How dogs feel about changing owners? Do such dogs overcome the pain? These are some of the questions for owners who are planning to keep a dog from a shelter or from other homes. Many owners prepare well to keep the new dog as happy as possible, but sometimes find themselves in trouble. Let us understand the emotional state of dogs when they are brought into an entirely new environment.
Things to Consider Regarding How dogs feel about changing owners
The response of the canines to changing their owner depends on various factors. Such factor includes the age of the canine, previous living environment, current health status, etc. It is quite difficult for a dog to adjust to a new environment if their past living condition was good and they were happy. Due to this, they may suffer from stress or anxiety.
Now the question arises how long can a dog remember a person, which is their previous owner or his family members? Dogs do miss their past owner, and they may mourn in the sadness for a long time. Such dogs need a long time to accept their new owner and the environment. Such dogs often sleep more, become aggressive, neglect food, and may show fear of home.
Nearly all canines are a creature of habit, and they feel awkward if subjected to changes. It is advisable for all the owners o ensure that their new pet is in good health both mentally and physically.
How to Make Your New Pet Secure?
It is good to let the dog meets its future owner beforehand. This can be done by the new owner visit the old owner to get together the dog. This is because when the new owner takes charge of the dog without his absence, it simply breaks the confidence of the dog. If possible, the new owner should know the routine of the dog and his favorite food so that the dog feels comfortable as soon as possible in its new house.
If you ever had a question in mind that how long can a dog remember a scent, it’s for a long period. So, ask the old owner to provide their favorite toys, bedding, or blankets so that dog feels secure in the familiar scent. Such items can be used initially and can gradually be replaced when you feel that the dog is comfortable.
Tips to Handle New Dog
Now, as you know How dogs feel about changing owners, let us see some of the ways to handle such dogs-
- The new owner of the dog should spend a maximum amount of time with the dog with some treats. After a few days, he can also start their training together with other playing activities.
- Make clear in your mind that now at this stage, the old owner or any of his family members should not meet the dog at any cost. The arrival of the old owner now can cause an emotional breakdown in the dog. The new owner should completely take care of the dog throughout the day and provide him with his treats, training, bedding, etc.
- Total attention is to be given to the dog, and treats, training, and toys should be provided to him throughout the day to keep the dog busy. In case you are taking your dog somewhere, make sure that one of your family members holds the dog in the backseat of the car to ensure that the dog may not escape out of frustration.
- If the new owner has come to deliver his dog, keep the dog busy with treats and toys and ask the old owner to go back silently. Make sure that the dog should not watch his owner going away.
- If your dog is getting delivered at the airport, plan well to reach home before dusk. After this, provide the dog with treats, water, and some play so that he is relaxed and tired before he sleeps.
- During training, sessions emphasize socialization as it may help the dog to stay calm in meeting new people and other dogs.
Steps to Follow after Welcoming the new Dog at Your Home:
- As soon as the dog arrives home, take the dog to your backyard and let the dog relax and explore the area. Make sure that you are with him so that he does not feel unaccompanied.
- Do not change his daily routine and diet immediately and keep it in the same manner as it used to be in the past. In case the dog was in a shelter before, ask the owner about his daily routine if possible.
- For at least three months, you should carefully observe the dog and check for his aggression level. Also, kids under 10 years of age should not be left unmonitored to play with the dog. Teenagers can become their caretakers if they are not at home.
- Place the bed of your dog in a calm and lovely environment and provide him fresh water and quality treats to keep the dog happy.
- Always use a leash and collar when you are taking your dog for a walk.
Emotional and physical changes are common for re-homed dogs. Such dogs can also suffer from several health problems initially, such as gastrointestinal, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, etc, as there is a sudden change in their climate and diet. Shivering and drooling are also possible if the dog is highly stressed in his new environment. In such cases, you can take assist from a vet for a good solution. You should provide a safe place where he can relax and an ample amount of time for socialization and play.
Dogs are caring and loving animals and will never show any strong signs of separation. It is the duty of the old owner, he should not to betray his trust and provide him with a good home that would keep his dog happy in the future.
Common FAQs:
QUE: How traumatic is it for a dog to change owners?
ANS: It is quite traumatic for a dog to change owners. But it is a fact that after some time, dogs begin to trust a new person easily and quickly because they are curious to learn new things.
QUE: Do dogs struggle with change?
ANS: Changing the routine or anything else is quite stressful for a dog. Dogs generally love to stay in a fixed routine, and it takes some time for a dog to get adjusted to a new routine.
QUE: Do dogs think they are being replaced?
ANS: Yes, dogs feel sad when they are being replaced, especially when you bring a new dog or pup to your family. You should take care of your old dog as well when you do so.
QUE: How do dogs feel when they are getting taken away from their family?
ANS: Dogs feel stressed when they are taken away from their family. As a result, they can avoid eating, cease to play, and sleep throughout the day.
QUE: Do dogs feel shame and guilt?
ANS: Yes, dogs may sometimes feel guilt and shame. In such a scenario, they can have a tucked tail, flat ears, and puppy dog eyes.
I hope that now you are well aware of How dogs feel about changing owners. You should deal with such dogs with love and patience and give them some time to get adjusted to your home.