How to Keep a Dog Comfortable in Your Home

A dog might not always be the easiest companion if it's feeling anxious or stressed. Mental and physical issues can affect its comfort. Keeping a dog comfortable in your home requires both preparation and patience.

You might get stressed if you're not ready for their arrival, and they often pick up on that. It also makes it harder for them to settle into your house. This is especially true if your dog has moved between several homes or shelters, which can make them need even more time to adjust. Here's how you can do it.

Spend Time with Your Dog

Let your dog get familiar with you. Have a good time together. Talk to your dog and give it some affection. This helps them see you as a safe person. The more time you spend caring for and walking your dog, the stronger your bond grows.

Provide Them with a Crate

A dog's crate is its safe space. It should have a bed, some blankets, and what makes your dog feel most comfortable. Try to teach your dog that the crate is its home. Do not use your crate for punishment. Ensure a crate is presented in positive or neutral terms.

Size the Crate Right

A crate or enclosed pet playpen should be large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around easily. A crate, any smaller, should not be used.

Provide Them with the Right Food

Keep your dog's diet consistent. Please provide them with the same dog food they typically eat. If you switch to freeze dried dog food, do so gradually. Mix the current food with the new food to avoid upsetting their stomachs, which can happen if you switch too quickly.

Maintain the Same Rules

Keep the rules consistent. Decide if your dog is allowed on furniture or not. Decide if there are rooms that are off-limits to them. Write out positive and negative rules, and make sure your behaviour remains consistent with these rules.

Comfy Bed Is a Must

We recommend buying not only one dog bed but multiple. Give your dog spots around the house where they can lay out that aren't on the floor. A bed like this will properly support their bodies and take stress off certain areas.

Set Them Up with Toys

A dog should have some toys to occupy their time and for enrichment. Toys put dogs in a good mood. They can also be a distraction in a home that may not yet feel comfortable. Toys let a dog know that it's safe to be there.

Let Them Know Noises Are Okay

Every noise inside or outside the house may distract your dog or pique its curiosity. Try to reassure them. Teach them that they can expect these noises and that they aren't an issue.

Give Them Their Own Space

It can take days, weeks, and even months for a dog to adjust to a new home. After all your prep work, sometimes the best thing to do is step back and let your dog decide how they feel. Give them their own space to move, think, and feel.

Get Raised Food and Water Bowls

Raised food and water bowls allow your dog to reach for its food without bending down. This helps older dogs with neck or back issues and sets the bowl at a more comfortable height.

Establish a Routine

It can help your dog know what to expect daily if there is a set routine. Have a walk schedule, a feed schedule, and a cuddle activity at night. This trains your dog to come to you for the promised activity during these times.

Take Your Dog for Walks

Take your pup for a walk around the neighbourhood at least once a day. This will allow them to familiarize themselves with the surroundings and smells. Eventually, this information will become information a dog will retain and can use to find comfort.

Leave Your Dog in an Activity

Does your dog have a problem when you leave the house? It may be separation anxiety. Consider leaving them with an enrichment item. A stuffed toy treat or puzzle food bowl provides a mental or physical distraction that can help keep your dog's mind on something positive.

Give Them Enough Exercise

A dog does not always have optimal space indoors to run around and expend energy. With some exercise outdoors, even if it's just a walk, a dog can spend some energy and get tired, which will help calm it and keep it comfortable throughout the rest of the day.