The first weeks with an adopted dog: what to expect
The day you take a dog home from the shelter is full of joy. For the dog, though, it is mostly full of change: new places, new sounds, new people. That does not mean the adoption won’t work – it just needs time. Here is what we recommend to every new owner.
The 3-3-3 rule
Most dogs go through similar stages after adoption. It helps to know what to expect:
The first 3 days: the dog is unsure, may eat little, sleep a lot or pace restlessly around the flat.
The first 3 weeks: it is learning your daily routine and starting to show its real personality.
The first 3 months: it feels at home, trusts you and knows what you expect of it.
What to prepare in advance
Before you collect your dog, have the basics ready at home:
A bed or blanket in a quiet spot.
Bowls and the food your dog ate at the shelter – we will give you some for the first days.
A secure harness, a lead and a tag with your phone number.
A few chew toys, which help dogs release tension.
Calm and a steady routine
Don’t invite the whole family round on the first weekend. Feed, walk and go to bed at roughly the same times – dogs settle faster when the day is predictable. Give your dog a place of its own, such as a bed in a quiet corner where nobody will disturb it.
Walks and first training
In the first weeks, keep walks shorter, stick to the same routes and always use a lead, even if the dog seems obedient. A new environment can trigger a fright and a bolt. Start with simple commands, reward with treats and praise, and don’t rush anything.
When to call us
Small accidents indoors, whining at night or a poor appetite are normal in the first days. But if your dog hasn’t eaten for more than two days, shows aggression or seems to be getting worse, call us or your vet. We stay in touch after every adoption and are happy to help – even six months later.
Above all, don’t compare. Every dog has its own past and its own pace. In a few months you will probably be amazed that the relaxed dog on your sofa once didn’t know where to look.
Photo: Ben Soyka, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons