Take things quietly for the first few days to let your dog settle in and get to know his new home. Make sure there is always at least one member of the family around to keep an eye on him. Establish a routine from day one. Set the ground rules for what your dog is allowed to do and where he is allowed to go. For instance, if you don’t want your dog to go upstairs or lie on chairs or beds, teach him this rule right from the outset.
(Check out What’s Off-Limits to Your New Dog at Home?)
Getting Your Pup Used to the Home
Introduce your dog to any noisy or potentially frightening household machines like the vacuum cleaner and washing machine. Let him be present while the machine is running but at a comfortable distance with an “escape route” if he needs it.
If your dog looks nervous, get down to his level and speak to him in a gentle, encouraging tone, or distract him with a toy, until he seems calmer.
Set ground rules.
Getting confident:
For a puppy, a new home can be quite a scary place. Get him used to noisy appliances so that as he grows he becomes confident in the human world.
A regular routine:
Take your puppy or dog outside to relieve himself at regular times – whatever the weather. A set routine will help him to avoid having accidents in the house.
Keeping your dog entertained:
If you have to leave your dog alone in the house, leave a toy with him to keep him entertained and occupied while you’re gone.
Separating training:
Start by leaving your dog for a couple of minutes at a time, a few times a day, and gradually extend this as he accepts being alone.
