Female Dog Names Beginning With O

What To Expect When Bringing Your New Dog Home

Bringing your new family member home is an exciting time for everyone! Your kids will be all wound up with excitement, while you'll probably be nervous and wondering what to expect. Whether you're a first-time dog owner or not, here are some things you can expect.

First, your new dog is going to be stressed. They're going into a totally new environment, with people they don't know. They aren't certain yet if they can trust you, particularly if they were neglected in the past or have moved homes a lot. Don't be surprised if they act aloof around you and your family at first.

Stress also means that accidents may happen. Even the most well-trained dogs can have accidents. Your new dog isn't used to your schedule yet, either. Try to pay attention to their cues. If they begin whining a lot, standing by the door, or frequently come over to you and whine or bark, these are all signs they may need to go potty. Don't get upset with your dog if they have an accident when they first come home.

Try to keep their new environment calm and quiet for the first several days. It can take a new dog anywhere from just a couple of weeks to a few months to fully adjust to their new home. It's important to exercise patience and understanding. Imagine how it would feel if you were suddenly uprooted from your home and had to live with total strangers. Over time, your dog will open up to all of you and their personality will shine!

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Guilherme Stecanella / Unsplash.