New places are exciting for us, but there can be different scenarios happening with a dog.
Even a friendly, calm dog sometimes will panic upon entering a new environment!
This is not to say that suddenly they have developed some kind of weakness or their personalities have changed. It is very much a standard reaction.
Understanding these critical things can help in overcoming the problem.
In the Unrevealed World
Imagine stepping into a black hole set where every sound is extremely loud and every smell is alien.
This, in some way, is how a dog feels upon landing in a new environment.
Dogs principally depend on their sense of smell to navigate through everyday life.
More specifically, the words “Bombarded with new kinds of smells-with left-over scents from previous occupants, newly minted cleaning products, strange flora, and even the very peculiar smell of some building materials” overwhelm one’s flow of sensory information, which can grab the attention, disorient, or frighten.
Such a sudden shift in the environment causes a serious nervousness in the dog.
The ears of dogs are very sensitive and can pick up varied sounds that we may never hear or notice, such as the creak of an unfamiliar house or somewhat faraway different traffic sounds.
Visually, changes in light and shadows, the arrangement of furniture, all contribute towards the foreign aspect.
Breaking The Routine
Dogs prefer to live within a routine. My daily routine includes feeding at a certain time, engaging in walks and exercise, and resting in the same spots.
Suddenly dropping them off somewhere unfamiliar brings about the halting of such a routine that comforts them.
There’s the smell of their bed, but it is in the wrong place. Their potty spot is different.
There exists even the opportunity for the adventurous dog to feel a collapse of a deep sense of security when suddenly, their orderly world is turned upside down.
The dog might become restless and refuse to find a place to settle, and they may pace around nervously and not partake of food.
Feeling Vulnerable Without Their Territory
Dogs really are pack animals and have very strong territorial instincts. Their home and familiar grounds are perceived as their haven where they feel safe and protected.
Thus, being removed from their established territory and dropped into a new, unfamiliar one, dogs might feel discomfortable.
This exposure and feeling of insecurity would be less of an actual physical threat but rather a primal unease about being in an unverified environment.
They have not yet scented this new territory, marked their scent, or established any boundaries here.
Even a very confident dog may withdraw or exhibit timidity in an unfamiliar setting because its inborn sense of security is compromised.
They may stick closer to their human companions or become protective and alert.
Helping Them Acclimate with Patience and Love
The good thing is that even the most heavy-hearted dog, with the help of some understanding, some patience, and a little thoughtful handling, can go through the rough patch that comes with new places.
Here, more importantly, there must be a safe zone in the new environment for them.
This could be their crate, their bed, or a quiet corner with familiar blankets and toys.
In some instances, when it comes to bringing items from an old home, an aroma imprint is an immense source of comfort.
Getting into a flattened, predictable daily routine as soon as possible-even if it has to be slightly modified-will aid them in getting their bearings.
In doing so, a new kind of place can be introduced to them so that they can explore at their own pace.
But always back them up, rewarding calm behavior, and showering them with love and affection so that they feel safe and trusted members of your little pack in this somewhat alien world.
A Journey of Adaptation and Trust
Finally, knowing that even some confident dogs find discomfort and are a bit insecure in new places.
It’s not just a weakness, but it’s a natural behaviour of the dog.
So it’s necessary to prepare them, offer comfort, and patiently execute the adjustment process together, and that very bond would be strengthened.
Eventually, they learn that new experiences may be fun, rewarding, safe, and sometimes a little challenging.
Moving to a new place is often stressful, but it offers a chance to bond strongly with them.
