Managing the Transition: How to Prepare Your Home for a Rehomed Golden Retriever

Introduction

Getting a Golden Retriever that needs a new home is a wonderful experience, but it can be a little challenging. It’s important to get ready for the new dog and make your home a safe and happy place for them. This blog will guide you through the steps to help you and your new furry friend have a smooth transition.

Preparing your Home

Before bringing home a Golden Retriever that needs a new home, you need to make some changes to keep them safe and comfortable. Follow these steps:

1. Secure your Space

Golden Retrievers are curious and active, so they need a safe place to live. Check your home for any openings or gaps in fences, balconies, or gates that your dog could escape through. Make sure your garden is fenced and safe, so your dog can’t get into dangerous areas or eat plants that might make them sick.

2. Create a Comfort Zone

Just like humans, dogs need a quiet area where they can go when they feel overwhelmed or tired. Make a cozy space for your Golden Retriever with a nice bed, toys they like, and some calm music. This will be their special spot where they can relax and rest.

3. Remove Hazards

It’s important to keep your home safe for your new dog. Get rid of any plants that could be poisonous, and put away any chemicals or cleaning products that could hurt them. Also, make sure there aren’t any small things that your dog could swallow. Keep medications and cleaning products out of reach to avoid accidents.

4. Stock up on Supplies

Before your new Golden Retriever comes home, make sure you have everything they need. This includes bowls for food and water, good dog food, a leash, a collar with tags that have their name and your phone number, things to groom them with, toys, and a bed. Having all these things ready will help your dog feel more comfortable.

5. Puppy Proof your Home

If your new Golden Retriever is still a puppy, it’s important to make sure your home is safe for them. Get rid of any dangerous things like loose cords, garbage bins they can get into, or substances that could make them sick. Use gates to keep them out of certain rooms until they learn where they can go.

Helping your New Golden Retriever Settle In

1. Be Patient

Moving to a new home can be overwhelming for a dog. Give your Golden Retriever time to get used to their new home and build a bond with you. It’s important to be patient because your dog might feel anxious or nervous at first.

2. Stick to a Routine

Dogs like having a routine because it helps them feel safe and know what to expect each day. Set up a schedule for when your dog eats, exercises, and gets trained. This will help them settle in faster and get used to their new home.

3. Introduce your Golden Retriever Gradually

If you have other pets at home, it’s important to introduce them to your new Golden Retriever slowly and carefully. Make sure they feel comfortable and safe around each other. Increase the time they spend together little by little to help them adjust positively.

4. Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation

Golden Retrievers are smart and active dogs. Keep their minds and bodies busy with games, puzzles, walks, and playtime. This will help prevent them from getting bored or misbehaving and keep them happy and healthy.

FAQs

Q: Do Golden Retrievers get along with children?

A: Yes, Golden Retrievers are usually great with kids and make good family pets. But it’s important to watch them when they’re together, especially if they’re not used to each other yet.

Q: How can I help my new Golden Retriever feel comfortable when I’m not home?

A: Some dogs get anxious when they’re alone in a new home. Start by leaving them alone for short periods and then gradually increase the time. Give them toys to keep them busy and consider leaving the radio or TV on for background noise.

Q: Should I change my new Golden Retriever’s food right away?

A: It’s usually best to keep feeding them the same food they’re used to for the first few weeks. If you want to change their diet, do it slowly over about a week by mixing the new food with the old food bit by bit.

References

1. The Golden Retriever Club of America – https://www.grca.org/
2. American Kennel Club – https://www.akc.org/
3. ASPCA – https://www.aspca.org/
4. Cesar’s Way – https://www.cesarsway.com/