feel secure and loved in their new family dynamic.

Training Sessions:

Training sessions are a great way to build a strong bond between your existing dog and the puppy. Conduct short training sessions together, using positive reinforcement techniques. This will not only help in teaching commands but also establish a sense of camaraderie between the two as they learn and play together.

Space and Time for Solitude:

Just like humans, dogs need their personal space and moments of solitude. Ensure that each dog has a quiet area where they can retreat when they need a break from play or social interaction. This will help reduce potential tensions and create a calmer atmosphere at home.

Patience and Supervision:

Remember that the process of acclimating two dogs to each other takes time, and every dog is different. Be patient and avoid rushing the introduction process. Continuous supervision is necessary, especially during the initial days. Be attentive to any signs of stress or aggression and be ready to step in if needed.

Conclusion

Bringing a second dog into the house may be fun. However, you need to prepare a home for the dog, among other requirements. You need to love the new puppy, and it will feel comfortable and safe within the house. Bringing a new puppy into a home with other dogs may be challenging at first. However, any dog owner will have an easier time with the above essentials.

Author: Jackie Brown

Pet expert Jackie Brown has spent 20 years following her passion for animals as a writer and editor in the pet publishing industry. She is contributing writer for National Geographic’s Complete Guide to Pet Health, Behavior, and Happiness: The Veterinarian's Approach to At-Home Animal Care (April 2019) and author of the book It’s Raining Cats and Dogs: Making Sense of Animal Phrases (Lumina Press, 2006). Jackie is a regular contributor to pet and veterinary industry media and is the former editor of numerous pet magazines, including Dog World, Natural Dog, Puppies 101, Kittens 101 and the Popular Cats Series. Prior to starting her career in publishing, Jackie spent eight years working in veterinary hospitals where she assisted veterinarians as they treated dogs, cats, rabbits, pocket pets, reptiles, birds and one memorable lion cub. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons and miniature poodle Jäger. Reach her at jackiebrownwriter.wordpress.com.