Don't put your puppy or rescue dog under pressure!
Is your puppy/new dog reluctant to go on a walk?
If yes, then please don’t think of them as being ‘stubborn’.
Puppies and dogs new to you, will often sit and refuse to move when they first venture out on a walk. Why? Because they are trying to take in this whole new environment and need time to look, listen and smell all the things around them. Information overload!!! Give them time, space and be patient with them. Pull them along and you could be causing yourself problems on future dog walks.
Think about you going to a foreign country, for example, China. You’re dropped there with no family or friends to help you, you don’t speak the language, you don’t know where you are going to eat, sleep or live for the next few days. How confusing and unsettling would that be?
This is the same for a new puppy or a rescue dog when they come to live with you. They don’t know their new environment. They often don’t know the new people (you and your family).
Give them time to adjust and get to know you. Don’t force your attention on them. Give them chance to go exploring in their new home, using their noses, feet and eyes, this is so important. Let them check it all out, let them sniff and see their new world.
But remember, do keep them safe and away from harmful plants, foods and items. Put barriers up to stop them getting into any areas you don’t want them to be.
But…do give them their own safe space where they can sleep and be left undisturbed.
Do keep children away from them too when they are in this safe space.
When they are sleeping, try let them wake up naturally. But if you do need to wake them, wake your puppy/dog with a gentle call of their name.
Do not prod, poke or tap them to wake them – this can be very scary for a nervous puppy or a rescue dog.
Remember:
- Time
- Space
- Patience
Don’t look at the end goal for you and your new puppy or dog – we know what we want from them but they haven’t a clue!
Take it a day at a time and work with them, not against them. Help them to understand our very demanding world, using your guidance to protect them from the scary things. Use your skills to help them cope with the new things and this, most of all, will help build the trust and the bond between you.
If you’re struggling with an anxious puppy or dog, please do get in touch.
