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Easing the Transition
Your Newly Adopted Dog
By Veronica Sanchez M.Ed. CPDT, CABC
Cooperative Paws LLC February 2008
Adding a new family member is an exciting time. New owners have been dreaming of leisurely walks in the woods, a fun visit to the dog park or a relaxing cup of coffee in an outside café with their dog. Now that your dog is home, it is hard not to want to do all those fun things right away!
For the dog, however, the transition from an animal shelter or a foster home to a new home can be very stressful. Many new owners inadvertently add to the dog’s stress level by overwhelming them. It’s important to allow for settling in time. Give your new dog an opportunity to relax, explore his new environment and become familiar with your routines. It is best to have a calm environment and introduce new experiences slowly over time as you and your new dog get to know each other.
Remember that it takes time for a dog to adjust and the behavior you see the first few weeks after adopting a dog may not be the same behavior you see later on. This is especially true for adolescent dogs -- dogs between the ages of approximately 5 months and 2 years (adolescence may last even longer for some dogs). Like human teenagers, adolescent dog behavior often fluctuates.
Some tips for new dog owners:
Your new dog needs to be in your line of sight or safely confined to a dog-proofed area or crate. Do not assume your new dog is house trained or has learned not to chew furniture.
Provide outlets for stress. KONG toys and other similar type toys can be stuffed with your dog’s food or special treats. Always supervise your dog with a new toy to make sure it is safe for him.
Allow for down time and short periods of alone time. You can help make this time fun for your dog by providing a long lasting chew toy.
Familiarize yourself with indications of stress in dogs. Be ready to remove your dog from situations where he seems anxious or fearful.
Have healthy treats available so you are always ready to reward behavior you like.
Introduce other family pets carefully and give animals breaks from spending time together. Provide additional exercise, chew toys and play time for other pets too. Remember that adding a new family member can be challenging for them as well.
Be ready to get professional support if you see any behaviors that worry you. Even older dogs benefit from training using gentle, reward-based techniques.
Every dog is different, some dogs will “be themselves” in a few days. Other dogs may take weeks to months to completely settle in. Have fun getting to know your new family member!
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