Helping Your New Dog Adjust at Home
Bringing a new dog home from the shelter is exciting, but it’s also a big adjustment for your new companion. The first few days can be overwhelming, so patience and understanding are key. Here’s what to expect—and how to help your new dog settle in with confidence and comfort.
Common First-Week Reactions
No appetite:
Don’t panic if your dog doesn’t eat for the first day or two. Many dogs experience stress after a big change, and skipping a few meals is a normal response.
Upset stomach:
Diarrhea is another common reaction to stress. If it happens, try feeding cooked white rice with a little boiled chicken. Most cases improve within a day or so, but if it seems severe or continues, call your veterinarian.
Creating a Comfort Zone
Give your dog time to get comfortable with your family before introducing strangers—especially young children.
If visitors are expected and your dog still seems uneasy, crate or confine your dog in a quiet, safe space when company arrives.
Always supervise interactions between children and your new pet. Teach children how to approach gently and never let the dog feel cornered or surrounded.
Home Setup and Boundaries
Read about crate training—it’s one of the best tools for structure and comfort.
Start by limiting your dog’s access to certain areas of the house. You can gradually expand the space as they learn the rules.
Avoid bathing or grooming during the first week; both can be stressful and too intimate before trust is built. Wait until your dog is settled before scheduling that first spa day.
Handling Alone Time
If your dog becomes destructive or has accidents when left alone, use a crate to keep them safe and prevent anxiety-based behaviors. Even housebroken dogs need time to learn how to signal you when it’s time to go outside. Watch for cues such as pacing, whining, or standing near the door—and create consistent “potty time” routines so they know what to expect.
Veterinary Care and Diet
Schedule a vet appointment soon after adoption—even if your dog appears healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations.
Discuss a monthly heartworm preventive plan.
Bring the medical information sheet you received during adoption.
Most dogs do best eating twice a day. Ask your veterinarian about portion sizes; dog food labels often suggest more than most dogs need.
Serve each meal for about 10 minutes, then remove uneaten food. Offer only fresh food at the next mealtime.
Choose the best quality food you can afford. A balanced mix of wet and dry food supports overall health—and may reduce vet visits down the road.
When to Call the Vet
If your dog starts coughing, wheezing, or gagging, they may have kennel cough, a common but treatable condition. Schedule a vet visit to be safe.
Final Thoughts
Adjustment takes time, understanding, and routine. Each day your dog will learn a little more about your rhythms—and you’ll learn more about theirs. Within weeks, that once-nervous shelter dog will likely be relaxing by your side, secure in the knowledge that they’ve finally found home.
