Pet Care

Top 5 Tips for Your First 5 Hours with Your New Dog

Go home. ​Take Your dog straight home. As tempted as you may be to stop for pet supplies or show off your new pup to friends and family, the sooner you get the dog home, the sooner you can all settle into your new lives. Providing calm and routine will make that happen a lot quicker.

Leash up. It is critical that you keep your dog on a leash at all times during transport. Bring someone along to help with the dog in the car, especially if the dog is not going to be crated–and be prepared for the possibility of the dog trying to bolt once the door opens.

Enjoy the outdoors. Once you’re home, you should remain outside with the dog on leash until she urinates and, ideally, defecates. From day one the dog will start to learn where she is expected to relieve herself.

Control the environment. Inside the house, you should keep the dog on a leash for a while in order to slowly introduce her to the new environment. Once your are comfortable, the leash can be removed.

Introduce slowly. If possible, introduce the dog to each family member separately. That way she’ll have the opportunity to get to know the sight and smell of each individual without being overwhelmed.

Get additional tips from Dr. Patricia McConnell

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