Congratulations, the big day has finally come and the dog of your dreams is coming home. As expected, you will feel excited at this point, but you must not let your excitement distract you from the arrangements you need to make to ensure a smooth of a dog to a new home.
The first few days are the most vital with your new dog, whether he is a puppy or an adult. This period is the trend-setting phase and requires thorough planning. “Battles are won before they are even fought,” goes the famous quote from the well-known military strategy book Tzu-The Art of War. If you do not prepare with your family before your dog’s arrival, you will jeopardize his ability to adjust and your ability to put in place the limits and structure you wish him to live within.
How to Prepare for your Dog’s New Arrival
- Dogs are routine oriented, so you need to work out your house rules (furniture and rooms that are off limits) with members of your household and stick to them.
- Dogs need extra time with you in the beginning so try and arrange the homecoming on a weekend, when you probably have more time to devote to him.
- Work out where you want your dog to sleep and get it ready.
- Prepare the time schedule for his daily walks and decide who will be responsible for walking him.
- Decide if you will give him cooked or dry food. If you decide on dry food, stock up on extra bags as they sometimes run out in Egyptian supermarkets (it is not advisable to switch between brands).
- Decide on a vet and make sure to keep his phone number handy.
- Finally make sure you have the following items: stainless food and water bowl, collar and lead, toys (balls and chews) and a crate.
What to Expect from the Dog
You should expect your new dog to act differently than how he behaved when you met him at the shelter or owner’s home. He will be excited, nervous and, maybe tired after the trip to your house. He doesn’t yet recognize the sounds, smells and most importantly the routines and rules of your house. This is a very confusing and indeed stressful time for him.
He might display anxiety by panting, pacing, defecating, barking or whining. Some dogs even display nervousness by vomiting and getting diarrhea. Do not be alarmed as this phase should not last too long but it is important to understand that such behavior originates from your dog’s confusion. You can help him by showing him clearly and calmly what you expect from him.
How to Handle the New Family Member
When we say be calm this does not mean kiss, hug and praise him extensively. Instead, you should be gentle but firm. Talk to him in a low reassuring but commanding voice. A dog is a pack animal looking for guidance; and it is up to you to teach him acceptable behavior. He needs your leadership so don’t be afraid to assert it!
If you don’t take charge, the dog will try to. This is especially true for the local breed (baladi). This dog has endured ‘a lot in the streets but this is not without benefit. He is extremely canny and streetwise, and he will read the character of his new family and adjust to the new rules and schedules faster than most breeds. We have trained quite a few of this breed and found them to be very eager to conform but also very eager to start testing out their position in the pack.
Therefore, no matter what breed, be patient with your new dog but firm in your expectations. Praise him only for appropriate behavior and not constantly or the dog will learn to tune out your praise over time.
Use a leash when introducing a Dog to a New Home
If you are bringing home an adult dog, make sure you have him on a leash! Spend the first 10-15 minutes walking him around your house. Walk slowly – let him lead – let him sniff and pause if he wants. He is getting used to all the smells associated with his new surroundings and will undoubtedly relieve himself to mark the smells of your home. Discourage him with a short jerk on the leash and tell him no. That should set the base for housebreaking manners.
Keep in mind this sort of procedure will not be possible with a puppy, so make sure you allow him time to relieve himself outside before you bring him in. Watch for typical pre-piddling behavior like circling and sniffing.
Do not hit a dog for having an accident – rather, verbally get his attention, and take him right outside to his spot to do his business. If he does it, praise him. Expect a few housebreaking accidents in the first couple of days and maybe even weeks. The sooner you establish a routine and stick to it, the faster the dog will learn to adjust his biological clock to your routine.
Provide Quiet Time
Quiet time is important for your new dog especially in the first week. Due to his nervousness and anxiety, he will feel worn out fast, and he will need time to get used to your immediate family. Don’t try to excite him with games for his own sake as well as yours. Believe me you don’t want him to get used to constant motion and excitement in the house.
Feeding your New Dog
Feed your new dog twice a day: half the portion in the morning and half at night. Ask and encourage the dog to sit before putting the bowl down. Keep the food bowl for 15 minutes, if the dog does not eat his food, pick up the bowl until the next mealtime. After a couple of days of this routine, even the most finicky eaters will change their minds.
Consider Crating your Dog
Every dog needs a place to escape, a place to call his own, and a crate serves this need. Your new dog will have some degree of separation anxiety when you leave him alone at home, and crating the dog in the beginning will eliminate accidents, chewing destruction and other bad behavior. Your dog is safest in the crate until you can totally trust him loose in the house.
Establish a Routine
Try to develop and use a consistent daily routine for feeding, exercising, and bathroom duties. Dogs are creatures of habit and routine translates into security for them. If you do the same things in the same way and in the same order, he will settle in more quickly and learn what is expected of him.
Socialize your Dog
Start taking your dog to new places and let him have contact with people and other dogs. Enroll him in obedience training courses to further promote socialization and good behavior.
Finally enjoy your new pal. With the correct initiation routine, you are sure to gain a wonderful addition to your family.
