How To Introduce A Puppy To Your Family

When you bring a new puppy home as the newest family member, it fills you with mixed emotions. It involves a lot of changes and a period of adjustment for everyone in the family, both humans and pets. It also includes a little more work but it is all worth it when it is paid back tenfold with all the love, affection and cuddles. With that kept in mind, let us see how you can ease the introductions.  

Preparations prior to the introduction

There are numerous things to prep for before the newest addition. You have to keep in mind that these preparations are necessary to ensure that your pup feels secure and loved in this new environment.

1. Dog proofing your home 

It is important to dog proof your home before your puppy arrives. Inspect your house and make sure to move potentially dangerous objects out of your dog’s reach. Make sure you don’t have any poisonous houseplants. Make sure anything hazardous to a little puppy gets either moved to a higher place or locked inside storage.

2. Gather essential supplies

• A crate (choose a size based on the breed) 
• A bed/mattress 
• Food and feeding supplies (food, bowl, water dish)
• Treats for training
• A collar, leash and tags
• Toys (especially chew toys)
• Puppy training pads

3. Brief your family

Prepping your family in advance is a smart move so that they are ready and don’t come on too strong when you bring the puppy. Ensure they understand that the puppy would be timid at first and showing too much excitement would probably cause him to run off with his tail tucked between his legs. Divide up the responsibility related to the puppy among yourselves beforehand to avoid any arguments in the future. It is easy to let the adults know what to do but children in your home will take some time to understand so you might have to repeat yourself a few times. 

Meeting the family

A puppy will be hesitant when meeting someone for the first time. It’s important that everyone meeting the puppy for the first time must stay calm and gentle throughout the entire process. Don’t introduce everyone at the same time as it is often overwhelming for the pup. Start by introducing the adults. Let them engage slowly and one at a time. Have that person spend time with the pup in a way that’s appropriate to the puppy’s temperament. Every puppy is different when it comes to mixing in with the family because even though some get along fast, it’s harder for many and they are likely to take a while.

The introduction between children and the new puppy is challenging. For your child, the concept of getting a new best friend is really exciting and without meaning to, they might scare the puppy. Discuss with them beforehand they need to stay calm and gentle when interacting with the puppy. Their natural reaction will be to play with the newest family member, but they must not be overly excited. This will also help to build trust between the puppy and them. 

Some tips to make the introduction between children and puppy go smoothly: 

• Ask your child to approach the pup halfway and let him come the rest of the way. The puppy needs to be able to approach in his own time and not feel they are being forced into a scary situation.
• The pup would inspect your child by sniffing and observing carefully. By doing this, he senses that the child is safe and they can let their guard down. Children can encourage the dog to interact with them by sitting down and offering a treat or a game with a toy.
• If your puppy is happy and enjoying the interaction, you can ask your child to gently stroke their head and neck, avoiding sensitive areas like the ears, tail, feet and stomach.

A puppy will definitely need time to get accustomed to his new family. Try to spend lots of time helping him bond with your family. This is a good opportunity to introduce your puppy to the human touch. A pet will only be fully comfortable with you and your family when it trusts you. During the entire process of introducing your little four-legged friend and your family, be sure to tell your puppy that he is doing a great job and shower him with lots of love. Once you get a dog, you become their constant and the recipient of their unconditional love which is a blessing because once they give their love to someone, they do it with no intention of takebacks. With that being said, I wish you all the best on this new journey.