Introducing Your Dog to Your New Home

You're not just buying a house for yourself — you're buying a home for your whole family! As you tour each property, you need to consider every member of the household, including your pets. Once you've found the perfect place, you may want to bring your dog over immediately to let them explore and share in your excitement. To help them adjust to the space comfortably, use these tips when introducing your dog to your new home.

• Discover if Any Animals Used to Live in the Space 
  Before you bring your pet over to the new house, you need to know if any animals had previously occupied the space. The presence of another animal, dog or otherwise, means there may be lingering odors that you may not sense. When your dog senses these smells, they may react negatively by covering the scent via urination. Give your new home a deep cleaning and consider using a pheromone diffuser to mask these odors.
• Prep the Home for the Dog 
  After the home is thoroughly cleaned, you must prep the house for the dog. It's best to complete as much of your move and set up as possible before the dog arrives. This will help them get acquainted with the space without getting stressed from constant furniture moving and box unpacking. Bring their bed and toys over so that their scent has time to settle into the home.
• Walk the Dog Around the Exterior 
  When you bring the pup over to the house for the first time, it's a good idea to walk them around the exterior. Let them smell the perimeter and consider letting them off of the leash in the backyard. They'll likely be a little excited and a little nervous, so make sure they have time to find a spot to mark their territory in the yard.
• Explore the Interior One Room at a Time 
  Place the dog back on the leash as you bring them inside. Although you may want them to explore the house, it's best to walk them through the space together during the initial visit. Move from room to room, allowing them to get acquainted with each area before moving onto the next. It's a good idea to take them to the rooms where their bed, bowl, and toys are first so that they can recognize these familiar objects and scents.
• Keep a Consistent Schedule 
  Whenever you move the dog into your home, try to get them on a consistent schedule as quickly as possible. Feeding, walking, and playing time will help them create a routine that will increase their comfort level in the home.
• Find a Social Group for Them 
  After your dog is acquainted with your home, it's time to find other spaces for them to play and socialize around the neighborhood. If there is a community dog park, start by taking them once a week. If not, see if you can set up a puppy playdate with your neighbors. 

Buying a house is an exciting moment, especially when you can share it with your pet. As you get ready to introduce your dog to the house, make sure, you keep their needs in mind. Preparing the house for their arrival, and taking your time to guide them comfortably into the space will help them feel right at home in no time.

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