If you’ve made the decision to get a dog, it’s one of the most exciting milestones in your life. It’s a chance for you to bring a new furry family member into your world, who you will love for years to come. If you have never had a dog before, or not for a very long time, the idea of bringing one home is undoubtedly exciting, but also can be overwhelming. There is a lot you need to think about and prepare for after all. You want to make sure your new pet is happy, comfortable and settles in well, particularly if they are a puppy where a calm and structured approach can make a world of difference. In this article we take a look at how you can help them settle in happily and confidently. Keep on reading for more inspiration.
Photo by Darcy Lawrey: https://www.pexels.com/photo/dog-biting-rope-of-person-holding-rope-2813385/
Research the realities of owning a dog
While you see adverts and videos or people happily playing with their dogs, the realities of owning one is all of this, but also a lot of hard work! You need to make sure they’re getting enough exercise, are eating well and that their teeth are taken care of. You should have the number of a nearby emergency vet like Veteris on hand in case they need it, as well as for any regular treatment such as de-worming and vaccinations.
Prepare your home before they arrive
Before your dog walks through the door, you need to make sure you have your home ready. Have a comfortable bed in a quiet corner that they can retreat to and make their own while they get used to the sounds and smells of their new home. Have food and water bowls, high-quality dog food (ideally similar to what they’ve been eating already so it doesn’t unsettle them), as well as a collar, ID tag, lead, and toys. Remove anything that might be dangerous or tempting for them such as shoes, cables and houseplants as these could pose a risk, particularly before they are trained.
Expect an adjustment period
Expecting an adjustment period is essential when welcoming a new dog into your home. Even confident dogs can feel overwhelmed by unfamiliar sights, smells and routines. In the first few days, they may seem withdrawn, unsettled or quiet. Some dogs eat less, sleep more or have accidents as they acclimatise and get used to their new environment. This is completely normal. Many behaviourists reference the “3-3-3 rule”: three days to decompress, three weeks to learn your routine and three months to fully settle. Patience and consistency are key. Keep expectations realistic, maintain a calm environment and allow your dog to build trust at their own pace.
These are just a few bits of advice that should hopefully help you to welcome a dog to your home in no time. In just a couple of weeks you will wonder just how you used to live without them and they will have firmly slotted into your days and routines. Have you got a new dog on the way? Any tips? We’d love to share them with our readers.









