Does it feel like something is missing in your home? Have your kids been asking you endlessly to get a family dog? Whether you are thinking about adding a new canine addition to your family, or you have already welcomed a new pooch to your home, you may be wondering how you can make your dog feel like a part of the family.
It can take a while for your new dog to feel fully settled in its new home, and it is completely normal if you aren’t sure how to make them feel comfortable. But it is crucial that your dog feels loved and cared for, otherwise, this could have an impact on their overall health and wellbeing. With a few of our simple tips and hacks, before you know it you will be able to make your dog feel like a part of the family.
Feeding Time
One of the first things you should consider is how you are going to navigate feeding time for both your family and your dog. You don’t really want your dog to think it is acceptable to beg for food while you are eating at the family dinner table, so you should think about feeding them at the same time. By allowing your dog to eat while you eat, you will distract them from the food you are eating as a family while giving them the opportunity to engage in the activity alongside you. This will help your dogs to feel included while also teaching your kids that your dog needs to eat different food from them in order to stay fit and healthy.
Look After Their Health
Making sure that your dog feels like part of the family includes ensuring that you keep on top of their health concerns and problems. While your dog may seem fit and healthy on the outside, it is crucial that you take regular trips to the vets – even if your dog isn’t that keen on going! You could also take the rest of the family with you for the routine checkups so that you are all on the same page in regard to what your dog needs to stay healthy.
This is particularly important if your dog suffers from allergies as it will help inform all the family of the things they should be aware of when caring for the family pooch. You can find out more information about this with Native Pet’s guide to dog skin allergies. Native Pet provides a range of organic supplements that can help assist with any dog skin allergies they are suffering from. For example, their allergy chew helps to build defenses against allergies, aids long-term immune support and helps any hot spots or itchy skin they are suffering from.
Provide Them with Their Own Space
You may assume that to make your dog feel like a member of the family you need to have them in your communal family space. But it is also important that you provide them with space of their own. Even though your dog may thrive off the hustle and bustle of family life, you may find there are times when they need some peace and quiet.
For these instances, your dog needs to have an area of your home where they can go to escape and relax. To create their own space, put their dog bed, some toys, and a water bowl in a cool and dry area. This will also give them the space to get away from stressful situations such as thunderstorms or if they are suffering from separation anxiety.
Go on Walks Together
Of course, your dog needs to be walked regularly in order to maintain a healthy weight and a happy lifestyle. But going for walks together is also a great way for you to bond as a family. You can be forgiven if on a wet and cold night walking the dog feels like a bit of a chore. But by making it into a regular family activity you can ensure that everyone takes turns playing and bonding with your pet. This is a great option if you have small children who need to build up their confidence when they’re around your dog.
Avoid Overwhelming Your Dog
It is easily done, but some people mistakenly overwhelm their dogs too much by giving them too much attention all at once. While you may be trying to show your dog how much you care for them, it may result in them feeling scared and unable to settle in. Instead, take a step back and allow them to acclimate to the environment before giving them too much attention. Try and be patient; there will be plenty of time to show your dog with attention in the future!
By making a few changes to your daily routine and being more mindful of the care and love of your dog needs, they will feel part of the family before you know it.