Many dogs feel shy or scared when coming home to new owners and environments.
Bringing a dog into your home not only requires an adjustment period for you, but for the dog as well. Your new dog will likely feel scared, nervous or shy and will need some help getting used to you and its new environment. If you adopted a dog from a shelter or rescue, it may have experienced difficult circumstances in its life that can affect the way it behaves in your home. No matter what your dog's past, however, there are a few ways to help it adjust and feel more secure with you in your home. Does this Spark an idea?
Become Pack Leader
Provide an authority figure for your dog, suggests the Paw Rescue website. Most dogs seek out a leader who will tell them behave. If your dog doesn't find that leader, it may take on the role itself, which can lead to serious behavior issues. Therefore, let your dog know from the start that you are in command. To show your dominance, walk through doors ahead of it, eat your meals in front of the dog before it eats and never move out of the dog's way---make it move instead. Showing your dog that you are boss is not mean; rather, it is helpful to the dog and will most likely make it feel more secure. In addition, it will probably become closer to you because it knows that you are boss.
Give Your Dog Some Space
Give your dog a comfort zone. While most dogs enjoy the company of others, they also prefer a quiet space to relax and rest. Either provide your dog with a crate or section off a part of a room that is made for your dog to relax in. Dogs often enjoy spending time in dens and crates typically mimic those areas. Place the crate in a quiet area of the house and allow the dog to have alone time while there. Provide a bed, toys, food and water in the space and place your dog in these areas when you are not home or are sleeping. In addition, allow access to the spots at all times so your dog can visit them if it wants even when you are around.
Establish a Routine
Create a routine with your new dog. Dogs are typically creatures of habit and being part of a routine gives them a sense of purpose, states the Veterinary Partner website. Therefore, give your dog exercise at the same time everyday and add other events to its daily routine. Giving your dog something to look forward to will help it enjoy its new life and create a bonding experience with you.
Build Confidence Through Encouragement
Provide rewards and praise for your dog whenever it pleases you. Most dogs often feel insecure and unsure about themselves when they come into new environments, which is why it is important for new owners to build up their confidence levels. Providing treats and encouragement for jobs well done is often enough to provide the comfort and confidence boost for the dog. Providing rewards even for the most basic tasks, such as eliminating outdoors, will help a dog feel more comfortable with itself, and ultimately with you and its new environment.
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