How Long Does It Take a Catahoula Leopard Dog to Get Used to a New Home?

It typically takes a Catahoula Leopard Dog one to three months or so to get used to a new home. Of course, all dogs are different. Sometimes, a dog will become accustomed to the new home within a matter of days. Other times, it takes much longer. Puppies and younger dogs will often adapt to their new surroundings faster than older dogs, but it will all depend on the dog and how the new owners welcome them to the house. Let’s look at some of the things you can do to make the transition easier for your new Catahoula Leopard Dog.

Don’t Overwhelm Your New Dog

It’s important that you don’t overwhelm your Catahoula Leopard Dog when they first come to their new home. You should make sure that they have some space of their own where they can go without being bothered by people or other animals if she wants.

While you’ll need to introduce her to everyone in the house — humans and animals included — you don’t want to bring over too many people all at once. For the first week or two, keep it just to the people who live in the house. You don’t want to bring over a large number of people to look at your new dog when they’re already feeling nervous.

Some dogs will love all of that attention, but not all of them. This is especially true when it comes to an older dog that’s still attached to their old family.

Things They Love

Dogs love treats, and you should provide an ample amount of treats for them whenever they show signs of progress with the new family. However, it shouldn’t be all about treats. Make sure they have toys and a dog bed of their own. If they any items that have come with them when you adopted them, let them keep those, at least for now — as long as they’re clean. They’re essentially security blankets for them, and this can make them feel comfy as they’re getting used to their new life.

Include Them in Family Activities

Always be sure to include them in things that you’re doing as a family. If you’re all heading into the backyard, take them along. Let them go on all of your walks with you. Have them in the room while you’re watching TV. Essentially, you want them to feel like they are a part of your pack.

Create a Routine

Dogs tend to do well on routines. You’ll want to make sure that you set up a routine from day one with your new Catahoula Leopard Dog. Have a schedule for walks, feeding, heading out to the bathroom, etc.

Be Patient

Ultimately, you need to make sure that you’re patient with your new dog. They’re going through a big transition, and they might not feel comfortable for a few days, weeks, or months. Sometimes, it will feel like they’re making great progress, and then they’ll revert to being shy or nervous again. Given enough patience, love, and time, though, they’ll come around and become the happy, loving dog that you know they can be.

Photo Credit: Richárd Bolyós, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons