We all know the feeling of bringing home a new pet. They’re excited, scared, and ready for a new adventure! As homeowners and pet owners, we want to make sure our furry friends feel safe and secure in their new home as soon as possible. Here are some tips on how to help your new pet adjust to its home.
Provide a familiar scent and sound
One way to help pets feel comfortable in a new environment is by providing familiar scents and sounds. This could be done by placing items that have been previously used by the pet in your home. You can also play calming music or create white noise with a fan or noise machine. These little touches can go a long way in helping your pet relax and familiarize itself with its new surroundings.
Give them their own space
Before your pet’s arrival, make sure they have everything they need: a crate, food and water dishes, collar/leash, toys, bedding, and more. Give them a “safe zone” where they can go to get away from the hustle and bustle. Allow them time to explore their new space at their own pace; some pets may take longer than others to adjust.
Establish ground rules, boundaries, and expectations
It’s essential to set boundaries early on so your pet knows what behaviors are acceptable in your home. This can be done through positive reinforcement such as rewarding good behavior with treats or verbal praise, redirection for behaviors you don’t want them to do (e.g., gently putting them down if they jump on the counter), or providing alternate activities (like playing fetch instead of scratching furniture). It’s important that rules are consistently enforced so that the pet learns quickly what is expected of them.
Slowly introduce new family members, visitors, and other pets slowly
When introducing new people or animals into the household, it’s important to take it slow. Introductions should be done one at a time so as not to overwhelm your pet with too many strangers or animals at once. The atmosphere should remain calm and relaxed; loud noises should be avoided as much as possible during introductions. If introducing other pets who already live in the house, start out with brief interactions from afar before progressing towards more physical contact over time.
Spend time with your new pet
Dogs and cats need attention just like any other member of the family! Make sure you give them plenty of love throughout the day by cuddling up for some quality bonding time or playing together for mental stimulation. Exercise is just as important for pets as it is for humans; make sure you take time each day to get outside and move around together with your pup or go on walks around the neighborhood.
Helping your pet adjust to its new home doesn’t have to be difficult. It’s actually quite simple when you break it down into simple steps. With these tips in mind, we wish you luck on your journey toward creating a happy home for both you and your furry friend!
Are you looking for a new home so you can get a pet? Visit us at SummerHillHomes.com to learn more about our new homes and communities throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and schedule a tour today.