HOME IS WHERE THE TREATS ARE: 10 TIPS TO HELP YOUR NEW PET SETTLE IN

Designate a peaceful place in your home for your pet to go when they’re feeling tired or overwhelmed. This may be an open crate, a cozy bed or a quiet room. Going to and from this space should always be their choice. When they’re in their safe space, let them recharge without trying to pet or interact with them – they’ll rejoin you for affection when they’re ready. This helps establish a foundation of trust.

Calming supplements are a great way to help ease stress and anxiety for dogs and cats. They come in a variety of types, including soft chews and oils, which can be added to your pet’s food or fed separately. Look for supplements with natural ingredients, like CBD, L-tryptophan, melatonin and chamomile.

When it comes to showing love, make sure to move at your pet’s pace. Instead of forcing pets and cuddles, let them come to you. Unsure if they want affection? Try Pet, Pet, Pause: Give your dog or cat a short pet, then pause and remove your hand from their body. If they lean closer or stay put, chances are they want more snuggles. If they move away, they’d like some space.

Give your dog or cat pet chews to release endorphins, promote relaxation and help prevent destructive chewing. Just make sure to monitor them while they’re chomping. If you need to remove a chew from your pet, offer them a high-value treat in exchange to avoid resource guarding. For more enrichment, try lick mats, puzzle feeders, interactive toys and cat furniture.

Pets are experts at showing us how they feel – we just have to read their body language. You can strengthen your bond by learning common behaviors and what they mean. For example, your new pup may yawn or lick her lips when she wants space and nuzzle up against you when asking for cuddles.

If your new family member is of the canine variety, make sure to let them sniff lots on their daily walks. Your dog’s sense of smell is their superpower – it allows them to process the world, exercises their brain, and promotes feelings of happiness and relaxation. In fact, sniffing for 20-30 minutes at a leisurely pace can tire them out just as much as a longer walk.

Never punish signs of stress – including barking, growling or hissing. Your pet is trying to communicate with you, which is a positive thing. Yelling, ignoring or punishing their signals may escalate the situation. Instead, show them you’re listening by identifying the stressor, removing it or redirecting them.

Research shows classical music can help lower your pet’s heart rate to support relaxation. You can find free calming playlists for dogs and cats online or on your favorite music streaming platform. In addition to music, fans and white noise machines can help your pet feel calm by drowning out any stressful sounds – like thunder, fireworks or construction.

Remember, you’re not alone. You have a community of experts who are here to help you and your four-legged family member. If your pet is struggling with anxiety, schedule an appointment with your vet to discuss treatment options. You can also visit us in-store for personalized wellness solutions tailored to your pet’s needs.

Sign up for a local positive reinforcement training class and establish any rules early on. For example, if you don’t want your dog jumping up to greet people or counter-surfing, set these boundaries from the beginning. Reward positive behavior with treats and praise. Avoid punishment and instead focus on managing your pet’s environment and redirecting undesirable behavior.