Loree Walden ~ Marketing Manager ~ Yavapai Humane Society
Newly adopted dogs need time to adjust to their new homes and it’s important to be prepared for what can sometimes be a time-consuming and stressful process.
Many newly adopted animals are dealing with the stress of being in a new environment with new people, routines, and smells. They are also trying to figure out if they are really “home” or if there is another change coming. It’s important to start training your dog right away by taking them out to where they will be going potty immediately upon coming home. Spend a good amount of time there with them and let them roam around and get used to the area. Even if they “do their business” there, be prepared for accidents to happen as they adjusts to the new surroundings.
If you will be crating your new dog, show him where the crate is and leave it open so that he can freely go inside if he needs some alone time or to decompress. For the first couple of days, give your new friend a good amount of one-on-one time so that he can learn your voice, your movements, and can settle in easier. Avoid large crowds or the dog park until they have settled in.
Do some research on different ways to help them adjust and don’t expect a dog to immediately feel at home. Some may, but many won’t. You might not see your new pet’s true personality for several weeks or even up to three months. Be patient and understanding and stay on a schedule of feeding, playing, and walking at the same time every day so that they can get in the right routine with you.
You can almost compare this process to starting over at a new school. You need to learn your way around, meet new people, and adjust to new schedules and routines. By being patient and letting them take their own time to adjust, it will surely help with their happily ever after in their new furever home!
