A new pet joining the family is an exciting time! It is important to give your new family member time to get used to your home. To help them feel comfortable, be sure to stick to your regular routine and try to do things like walking, playing and feeding at the same time every day. Create a space that is intended as a sanctuary for your pet. Introduce your pet slowly to new food, other pet family members, and any kids in the home. Be sure to keep the things they came to you with, including their bed or toys.  Make sure to dog proof your home, picking up any potential hazards and keeping them out of reach of your new pet.

 

Consider the rule of 3 for your new pet:

 

3 days – Initial transition: this time can be a shock for many new pets, especially puppies. This is a vital time for decompression. During this time, the new pet may be very cautious and have trouble relaxing into a new rhythm. It is important to be patient and keep overwhelm to a minimum during this time.

 

3 weeks – Middle transition: by the time a new pet has been in your home for three weeks, most animals are more comfortable with routine and are beginning to let their personalities show. This is the timeframe in which you will see dogs come out of their shell and either show behavioral or training requirements to be addressed. Older dogs may start to relax during this time and show less hypervigilance.

 

3 months – End of transition: usually once 3 months has passed, the animal should be mostly acclimated to their new environment and routine. Depending on their individual genetic makeup, they will most likely take several days or weeks before starting to feel comfortable and settled into their new home. Dogs or other animals who have been rehomed several times may need a longer time to acclimate, while younger animals lacking negative prior experiences may breeze through the transition more easily. It is important to be patient and give your new pet a chance.

 

Take the time to bond with your new family member and allow them to adapt at their own pace. Be patient and stay open to what your pet may need to be comfortable living with you. Be consistent about boundaries from the beginning and reward behaviors that will set your new pet up for success. Practice leaving your pet home alone for small increments of time that slowly become longer and longer, so they are comfortable without you for periods of time.

 

Signs of stress or overstimulation including hiding, attempts to run away, or separation anxiety. Be sure to bring things back to the basics if your dog is showing overwhelm. Separation anxiety, destructive chewing, scratching, or barking are attempts at communicating discomfort and require your assistance to resolve. Refusal to eat, diarrhea, or other potty accidents, especially after being potty-trained, indicate other issues that may need veterinarian intervention or support outside of yourself.

 

Refrain from inviting all your friends over at the same time to meet your new pet early into their transition period. Avoid overstimulating environments early into your pet’s transitional period. Visit the veterinarian early on, but wait to meet the groomer or go to doggie daycare until your dog is comfortable in new environments.

 

We hope you and your new family member enjoy your time together! With love, patience, and good habits your new pet should settle in well to their forever home.