Getting a new pet is such an exciting time, but you need to make sure that they settle in with you as quickly as possible. Whether you’ve bought a brand new puppy or you’ve rescued a dog, it’s equally as important to make sure they get used to their new home. However, older dogs can be a little harder to settle in than others. These tips should help you:
Give Your Pet Their Own Quiet Space
Make sure you give your pet their own quiet space. It should be away from any foot traffic and noise, ideally in a soundproof space. If you don’t have that kind of space in your house, try giving them a soundproof blanket or something that can help them to block out noise. Make sure the space you give them has everything they need and is nice and comfortable. You should choose the most suitable beds for their size, age, and other factors too. If you’re wondering, ‘what’s the best bed for our pets?’ - there are many reviews out there to help you figure it out.
Let Them Explore When They Want
Don’t try to force your pet to come out of their space to explore the house. Give them the freedom to explore when they want. This will help them to develop more confidence, and soon they’ll be coming to explore more often.
Make Introductions Properly
If you’re going to introduce your pet to more pets and people, you need to be prepared to make the introductions properly. You should do it somewhere like the garden, so your pet doesn’t feel trapped. You should also avoid anybody or anything towering over your pet, as it can make them feel threatened. Having introductions made at eye level with them, without making eye contact can be best. You should do this nice and slowly so they feel as safe as possible.
Introduce Pets Carefully
If you are introducing two pets, then this situation needs to be handled much more sensitively. You should really take your time, as they need to get used to the scent of one another first. You can do this by keeping them separate for a while before slowly introducing scents. Do this by going to pet one and then petting the other. You can even have them switch spaces a couple of times so they can smell the other pet. Slow introductions and brief encounters will make it much easier for them to be comfortable around one another in the long run. If you’re introducing two dogs, you should never introduce them head on, as this makes them feel threatened. Two cats should have a place they can escape to if they feel they need it. With a dog and a cat, conflict can arise pretty easily, so make sure the cat is relaxed and has a place to go if anything happens. That being said, if you’re consistent you can definitely make sure your pets become good friends over time.
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