Getting a new pet is one of the most exciting times for a family. It’s easy to get caught up in selecting just the right companion, purchasing all their toys and supplies, and thinking about all of the tricks you can teach them and the ways you want to spend time with them.
However, many families quickly realize that they overlooked one essential part of this transition to owning a new pet: introducing them to the home.
Even the bravest animals are likely to feel a little uncertain in a new place, and for some, the experience is downright distressing. However, owners have plenty of options to reduce this stress and make joining the household a pleasant and exciting experience.
Here are some tips on how to introduce a new pet to your household so that the process is positive.
Introduce Smells Before Sights
Animals are typically instinctually fearful of unfamiliar things; this is a natural survival instinct. Even curious animals that may investigate a singular out-of-place object will soon succumb to overwhelm and uncertainty when surrounded by an entire room of unfamiliar items and sights. To avoid this stressor, owners should introduce smells first.
A pet understands that a smell itself is not dangerous; it is simply a warning of danger. By getting them accustomed to the smells of the home through exposure to items such as pillowcases, they will be less overwhelmed when they step into a new space. In fact, they might even feel like they already partially recognize it!
Be Present
If the process of acquiring the animal requires you to meet them in person, they already have an idea of who you are. It can be helpful to ease their fears by being present when they are introduced to the home.
Sitting on a couch while they explore their unfamiliar environment allows them to have a familiar entity that grounds them in this odd new space. Avoid bringing a pet home, dropping them off, and then leaving.
Be Patient With Unusual Behaviors
Pets have their own ways of coping with stressful situations. It is completely normal for a new pet to hide for hours or even days after being introduced to a home. They may whine, pace, or engage in other unusual behaviors as they adjust. This is a normal part of the process, and owners should be patient while the pet works through this transition on their own. Avoid scolding the pet; they are just settling in.
Create a Routine
One of the biggest stressors in a new place is uncertainty; pets don’t know what to expect. Owners who quickly establish a routine can integrate their pets into the household much more quickly and happily. Try to get up, go potty, eat, and sleep at the same time every day so the animal can become accustomed to the routine and get a sense of expectations.
Keep Introductions Short
Whether or not the household has any other pets, it is useful to keep introductions to these new elements short. Let the pet visit rather than stay if possible; short stints of a couple of hours can introduce them to the new space without overwhelming them. If another animal is involved, keep their playtime brief and let them meet in a no-pressure space (on opposite sides of a doggy gate, etc.).
Keep Up the Positive Reinforcement
In a new space, it can be difficult for a pet to understand when they have done something wrong (and what it was). This introductory time is important for positive reinforcement and setting expectations. Praising (and what might even feel like over-praising) can help an animal associate this new place with good, exciting things.
Treats, pets, playtime, or whatever else the animal enjoys are great ways to reward them every time they do something right (which might be behavior as small as walking out in the open or eating food).
Prepare Ahead of Time
The most successful household introductions often come from homes that are prepared for the pet. Have an area set up for them that includes their bed, litter box, toys, food and water, and whatever else they need ahead of time.
This prevents unnecessary hustle and bustle that could stress them out as you get everything set up. It also avoids situations such as a pet doing something great but not having treats on hand to reward them.
Get Your New Pet into a Walking and Boarding Routine You Can Trust
One part of introducing a new pet into your household is setting up their routine, which for many families includes walking and occasional boarding. Once your pet has settled in a bit, it’s a great opportunity to schedule your regular dog walker so they can integrate this interaction into their sense of normalcy. Contact Paw Pals to schedule your dog walking or boarding for your new best friend!