New surroundings can be daunting for any dog, but when they’re that little bit older, they can feel even more intimidating.
But don’t worry – there are many different ways you can help your dog feel comfortable. Our friends at Battersea have shared their top five tips on how to settle your older dog into a new environment.
So, whether you’re welcoming an older dog into your home, or taking them on holiday, you’ll know just how to make them feel calm and content.
It's important not to hurry your dog
It’s especially important to not hurry older dogs when it comes to introducing them to a new environment. Moving to different surroundings can be difficult for them, so it’s a good idea to not add any pressure and give them the time and space to adapt at their own pace.
During the first few days, they could be particularly sensitive and might want to spend time by themselves. They may be less sociable in their older age (more on this shortly) so time alone for a bit could be just what they need. It’s important not to take this personally – your dog will let you know when they’re ready to interact with you more and will be thankful that you’ve given them time to settle on their own terms.
Give your dog a space or two they can call home
Providing them with their own special space will help them feel more in control. This allocated area could be a comfy bed somewhere or just an open crate with blankets. The main thing is that it’s a place they feel they can return to if they need some peace and quiet.
Peace is something that dogs need more of as they get older. As they start to age, they experience physical changes and these may make them feel more vulnerable and panicky in busier situations. They might find children too noisy and stressful, or they could find the dynamic with other dogs in the home challenging. This is why having their own personal spot they can escape to, should they need some quiet time to themselves, is so important.
Create a portable safe space for your dog
Whilst you may have created a defined area for your older dog in your household, there might be times when they need to settle in different surroundings e.g., a dog-friendly holiday home. If you are in a new place and your dog needs an area to themselves, there’s a great way you can help them create it.
Here are some handy steps that will help train your dog to settle just about anywhere; all you need is a mat and some patience.
Creating a special place wherever you go
- Begin by placing the mat (a towel or blanket will work too) on the floor and let the dog go over and give it a good sniff to investigate. When the dog interacts with it, put a treat on the mat to reward them. As the dog interacts with it more, gradually build up your rewards to show them they’re doing well. For example, they might sniff it at first, then put their paws on it, then stand on it and eventually lie down. With each step, show them they’re getting it right by rewarding them, but delay giving them the reward the longer they spend on it.
- Once your dog is happily lying down on the mat, gradually increase the distance between you and the mat. This will build their association with the mat being just for them. Move one step at a time away and reward them for staying put. Then, slowly include distractions and start to practise in different places. Soon, with patience and repetition, you can use your dog’s mat as a cue to settle down, wherever you are.
Quick note: There is a saying that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but that certainly isn’t the case. Older dogs actually have longer attention spans than puppies, so they’re likely to respond to this training well.
Adapt your home for your dog
As your dog gets older, it might become harder for them to move around like they used to and areas in your home might be more of a challenge. When this starts to happen, it would be a good idea to make small alterations to your home - or the different space - to accommodate their changing abilities. We want to make our dog’s life as enjoyable and comfortable as possible!
You can read Battersea's top tips on how to care for a senior dog, including how to make alterations to your house to make them more comfortable, in their expert guide. You could all us if your dog needs any special requirements or let us know and we can talk to the owners.
Spoil your older dog with a relaxing holiday
Now you know how to settle your older dog both in the home and while out and about, why not take them for a holiday they'll love? We have a wide range of dog-friendly cottages where your senior dog can put their paws up and relax - and so can you.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.