Settling a new dog in your home: practical tips for new pet owners

Bringing a new puppy or dog home is always a happy time, but it does mean you’ll have the important job of helping them adjust to their new environment. On the first day, your dog will see, hear and smell many new things, leaving them feeling a little nervous and confused. They might even be quieter than usual and need extra comfort - this might be especially true if your dog is a rescue or foster.

You may be feeling both excited and nervous. Those feelings are okay, though! With some understanding, patience and preparation, you can make the transition easier for the both of you and everyone in the family. 

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Afterall, getting a dog is a huge step for anyone, whether it’s a puppy or a rescue/foster dog. If it’s your first time, it’s important to know what to expect. They’ll need your love, safety and help. 

So, to help you out, we’ve put together tips and advice from PEDIGREE® alongside real experiences from our Mumsnet users on bringing a new dog home. The good news is, there are many ways you can help them to adjust. 

What can you do to make that first week easier, before you bring your puppy home?

While bringing a new dog home should be fun, it also needs careful thought to make things easier. So, take some time to get ready as a bit of planning can help everyone adjust better. 

Think about how you can make your home welcoming and safe for the new arrival. By taking care of these details first, you can focus on bonding with your puppy as well as essential skills like toilet training and recall.

Preparing for your new puppy’s first week starts even before they arrive home.

• You should take time to set up a daily routine. It will change later, but having a plan for feeding, potty breaks, play, and nap times can help keep you organised and can help your dog to settle in quicker as they know what to expect each day.

• Think about what your puppy will need. Do you have food and water bowls ready? Have you picked a comfy bed? Have you stocked up on PEDIGREE® treats? Having these must-have items will make it easier for your puppy to settle in.

By sorting these things out in advance, you will lower stress and create a more relaxed space for your new family member to grow.

Careful planning ahead of time can help your new dog settle in your home

1. Set your boundaries early

Your puppy is about to join your family, and like any family member, they need clear rules. 

Before your puppy comes home, decide on the house rules. Are they allowed on the furniture? Where can they go? These rules help create structure and stability, so your puppy feels safe. Puppies do well with routines and knowing what to expect. 

2. Pre-book a vet appointment

Our pets need to see the vet regularly for health checks. During this important visit, the vet will check your puppy closely to make sure they are healthy and up-to-date on their vaccinations. 

For rescue dogs, you’ll likely have been informed of the dog’s medical history prior to adopting them. So, now’s a good time to get up to speed with a vet and discuss a care plan for future health conditions. 

This visit is also a great time to discuss worming, flea and tick prevention, and any specific issues for your dog's breed. 

Top tip: consider setting up a health plan subscription

Your chosen vet may offer a pet health plan that is a monthly subscription. It’ll include things like an annual health check, their vaccinations as well as regular deworming and flea treatment. Signing up to something like this is well worth considering. 

3. Establishing a feeding routine

Before you bring your dog home, set up a space for their food and water. Pick a spot that is easy to reach and stays the same, so your puppy can build a routine.

Use sturdy water bowls that are easy to clean. You might want to have a few bowls placed around the house, especially when it's warm. Also, it’s important to have a regular feeding schedule. This helps with your dog’s digestion and overall health.

PEDIGREE® has a helpful feeding calculator that can help you to figure out how much your dog should be eating and when based on their breed, age and weight. 

In the meantime, here’s a simple guide to follow:

• Puppies (up to six months): Three to four small meals per day

• Dogs (six months and older): One to two meals per day

4. Dog-proof the house and garden

Remember, everything is new and exciting for your new dog. Your home is like a playground full of interesting smells and things that could be dangerous. It is very important to prepare your house and garden to keep them safe.

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Make sure to secure electrical cords and wires. Also, put away snacks, fragile things, cleaning supplies, and medicines to keep them out of reach. If needed, use baby gates to block off certain areas.

5. Setup their bed and/or chill out area

Before your dog comes home, make a special spot for them to sleep or relax. Dogs, like people, need a cosy place where they can feel safe. Find a quiet corner or a separate room away from the noise of everyday life, and get a comfy bed that is soft and the right size for them.

