Welcoming a new dog into your home is such an exciting time. But it’s also a big adjustment for both of you. Your new pup is transitioning from an unfamiliar environment into a brand-new world. With a little patience, consistency, and love, you can help them feel safe and secure. Here’s how to get started:

🕒 Let Your Pup Settle In: The 3-3-3 Rule

This simple guideline helps you know what to expect as your dog adjusts to life in your home:

• 3 Days to decompress
• 3 Weeks to learn their routine
• 3 Months to feel fully secure and at home

Coming from a shelter or rescue is a HUGE change. Your dog might seem nervous, withdrawn, or confused at first. Some dogs may even emotionally shut down while they try to make sense of their new surroundings.

💡 Tip: For the first few days, keep things calm and predictable. Stick to short walks, limit visitors, and keep other pets separated. Let Aunt Edna know your new buddy needs a little time before meeting the whole crew!

🐶 Slow and Steady Introductions

Once your pup has had a few days to relax, slowly expand their social circle over the next few weeks. Introduce new people and other animals carefully.  No dog parks just yet! Also, trouble with resident pets is one of the top reasons adoptions don’t work out.

💡 Plan pet introductions thoughtfully and don’t rush it. Let the dogs get used to each others presence, with some distance between them, prior to allowing direct interaction. Use treats, praise, and positive experiences to build trust between animals. If things feel rocky, reach out to a professional trainer.

🏋️ Start Training Early

After about 3 weeks, your dog will start to settle into their routine and may be ready for a positive reinforcement training class. Puppies often adjust faster and may be ready even sooner.

Positive training is a great way to bond with your pup and give them the tools they need to be a well-mannered family member. Plus, it helps build your dog’s confidence in their new home!

🏡 Create a Safe Space

Every dog needs a cozy retreat where they can relax and feel secure. Set up a designated area—like a crate, bed, or quiet corner—that’s just for them.

Let everyone in the house know: when your pup is in their safe space, give them time to rest and recharge. It’s their version of a “Do Not Disturb” sign.

⌚ Establish a Routine

Dogs thrive on consistency. Meals, walks, potty breaks, playtime, and bedtime should all happen around the same times each day.

Frequent potty breaks are essential at first to prevent accidents and help your pup succeed. With most newly adopted dogs, it will be best to initially restrict their access to only a small portion of your home, expanding their freedom as they become confident in where they should potty. Celebrate every success with treats and praise! And don’t forget to reward good behavior like:

• Coming when called
• Crating on cue
• Not jumping when you walk through the door

🏠 Begin practicing short departures and gradually increase your time away. This helps your dog learn you always come back. If your dog continues to struggle with being alone, reach out to our Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer for help.

🏛️ Be Safe

Set your new pup up for success by not leaving them unsupervised and loose in your home or yard. When anxious, dogs can become very destructive, causing harm to themselves and your home.

Every year, many newly adopted dogs escape their new home, out of fear and anxiety, often with disastrous consequences. Prevent this from happening to you by: 

• Dog-proofing your yard and home
• Updating microchip info
• Creating an ID tag and ensuring your pup wears it
• Dog-proof your yard and home

🦥 Stay Healthy

Schedule a vet appointment to make sure your new dog is healthy and up to date on vaccines.

Transition to a new diet gradually to avoid tummy trouble. With all the changes they’re experiencing, introducing new food too quickly can cause digestive issues. Check with your vet if problems persist.

🧠 Provide Mental Enrichment

A tired brain = a happy dog! Most dogs need more than just physical activity to stay balanced. Add enrichment activities like:

• Sniff walks
• Puzzle toys
• Training games
• Chewing (bully sticks, No-Hides, Himalayan chews)

Chewing is not only natural, it’s soothing. Offer a variety of safe options to satisfy that instinct.

🤝 Build Trust

Bonding is everything. Your dog is learning that you’re someone they can count on. Strengthen that bond with:

• Quiet time together
• Daily walks
• Gentle play
• Respecting their body language

A strong relationship starts with trust and consistency.

🐕 What a Great Dog! Is Here to Help

Adjusting to a new home isn’t always easy—for you or your dog! That’s where we come in. At What a Great Dog!, we offer:

• Group training classes
• 1-on-1 private lessons
• Virtual consults for early guidance
• A friendly retail shop stocked with the gear your pup needs

We can help with house training, destructive chewing, barking, introductions to new people or pets, and more.

🐾 After your new pup has had a few weeks to settle in, come see us—we’d love to meet you both! Let us help you and your dog start your new life together on the right paw!