The post Tips for Helping Your Adopted Dog Feel at Home appeared first on Kruseway Commons Blog.
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Adopting a dog is a wonderful way to help a pet in need. When you’re planning to adopt a dog, it’s important to know what to expect after bringing your new pet back to your apartment. Dogs from shelters or rescue groups often need a bit of help adjusting to their new home. Keep the following tips in mind to make sure your pet feels comfortable in their new surroundings.
Stick to a Routine
Adopted dogs do well when they have structure in their lives, which they might not have had in shelters. Plan a routine for you and your dog, and make sure you stick to it on a regular basis. For example, you should feed your new dog and take them for walks at the same times each day. Establishing a routine can make it easier for your dog to feel at home instead of anxious.
Have Supplies Ready
Don’t wait until after bringing your dog home to get a bed or crate and other supplies. Have these supplies on hand when your dog comes home for the first time. Set up your dog’s bed or crate, along with blankets and toys, in a quiet area. This gives your dog somewhere to go if they’re feeling stressed or anxious.
Work on Training Right Away
Plan on getting started with training right from the start, such as teaching your dog to sit or walk on a leash. Keep training sessions short and fun to prevent your dog from getting bored or distracted. Keep in mind that training should always be a positive experience for your dog.
Be Patient
Your dog might need some time to get used to your home. If they do something they’re not supposed to during those first few weeks of settling in, such as chewing on furniture, remember to be patient. Avoid scolding or punishing your dog, which can lead to more anxiety. Instead, gently redirect your dog’s attention, and make sure you’re spending quality time with them each day.
Our pet-friendly apartments in Lake Oswego, OR allow up to two pets. Please contact us for details on our pet policy, floor plans, and more!
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Practically all living creatures get used to some type of routine, whether they want to or not. For some, the change in a routine may be little more than a nuisance. For others, it can be catastrophic. Even if your cat or dog seems easygoing about a new change in the schedule, though, it may be feeling the stress more than you think. Here are a few ways to help your pet cope, so both of you can relax and enjoy each other's company.
Action tips
Here are a few suggestions to get started:
- Distractions: Whether it's a bird feeder outside your window or more chew toys for your dog, the idea is to keep your pet as busy as possible while you're away.
- Increments: If possible, try adjusting the schedule a few hours at a time before you dive into the new routine.
- Calm down: Your pet knows when you're stressed. Being calm when you leave the home can promote calm in your pet and reduce the anxiety after you go.
- Play more: When you're with your pets, stimulate them with more active play.
Understanding your pet
If your new routine requires you to leave your dog for longer than you'd like, consider asking a neighborhood kid to play with your pet during the day or hire a dog walker. These social animals have the ability to be self-sufficient, but they're happier when they're with people. Cats can handle the isolation a little better, but they'll still crave your attention when you're with them. Some pets are comforted by being confined to a single space, such as a crate or a bedroom. Leaving the TV or radio on can also help them feel more comfortable, especially at the very beginning of the shift in schedule. According to studies, this trick seems to work more for dogs than for cats. Felines are naturally more accustomed to finding ways to fill their time when you're gone.
Our apartments in Lake Oswego are naturally better when you have someone to share them with. If you're looking for an apartment complex that wants your pet there as much as you do, call Kruseway Commons to learn more about our facilities.
The post How to Help Your Dog or Cat Cope With a Routine Change appeared first on Kruseway Commons Blog.
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