You can also add a familiar blanket from their last home to make things even cosier for them - this is especially true for rescues and/or foster dogs, who may have a few loved items with them already.

Making sure your dog has a place they can go to relax and feel comfortable is essential 

6. Get information from the breeder or rescue centre

Whether you are getting your puppy from a breeder or a rescue centre, it is a good idea to gather as much information as you can. Ask about your puppy's health history. Find out about any vaccinations they have received, worming treatments, and any known health issues.

If you are getting your puppy from a breeder, also ask about the health history of the parents. Good breeders like the ones registered as part of The Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme here in the UK check their dogs for genetic health conditions. 

More so, trustworthy rescue centres like Dogs Trust usually know a lot about a dog's history and needs.

7. Consider a crate

Crate training can be helpful when introduced positively, and can be a real asset when settling in a new puppy. For older dogs, this might prove a little trickier, though. 

However, through crate training, if it’s something you wish to implement, your dog has a safe place to go when they feel shy or stressed. It caters to a dog's natural instincts to seek out a den-like space for safety and comfort. A crate, when properly sized and introduced, becomes their haven, a place for calmness, security and rest.

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However, it's crucial to remember that a crate is never a tool for punishment. It's important to create positive associations with the crate, making it a welcoming and enjoyable space for your puppy.

What you can do once your dog is home

Try not to overwhelm your dog as you welcome them home

Now it's time for the fun part – welcoming your puppy into their new home. 

Like you, your dog will feel many emotions. They might feel excited or curious, and they could also feel a little anxious. They will experience many new smells, sounds, and things to see. If you’re bringing a rescue home, they might be even more hesitant due to previous bad experiences.

In the first few days, your goal should be to create a calm and safe space. This way, your dog can settle in at their own pace. Let them take their time to adjust, explore, and understand that they are finally home.

1. Introduce your puppy to their bed

Now that your puppy has had a chance to explore their new home, it’s time to set a routine around their comfy bed and sleeping area. Start by putting some treats like PEDIGREE® DENTASTIX™ chews or toys near their bed. This helps them link that space to happy moments.

When you start a bedtime routine, use soft words and a calm tone. This will help make a relaxing vibe. A steady bedtime routine can really help your puppy settle in faster.

Having a quiet space is great because it gives them safety from the noises of the house. A comfy bed in a calm, quiet corner would be ideal. It might take some time for your puppy to love their new sleeping area, so be patient. 

What Mumsnet users say

“Our dog sleeps in a crate in our bedroom. We started when he was a puppy crying at night and we probably could have progressively moved the crate out but we didn’t bother. Don’t let him cry on his own. 

“We started with having the crate open and right up at the bed with my hand down on him and we were able to leave him a bit further away after a while. If we had been motivated I’m sure we could have progressed to him being downstairs. I just think puppies are a lot like babies. They need a lot of human contact.” mollyfolk

2. Keep them on the same diet 

Changing environments can upset a puppy's stomach. To help avoid this, keep their diet the same when they first arrive at your home. Use the same food that the breeder or rescue centre was giving them.

Once your dog feels comfortable, you can slowly start to change their food if you want. You can also consider introducing multivitamins to keep your dog’s health and vitality at its peak.

3. Keep visitors to a minimum

While it's fun to show off your new puppy, be careful with visitors in the first few days. Your puppy is in a new environment and needs time to get used to it and everyone in it.

Instead of letting too many new faces rush in, focus on helping your puppy have a calm start. A lot of visitors at once can stress them out and make it hard to adjust. 

After they've settled in, you can slowly introduce new people.

Keeping them on the same diet as they had before coming to you can help to avoid an upset stomach for your pup

4. Show your puppy where to go potty

As soon as you get home, take your dog to the potty area in the garden. If they go when you use your chosen command, praise them and give them a small treat (like PEDIGREE® TASTY MINIS). This will help them understand.

