Tips for Getting Your Dog Used to a New Family Member
Introducing a new family member to your dog can be difficult. You want them to get along, but they need time to adjust and learn about each other. This post is going to focus on tips for getting your dog used to the new person as well as how your new house rules will make this transition successful!
If you're planning to have someone move into your home, it's important to take some time to train your dog to accept new people. The first thing you need is a good training program that includes exercises like obedience commands and tricks. You want your pup on their best behavior when they meet this person!
By making sure your dog has been trained beforehand, your dog should already understand what you want. If they become too excited by a new person, a command like "go" can tell them that they need to leave the room. A command like "sit" can tell them that they need to be calm. If your dog doesn't know any commands, this will take a lot more time and patience than if they already knew some of the basics.
Secondly, take time beforehand with them outside so they can get used to being around strangers without feeling threatened or scared. They may bark at trees or joggers but if they're getting more comfortable, then all of these interactions will make it easier going about meeting others later on in life just. The dog will know what is happening instead of always expecting something bad. Really though, this kind of training should be ongoing. Once someone is ready to move in, it's a little late to socialize your dog.
A great first step at introductions is to bring something of the new person into your home for your dog to smell. Grab a shirt or blanket from your new family member's house and bring it home. Put the item in a room your dog is already familiar with so he can get used to it and become familiar with this new person's smell.
Once you've done this, let your dog meet the new person somewhere neutral. You don't want this person coming into the home yet as your dog may feel it's their territory. Meet outside at a park or even have this person bring treats for the dog. Most dogs are naturally curious and a meeting at a familiar but neutral place will help them feel more comfortable.
If your dog seems nervous and is growling, showing teeth, or even biting this person it's important that you don't punish the dog for its behavior. You need to teach your new family member how to interact with your dog. You should be on the same page with commands and rules for the dog.
Start by teaching your new family member about boundaries and what is off-limits. Your family member should know where the dog's space is and where thamily member:
