Tips on Bringing a New Pet into Your Home

Bringing a new pet into your family’s life can be a very exciting time, however, they’re a long-term responsibility and being prepared before bringing them home can help make it an easier and happier transition for everyone.

The Holidays May Not Be an Ideal Time

Most people are very stressed and busy during the holidays.  There can be travel plans, a house full of guests and numerous holiday activities that everyone is preparing for.  For this reason, it may be better to wait until after the holidays to bring a new pet into your home.

Instead, make the family a gift certificate to adopt a pet after the holidays.  The whole family can be involved in finding the right pet for your family and enjoy the process.

Pet Supplies

It’s a good idea to have a list of items to ensure the basic care of your new furry family member. You don’t want to forget something and have to make a late errand run trying to find something.

• Crate/baby gate
• Collar and leash
• Food and bowls
• Bed
• Toys
• Treats

House Rules

It’s often best to establish some house rules that every member of your household will have to apply when you get a new pet. These rules should be put in practice every day, otherwise, your pet will get conflicting signals and it will be difficult to train them.

Your new pet wants to please you, but they can’t if they’re confused about the rules and what’s okay and what’s not. Consider having a family discussion where everyone agrees on the house rules:

• Are there any rooms or areas your pet is not allowed?
• Is there specific furniture they are not allowed on?
• Morning and evening routines

Introduce Your Pets to One Another

Bringing a new pet to the house can be stressful, as some pets need time to adjust to a new family member. There is normally an adjustment period getting everyone acclimated to one another.

It’s recommended that when having two new dogs meet for the first time that it’s not in the home. This avoids any territorial behaviors from your pets.

At Creekside Pet Hotel, we offer one-on-one training sessions at our facility or in your home.  We also have manners class for our current daycare participants.  If you are concerned and need help with your new dog, contact us to talk about dog training that is specific to your family’s needs. 

Housetraining

Whether you’re bringing a puppy or adult dog into your home, housetraining is a big part of the process.  Sometimes an adult may be housetrained and it’s a breeze, but more often than not, you’re going to have to do a little of housetraining for your new family member. 

You’ll want to take them outside every couple of hours, especially right after mealtime.  Teach them an outdoor spot for them to potty and praise them every time they go. Establish a feeding schedule and be aware of their activities throughout the day to avoid accidents.  Our pets love and crave a consistent routine.

Schedule Their First Vet Visit

It is essential to schedule a visit soon after you bring a new pet into your home. Your veterinarian will have an office visit to check the overall health of your new pet and guide you on various important health aspect, including keeping them current with any vaccinations and medications they require.

Exercise

Making sure your pet gets in plenty of exercise is important for their physical and mental wellbeing.  We understand that this can be difficult with our busy schedules, but that extra energy needs to be expelled or they may begin to exhibit behaviors you don’t’ want to see, like barking or chewing.

Signing your dog up for dog daycare is a great way to make sure they’re expelling all of their pent up energy and socializing with other dogs.

Bringing a new pet into your home can be a fun and exciting time.  Just remember that it’s a completely new environment for them and be prepared to help them adjust for a happy and long relationship with your family.