Urgent - new dog 1st night upset

[Reggiethered]

DF has adopted a new dog today.

DDog's elderly owner passed away and was living with relatives. Poor DDog has had a day of it today - relatives this morning, then to another house this afternoon to meet them, then to DF's this afternoon and stayed.

So understandably, DDog is very distressed and won't stop howling.

What can DF do to make things better for DDog right now?

Thank you

Cosy bed. Do you have anything from her old home? (Blanket etc) A bit of background music might help. There are supplements (Calmex or Zylkene) and pheromone diffuser/spray (Adaptil) that may help her settle but no good to you tonight.

Too many cuddles plus enough space.

I used to look after dogs when their owners had gone to hospital. Night one they would sleep on the pillow, night two at about hip level, night three they'd be by your feet and happy.

A bit of bribery is also fine, dried sprats often work.

Something warm might help, a warm hot water bottle? Calm music or something in the background on the TV
I would get down on the floor with them for loads of fuss

I suspect your father will need to coddle and comfort this dog. I’m not usually a fan of sleeping with dogs but this situation may mean it’s needed. Alexa plays good relaxing music for dogs, keep it very low. Yes to tiny treats, sprats, sliver of chicken cheese . Very quiet. It will help if the dog has something from his original home, smells comfort them.
my husband died recently. My two dogs have been noticeably bereaved and unsettled. I hope this dog can settle x

Poor Woofer and what a wonderful thing your DF is doing.

Gentle voice, a few treats (mine would love you forever for a few pigs in blankets), fire lit if possible, cozy bed, jaw scratched / nose bonks as appropriate.

Repeating ‘good girl / boy, you’re alllllright, lovely girl/boy, it’s alllllright’ all night if needed.

Lovely thing your dad is doing.

I remember the first night with my rescue dog. I came on here and posted (under a different name) as it was so hard! It was a really long first few nights, and I got through it by letting her sleep on my bed with me. It seemed to settle her into thinking of me as her new owner, and over time I moved her into a crate at the end of the bed, and then a crate downstairs. And now she sleeps without a crate downstairs 😊 it takes time, but you can get through it!

Thank you all.

Nothing has been left for DDog from its old home unfortunately.

She's also actively avoiding DF so no cuddles or scratches possible, whenever DF moves towards her she moves away. Unfortunately he's not able to get on the floor with her.

We'll just keep trying...

Where in the house does he want the dog to sleep in the longer term?

Can he sleep there as well for the first few nights? It's like settling a puppy - it's common for them to need company when they first leave their familiar surroundings for their new home. If the dog wants to hide in a private place (behind a sofa, under a table, in a crate (open door, with blanket over) then let it, but stay close. If it wants company, then slow stroking and crooning.

Keeping everything as calm as possible will help. As will taking the dog out at regular intervals for toileting so they don't get stressed about it (unless the dog has a really clear way of asking to go out - something that it might take a few days to get attuned to).

He needs to explain to neighbours first thing tomorrow what's happening, and that he's doing everything possible to settle the dog.

Make sure walks are not unduly stimulating - mimic former routine if possible, otherwise nice and slow with lots of sniffing (which helps tire the brain). No exciting games for now!

And I hope it goes well. Dogs can move house with aplomb (look at guide dogs, they move several times from their mother, to assessment, to puppy walker, to advanced training, to working life and to retirement). DF is doing a lovely thing

@Reggiethered > 'Nothing has been left for DDog from its old home unfortunately. ...'

I was about to suggest things that smelt of the territory he was used to, but presumably that can't happen. If there was even something like a jumper with a recognisable smell I'd have laid it somewhere for the dog to associate with his familar life.

She's fallen asleep on the sofa! Thank goodness!

How wonderful that she’s fallen asleep. She’s beginning to feel safe (or exhausted!)

I’d prepare for a disturbed night but in a low key way - I’d sleep on the sofa and let her out for a regular pee, keep the lights low, a few high worth treats (cubes of cheese, bits of ham) speak gently to her to remind how just how good and clever she is! What a good girl!

She’s clearly beginning to be relaxed and your dad is doing a brilliant foster job.

How is it going today @Reggiethered

Thank you @Floralnomad and all of you for the advice.

It was a rough night, in the end DF just picked her up, put her on his bed and got in and held her and they both fell asleep. He woke to, in his words, more dog kisses than he's ever had!

Bit of howling this morning, but this afternoon they went for a walk, DDog then fell asleep on the sofa so DF went to bed and woke up to find DDog snuggled up with him!

So hopefully the worst is over...

lucky dog. Fingers crossed for a calmer night tonight

That all sounds very promising , lucky dog and lucky dad 😀

Oh, good! It must be very unsettling for a dog moving to a new home.

Oh good! I hope she snuggles up more easily this evening.

And that as DF has taken her to bed with him, that he's up for that as the place she will always choose to sleep!

Thanks for the positive update. Great news

What a lovely update! Hope they've had a good day today

Ash this is so lovely