how to help your adult dog adjust to their new home
Bringing an adult dog into a new home is a significant life change—not just for you but for your furry friend as well. They may be coming from a previous household, a shelter, or a rescue situation, and the transition can be overwhelming. It's not unusual for your pup to feel uncertain or stressed as they adjust to unfamiliar surroundings, new people, and different routines. This adjustment period can span from a few days to several months, depending on your dog’s temperament, history, and environment.
The key here is patience. Like us, dogs rely on familiarity and routine to feel secure. When a move disrupts that routine, it’s natural for them to feel anxious or unsettled. Some dogs may be overly clingy, while others could appear withdrawn or exhibit signs of stress, such as barking or chewing. These reactions are completely normal and simply a sign that your dog is trying to make sense of their new world.
This period of adjustment is a time for understanding and calm support. Just like us, dogs need to feel safe and secure before they can truly relax. By being patient and consistent and giving your dog space to explore at their own pace, you’ll be helping them build trust in you and their new home.
Planning ahead creates a smooth and stress-free transition for you and your new dog. Gather all the essentials you'll need before your dog even walks through the door. Think of it as a little “starter pack” to make them feel comfortable and welcomed.
This should include the basics:
The first day with your new adult dog is a big one—full of new sights, sounds, and smells for them to process. While it’s exciting, they’re likely feeling a bit overwhelmed, so keep things calm, controlled, and predictable. Here are a few things to consider that will make life easier for everyone:
Most importantly, keep the environment calm. Avoid loud noises, too much activity, or forcing your dog into unfamiliar situations. The first day is all about letting them decompress and begin to feel safe in their new home.
The key here is patience. Like us, dogs rely on familiarity and routine to feel secure. When a move disrupts that routine, it’s natural for them to feel anxious or unsettled. Some dogs may be overly clingy, while others could appear withdrawn or exhibit signs of stress, such as barking or chewing. These reactions are completely normal and simply a sign that your dog is trying to make sense of their new world.
This period of adjustment is a time for understanding and calm support. Just like us, dogs need to feel safe and secure before they can truly relax. By being patient and consistent and giving your dog space to explore at their own pace, you’ll be helping them build trust in you and their new home.
Preparing for your new dog’s arrival
Planning ahead creates a smooth and stress-free transition for you and your new dog. Gather all the essentials you'll need before your dog even walks through the door. Think of it as a little “starter pack” to make them feel comfortable and welcomed.
This should include the basics:
- Leash
- Collar
- ID tag
- A crate or enclosed pet playpen as a quiet, safe place to retreat to when feeling overwhelmed
- A blanket (their old blanket, if available)
- Bedding
- Toys
- Food and water bowls
First-day tips: Settling in
The first day with your new adult dog is a big one—full of new sights, sounds, and smells for them to process. While it’s exciting, they’re likely feeling a bit overwhelmed, so keep things calm, controlled, and predictable. Here are a few things to consider that will make life easier for everyone:
- Since you don’t know how your dog will react in the car, keeping them secure with a crate or seatbelt harness is smart. Having another person come along for the ride is a good idea, too. That way, they can sit with your dog while you focus on driving, making sure your new friend feels safe and supported.
- Once you arrive home, resist the temptation to immediately give your dog the grand tour. Instead, take them straight to their designated potty spot. Keep them on a leash, and give them a few minutes to sniff around and do their business. If they go, reward them with a treat and lots of praise.
- Inside the house, keep things simple by confining your dog to a small area at first. A single room or sectioned-off space using a baby gate works well. You can also keep them on a leash or long line so they stay close to you. This helps them feel less overwhelmed and allows them to adjust to their new environment slowly.
- When introducing your dog to family members, stay calm and low-key. To avoid overstimulation, it’s best to meet each person one at a time rather than all at once. If you have children, remind them to be gentle and patient, letting the dog come to them instead of rushing in for pets.
- Choose where your dog will eat and sleep with care. Put their food and water in a quiet spot where they’ll feel safe—this will help prevent guarding behaviours.
- For sleeping arrangements, set up their crate or bed in a spot that you’d like them to get used to, such as your bedroom. Having them sleep near you will provide comfort and security as they adjust to their new surroundings.
- Introduce other pets slowly and carefully. A neutral outdoor space works best for first meetings. Keep both animals on leashes and keep it short—just a few minutes at a time.
Most importantly, keep the environment calm. Avoid loud noises, too much activity, or forcing your dog into unfamiliar situations. The first day is all about letting them decompress and begin to feel safe in their new home.
Managing anxiety and stress
When a dog moves into a new home, it’s perfectly normal for them to experience some anxiety or stress as they adjust to unfamiliar surroundings. Even the most confident pups can feel a bit out of sorts when everything changes at once. If you know how to recognise the signs of anxiety, you can help your dog feel more at ease during this transition.
Some common signs of anxiety may include:
- Pacing
- Following you around the house
- Whining
- Becoming destructive
- Changes in their eating habits (eat less or refuse food altogether)
- Digestive issues like diarrhea or constipation
- A sudden lack of interest in play
- Growling and barking in new situations
Separation anxiety might also rear its head, with your dog becoming overly attached to you or panicking when left alone. While these behaviours can be concerning, they are often temporary and, with patience and a consistent routine, will fade within days or weeks.
One of the best ways to ease your dog’s stress is by maintaining a calm, predictable environment. Establish a routine as quickly as possible—feed them, walk them, and give them bathroom breaks at the same times each day. Consistency helps your dog feel secure because they know what to expect.
Slow and steady diet changes
If you plan to switch your dog’s food, do so gradually. Sudden changes can upset their stomach, so try to keep them on the same food they’ve been eating for at least a few weeks post-move. When you’re ready to transition, mix the new food in slowly, increasing the ratio of new to old food over about 7-10 days to avoid digestive issues. The full Eukanuba range provides the nutrition your adult dog needs, especially if they are very active!
Finally, within the first week or so of moving, it’s a good idea to get your dog checked out by a local vet. This will give you peace of mind about their health post-move and is a chance to ensure they’re up to date on vaccinations and get them into the new vet’s system. This is also an opportunity to discuss any anxiety your dog might be experiencing if you feel they need additional support.
Adjusting to a new home takes time, so be patient. Every dog is different in how quickly they adapt, so don’t stress if the process takes longer than you expected. Keep rewarding positive behaviours, offer plenty of love and reassurance, and you’ll help your dog feel safe, happy, and right at home in no time.
