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How to Help Your Puppy Adjust to Your Home

These tips will help your puppy settle into their new home, and they’ll increase the bond you form with your puppy. It might take a day or two, or it might take months — each puppy comes with their own personality and experiences. Going from our home to a new home is a big transition, so don’t be discouraged if your puppy takes awhile to get comfortable in your home.

To ease the transition here’s 10 tips to help your new puppy adjust to your home.

1. Give Your Puppy Time to Decompress By Starting Slowly

You can help your puppy adjust to your home by taking it slow for the first couple of days. They’ll appreciate some one on one time getting to know their new family and surroundings. Let them explore the house and yard at their own pace.

Some pups take awhile to adjust to new settings, and sometimes that can be exhausting for them.

Don’t over stimulate your pup during the first couple days. If your pup is a bit standoffish just let them check things out for themselves. If they come up to you for attention by all means be as affectionate as they seem comfortable with.

Not all pups bond immediately with a new owner – don’t take it personally. They’re in a brand new environment getting used to new sights, smells, and sounds. It can be a stressful time for your new pup so try to make them as comfortable as possible by keeping things calm and positive.

2. Give Your Puppy Their Own Space

One way you can help make your new pup more comfortable is by providing them with their own comfy bed or safe spot where they can retreat to when they’re tired or overwhelmed. Some pups need a little extra time to just chill out every once in a while, especially with all the stress of being in a completely new environment.

If your new pup isn’t in the mood to cuddle or play you can try giving them something to do on their own by offering a food dispensing toy or stuffed Kong. By offering yummy treats in a Kong you’re showing your new pup that you’re the provider of awesome things. It’s a simple way to build trust, and if your pup is feeling uneasy in their new situation they might appreciate having a nice treat on their own.

3. Be Prepared For Stomach Issues When Changing Diets

Diarrhea is common among newly adopted pups, either from stress or sudden dietary changes. If you’re not a fan of the brand we’ve been feeding you can switch, but you may want to consider slowly transitioning them over to a new food by mixing some of the old in with the new.

Stress from moving into a new environment can cause diarrhea in newly adopted pups. Ease their stress by taking things slowly the first week and giving them time to adapt. If your pup has diarrhea for more than a few days consult your veterinarian.

4. Puppies May Lose Their Appetite in New Surroundings

The stress from being in a new environment can cause pups to lose their appetite. If you’ve adopted a shy pup they might need a few days before they’re comfortable enough to eat a normal meal. A new diet or change in food can also cause a pup to refuse to eat. The puppy won’t starve themselves; as long as your pup is healthy, they’ll learn to adapt to their new diet.

5. Make It Easier In The Long Run By Keeping Your Routine

Puppy’s thrive on routine, and the sooner your new pup learns how your home functions, the more comfortable they’ll be. You can help your new pup adjust to your home by:

Feeding at the same time every day

Going outside for potty breaks consistently

Going for your daily walk at the same time

Going to bed around the same time each night

This also includes exercise time, cuddle time or any other daily games or activities they’ll be involved with. They’ll feel more secure once they start learning your routine and what is expected of them at any given time.

I know many owners want to spend as much time as possible with their new pup, and that’s wonderful. But try to incorporate at least some of your normal activities into the day during those first few weeks to help your pup adjust to what will become their normal routine.

6. Supervise Your New Puppy

If you’re not sure how your new pup will react when left alone, crating is a good way to have some peace of mind while you’re at work. Just remember to introduce your pup to their crate slowly, and make it a positive experience for them. When introduced properly, a crate becomes a relaxing place for your pup.

7. You May Have a Few House Training Issues

Puppies will need to be house trained.

You and your new puppy aren’t automatically going to be on the same schedule, so be prepared for a few accidents during the first couple of weeks. Your new pup might be getting fed more than usual and they very well might be drinking a lot more. Make sure you take them out regularly to decrease the likelihood of any accidents.

8. Beware of Escape Attempts

When going outdoors remember to keep your new pup on a leash at all times. When in a new environment some pups will have a tendency to try and run away or escape. And since pups/adult dogs can dig under or jump over fences don’t leave them unsupervised in the yard. Until you know your pup is comfortable with you and will come back when called, it’s best to keep them leashed at all times when outdoors.

Be sure to supervise your pup when outside until you’re confident they won’t try to escape. Many adult dogs are able to jump 6 foot fences, and a lot more can dig under them. When puppies enter a new environment they can become stressed out & fearful, and that can lead to escape attempts.

9. Don’t Overwhelm Them if They’re Anxious

I know it’s tempting to introduce your new pup to all of your friends & family right away by inviting everyone over, but make sure your pup is comfortable in your home first. Some pups can get overstimulated and excited by all that excitement, and some are extremely nervous around strangers. If your pup shows any signs of discomfort, take it slow. Make sure they have access to their own safe space or area that they can retreat to if they get overwhelmed.

The same goes for trips to the park or store. Until your pup is comfortable around you, take it easy when introducing them to new areas.

10. Be Patient With Your New Puppy

Imagine yourself in your pups shoes (or paws) for a moment – surrounded by strangers in a new place where everything is unknown. It’s a bit scary to say the least. Your pup might adjust within days, or it may take weeks.

Take it slow and make it easier on them by giving them space when needed. Give them some time to settle in and get comfortable with their new surroundings. It may seem like a slow process, but it won’t take long until your puppy becomes your new best friend.

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