The most crucial thing while introducing new people, pets, animals, or objects to your dog is to take things slowly. The more patience you cultivate, your chances of succeeding at this task increase. You should never force your dog to interact when it doesn’t have the heart to. It is vital to prepare your dog beforehand for fruitful socialization.
Dogs are social animals whose ancestors lived and moved together in a pack; still, not all dogs get along. Welcoming a new sibling is not always smooth sailing for many dogs because things naturally change, and the settled pup might feel displaced and distraught when a new person enters the scene.
Some puppies develop anxiety issues, behavioral problems, and other medical conditions due to stress and trauma associated with the arrival of new members in the house. Vet visits might be inevitable if dog parents fail to balance it out in such cases. Pet insurance covers a puppy’s medical care during non-routine vet visits and emergencies at affordable costs.
Puppy owners should consider purchasing dog insurance because unplanned vet bills can run up to thousands of dollars within no time, depending on the medical condition and its severity. In the meantime, find a few tips here on making new introductions a positive experience for a puppy.
All it might take to foster a positive association with the new family members is plan and patience.
1. Take one step at a time.
Offer your puppy a piece of clothing (scarf, sock, onesie, etc.) or bedding with the new person’s scent to sniff and get familiar with the smell.
2. Arrange short meetings.
The first meeting is important. Keep it short and sweet, so the interaction ends on a good note. You can gradually increase the interaction time, so your puppy gets comfortable with the new member.
3. Don’t leave it unattended.
Check out what your old dog and the new member are up to either from a distance or by staying next to them. This step allows you to intervene when the conversations turn ugly.
4. Don’t discriminate.
Whether it is a new pet, spouse, or baby joining your family, make sure the new member and your old four-legged pal get equal treatment. Remember, you are a critical resource for everyone and, therefore, should ensure everyone’s needs are met.
5. Balance bonding time.
When you reach out to your new baby cat, pup, or human baby, don’t forget to send a loving signal to your in-house dog simultaneously. Have private conversations with your dog, give it gentle strokes now and then, have group time for double fun, gift it new toys, treats, and other things that can make your doggo feel included and loved.
6. Help both share a good rapport.
Create opportunities for your dog to help a new furry family member learn the house rules. Already house trained dogs can serve as role models to young puppies and set the new members up for success in no time.
Follow these tips so your doggo showers the new member with as much love and care as you show them. Despite all these efforts, if your canine friend is still having issues, it is probably time for a vet visit, as these signs can also point to physical troubles. Dog insurance helps with unanticipated vet bills, so you must consider buying a policy.
Pet insurance is available in different levels of cover that you can quickly view, compare, request quotes, and buy online. So, why wait to explore this opportunity?
