4 Ways to Help Your Dog Adjust to Somewhere New

Taking your dog anywhere for the very first time is an exciting moment for all dog owners, both old and new. You get to explore somewhere that your dog will love, and you will too, and it could be the start of a yearly tradition that will fill you both with the happiest memories. To make sure that everything goes perfectly, you need to make sure your dog feels comfortable and adjusts appropriately, so here are four tips for making that happen. 

Make It a Positive Experience

Just like us, dogs love positive experiences. When arriving somewhere new, let your dog sniff out the area, and if they don’t act up or misbehave, reward them with pets and a treat. If your dog is young, this positivity will teach them future adventures and give you one less thing to worry about when taking them anywhere. The more positive experiences you can provide for them wherever you go, the more comfortable they will be in new environments, and this will give both of you the confidence to go anywhere you like. 

Bring Something That Makes Them Feel Comfortable 

Whether it’s their favorite blanket or squeaky toy, bringing something that makes them feel comfortable will make them feel closer to home. Just like you would let a child bring their security blanket, doing the same for your dog helps them to stay calm while also having an anchor to what they know is familiar. If your dog is small enough, then a dog carrier that feels like a safe space (you’ll need to get them used to it first), is another way to ensure they are relaxed. 

Keep Them Away From Unpredictable Dogs

As well-behaved as your dog is, others do not possess the self-control that you need from a dog in public. Avoiding dogs that appear skittish or unpredictable is beneficial for you and the dog, mainly as it will prevent the need for an attorney that handles dog bite cases and all the trauma that comes with it. While you want to trust all dogs you come across and allow yours to make friends with them, some owners are not as responsible as you, which could be problematic for everyone. 

Stay With Them At All Times

Dogs never like it when their owner leaves them for any reason, but in a new environment, they will dislike this even more. Even if you are just going to the store for five minutes, you should take your dog with you, at least at first. You don’t want to come back to a disaster after they panicked, so keeping them reassured that you are not going anywhere will prevent any issues. 

Creature Comforts

All owners want their dog to be comfortable and adjust properly wherever they go, and while many dogs will take to a new environment quickly, this isn’t true for every dog. To ensure that there are no problems wherever you go, following these tips will help your dog adjust to any environment with ease, allowing you to have all the fun you can before you need to go back home.