It may seem simple, but introducing your pup to new neighbors can be stressful. The daunting task requires a lot of patience, which is a trait that most people lack. The last thing you need is for your pup to create a ruckus due to your new neighbors. Not only will it make things uncomfortable with said neighbors, but your pup may not necessarily come around to getting used to them. Follow these simple tips when learning
how to introduce your dog to new neighbors.
Keeping this in mind, it is your job to help your pup through this endeavor. But, if you are not sure how to make this possible, read on to learn more. The following are just a few of many ways you can go about introducing your canine companion to new neighbors who have moved in, or if you have moved into a
new apartment yourself.
How to Introduce Your Dog to New Neighbors
1. Slow and steady wins the race
Some pets are just cautious, protective or shy when meeting new people; or even other pets for that matter. Understand that your Fido will need time to feel comfortable when you're learning how to introduce your dog to new neighbors. If your neighbor wants to pet or greet your pup, then let them do so, but slowly. This will give Fido the time he needs to approach and sniff the new person, but at his own pace.
2. Get your dog accustomed to their scent
Dogs have an amazing sense of smell, and it should not come as a surprise that dogs use this scent as a means to introduce themselves and meet other dogs and new humans. Your neighbor does not need to extend their hand for the pup to get acquainted with their scent. All they need to do is to start a friendly conversation, after which it is the dog that initiates the introduction process.
3. Reward your pup for making progress
If you are going out to walk your dog, then consider keeping a few treats with you. The purpose of doing so is to allow your new neighbors to get up close and personal to him while rewarding him for his friendly behavior.
4. Have meetings in a neutral environment
So, you want to learn how to introduce your dog to new neighbors and many other new people. Fear not, as you can pull this off too by having a meeting with them in a neutral and calm environment. This ensures your dog isn’t overwhelmed with the number of people trying to break the ice with him, all the while being at ease from external factors like children at play or other dogs.
5. Keep your pet leashed at all times
To have complete control of your pet, keep him leashed at all times. Remember, not everyone is going to be ecstatic about your pup the way you are, so you have to be careful. You have to be courteous to your new neighbors by leashing your pet, especially since they don’t know you all that well to begin with. No matter how well behaved your dog is, you should keep him leashed around new people - for your own safety and theirs.
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Other Important Tips for your Consideration
1. Positive reinforcement is the way to go
Just like giving treats to your dog for his good behavior, you need to rely on positive reinforcement to keep your pet on the right track. All you need to do is to say a few encouraging words, in a friendly manner of course. Your tone plays a crucial role in how your pet is going to react to others, so make it count.
2. Stay calm
Believe it or not, dogs can pick up a lot about your emotional state from your
body language. So when learning how to introduce your dog to new neighbors, keep calm and relaxed at all times.
3. Don’t tolerate aggressive behavior
Barking, lunging, growling or any other aggressive behavior should not be encouraged at all. Dogs tend to show their dominance through such behavior, so don’t take it lightly. If you come across your dog being aggressive, then separate him from whatever is bothering him. However, do it without shouting or screaming, as what you say or do will affect his behavior in the long run.
4. Give your pet the freedom to choose
There is a good chance that most of your new neighbors would love to be friends with your pet, but that does not mean you should force your pup to go against his instincts. Let your pet choose who he wants to greet and so forth. But, if your pooch is shy or timid, then try the trick with the treat mentioned above. When learning how to introduce your dog to new neighbors, it's important not to force bonding.
5. Be extra cautious around children
Children can put pups in uncomfortable situations, from tail grabbing to ear pulling, and can thus annoy them. If a
child is approaching your pup, make sure their parent is around. If the child is unaccompanied, you must be careful. You know your pet best, so you can decide how children should approach him.
Remember, you have to please your dog as well as your new neighbors. Your pet is no different from your child, so treat them as such. Don’t expect your pup to work miracles right away, give him enough time to get used to your new neighbors.
Avoid rushing things when learning how to introduce your dog to new neighbors, as it may make things worse. If you are moving to a new apartment, keep an
apartment move in checklist handy to keep things under control. Lastly, if you think your dog does not like a particular individual, do not worry too much about it.
What you really need to worry about is your dog disturbing or irritating people that he does not like. Just like humans, dogs too can be selective about who they like and do not like, so don’t think too much about it. Dogs have emotions too and it is important that you listen to what your pet has to say.
Hopefully, you will find it easier to get your pet used to your new neighbors with these simple tricks. It may seem complicated at first, but it becomes easier with time.
Author Bio:
Jenny Harrison is a passionate home and lifestyle blogger. She loves to engage with readers who are seeking home and lifestyle-related information on the internet. She is a featured blogger at various high authority blogs and magazines in which she shared her research and experience with the vast online community. Currently, she is associated with NY moving company ‘
All Around Moving Services Company Inc.’ Specializes in arranging and assembling services of professional and skilled local movers locally in New York City as well as areas in New Jersey, Connecticut and the Miami Dale area in South Florida. Follow her on twitter @MJennyHarrison for more updates.
