How Long Does It Take a Maltese to Get Used to a New Home?

It’ll usually take a Maltese between one and three months to get used to a new home. Of course, this timeframe can vary based on a range of factors. The dog’s age, personality, and the new owner and home all play a part. Often, puppies and younger dogs can adapt to a new environment and owner faster. However, it’ll all depend on the dog. When you’re bringing home your Maltese, you must remember to be patient. Below, are some tips that can help.

Don’t Overwhelm Your New Dog

Don’t overwhelm your Maltese when they first comes to your home. This means you’ll want to introduce them to the house and the people who live in the house, but you don’t want to invite a bunch of friends over. Although you’re thrilled with your dog, it can be overwhelming for them to meet so many people at once when they’re still trying to get used to their new situation.

Provide a Safe Location

When you bring your new Maltese home, they should have a space that is their own. Having a dog bed in the corner of a room or their crate will be helpful. Give them a location where they can get away from everyone in the house and where no one will bother them when they need some time alone. If they’ve been rehomed with you, the owner might have sent along some of them favorite toys or blankets. Allow them to keep these — as long as they’re clean — as they can make them feel safe.

Include Your Dog 

While you want to provide them with a safe location, you don’t want them to ever feel neglected. Make sure that they’re a part of everything that’s happening in the house. Whether you’re watching TV, reading, or heading out into the yard, invite them along. Pet them, tell them they’re a good girl or boy, and make them feel loved and appreciated.

Be Ready for Escape Attempts

Keep in mind that during the early days of them being with you, they’ll be confused. This is particularly true if they’ve been rehomed. They still remember their old owners and may believe that they should get back to them and their old home. This could cause your dog to attempt an escape. When you’re opening the doors in your home, be careful. You don’t want them to run out, get lost, or get hurt.

Set Up a Routine

To help get your Maltese accustomed to being in their new home, you should set up a routine from the first day. Feed them at the same time, take them for walks at the same time, etc. Dogs do well when they are on a schedule.

Be Patient

You might be fortunate, and your Maltese might get used to you and the new home in a matter of days or weeks. Other times, it’ll take longer, and that’s okay. Be patient, and eventually, they’ll come to love you just as much as they did their previous owner.