Toilet training can be tough. The important thing is to create a routine and use positive reinforcement training. 

Remember, accidents will happen, and that is okay! Stick to a regular potty break schedule, especially right after waking up and after meals. If your dog has an accident, clean it up calmly. Do not fuss over it. Punishing them will only confuse and scare them. It's better to reward good behaviour, like going to the toilet in the right place.

What Mumsnet users say

“Basically you need to be putting him outside at very regular intervals. After every meal, after every nap, after every playtime, every time he looks like he's having a sniff round. It really helps to have a particular spot close to the back door, and to use a command (guide dogs use "busy busy!" When he does what you want, make a huge fuss of him and give him a treat. Rinse and repeat.” hellcatspangle

5. The importance of oral care

Just as you establish new routines, don't forget your dog's dental health. 

Regular tooth brushing should begin gradually in the first few weeks, allowing your pet to become comfortable with having their mouth touched. 

Start with a finger brush and dog-specific toothpaste (never human toothpaste, which can be toxic), letting them taste it before attempting any brushing. 

While dental chews and toys can supplement oral care, they shouldn't replace regular brushing – aim to brush their teeth on a daily basis to prevent plaque buildup, gum disease, and costly dental procedures down the line. 

6. Let your puppy take it at their own pace

Every dog is special and will get used to their new home in their own way. Some will jump right in, full of energy, while others may hold back and watch from a distance. 

It’s important to respect their unique personalities. Give them the time they need to settle in. Rushing them can lead to stress and anxiety.

What NOT to do when you bring a new dog home

While there’s a lot you can do to help your new pup feel at home, it’s also good to know what not to do - especially in those first few days. 

Avoid overloading your dog with too many changes at once. It’s very important not to punish any bad behaviour as moving to a new environment can be stressful, which can be true for rescue dogs who have faced tough times before. 

Instead of punishing them, which can make them scared or anxious, try using positive reinforcement. Reward their good behaviour.

Signs of stress in your dog to be aware of

A dog’s body language can tell you a lot about how they’re feeling. By watching their small signs, you can give them comfort and help them when they need it. 

Look for clues like heavy panting, yawning, licking their lips, showing the whites of their eyes or having their tails tucked down. These signs might mean your pooch is overwhelmed, scared or anxious. 

If you see these signs, let your dog have some space to calm down. 

A quiet room, their crate (if they are used to it), or even a corner of the room where they can relax without being bothered can help lower their stress levels. Don’t forget a treat or chew for some mental stimulation to help them relax, too. 

Look for signs of stress in your dog and ensure they have space to calm down

How to deal with challenging behaviour

Even when you have good intentions, your new dog may do things that test your patience. Many tough behaviours in dogs come from fear, anxiety, or not having clear communication and rules.

Instead of punishing your dog, use positive dog training methods. Positive reinforcement is about rewarding good behaviours, not punishing bad ones. By paying attention to what you want your dog to do and giving rewards for those actions, you can encourage them to make better choices.

Keep in mind, changing behaviour takes time and patience, but the rewards are worth it.

To train or not to train your dog?

This isn't just a question! Whether you get a playful puppy or an older dog, every furry friend needs training.

A trained dog shows good manners, which are important, but it’s also about clear communication, understanding, and a stronger bond.

You might wish to seek training classes or professional guidance, or train your dog at home yourself. Just keep in mind that the goal is not just to teach commands. It's also about building a strong bond of trust with your furry friend.

About PEDIGREE®

PEDIGREE® believes that every dog deserves a forever loving home. We're for all dogs, big and small, they make us better people and deserve quality dog food in forever loving homes. We work hard to develop products that will help keep your dog happy and healthy.

About the author

Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. Here at Mumsnet, she brings parents content designed to make life easier. With a dog herself, she knows all too well how much joy a pet can bring to a family. 

Beyond her role as an editor here at Mumsnet, Rebecca can be found balancing life as a working mum of two toddlers and when she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her at a local playgroup, in a nearby coffee shop, or walking the dog.

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