5 Clear Signs a Dog Is Adjusting to a New Home
- Global Paws
- Jul 21
- 6 min read
Signs the dog is adjusting to the new home - Moving to a new home is an exciting milestone, but it can also be stressful, especially for your furry companion.
Dogs thrive on routine and familiarity, so changes in their environment can lead to uncertainty and anxiety.
As a pet owner, understanding how your dog is adjusting to its new home can help ensure their comfort and well-being during this transitional period.
Recognising the signs that the dog is adjusting to a new home can help you ease their stress and reinforce positive behaviours.
This article will walk you through five clear signs that show your dog is settling in well. Let’s jump into it!
Why Understanding Your Dog’s Adjustment Is Important
Dogs, like humans, can experience stress when exposed to new surroundings. A change in their environment, even a positive one, can bring on feelings of confusion, fear, and unease.
This can manifest in behaviours, such as:
Excessive barking
Hiding
Acting withdrawn
Understanding these behaviours early is crucial because it allows you, as pet owners, to address your dog's needs and support their emotional health during this transition.
Recognising the signs that your dog is adjusting to its new home can help you create a stable and calming environment.
With our expertise at Global Paws, we offer a full suite of pet travel and relocation services to ensure your dog's comfortable and seamless journey, no matter where it is headed.
5 Clear Signs a Dog Is Adjusting to a New Home
Bringing your dog into a new home is a big step for both of you. Moving to a new space or adopting a dog means they are adjusting to new sights, smells, and routines, which can initially be overwhelming.
This transition often leaves your dog uncertain, but they will find comfort and familiarity in their new surroundings with patience. So, how do you know if your dog is settling in well?
While each dog adjusts in its own time, there are clear signs that show it is beginning to feel at ease.
1. Exploring the New Environment Calmly
One of the first signs that your dog is adjusting to a new home is how it explores its surroundings. Initially, it may be cautious, sniffing around and checking out its new environment. But as it begins to settle, it will approach the new space with more curiosity and calmness.
A dog adjusting well will confidently explore the house or yard, showing they are comfortable with the change.
2. Returning to Familiar Routines
Dogs are creatures of habit, and maintaining routines is crucial for their emotional well-being. If your dog is eating regular meals, sleeping in their usual spots, and responding to commands like before the move, this is a clear sign they are adjusting well.
Consistency is key; keeping familiar routines during the transition will help your dog feel secure in their new surroundings.
3. Showing Affection and Seeking Attention
As your dog settles into its new home, it may seek more affection from you, such as cuddling, petting, or playing together.
These affectionate behaviours indicate that your dog feels safe and is forming a bond with their new environment. This is an excellent sign of trust and adjustment, showing that your dog feels comfortable and relaxed in their new home.
4. Decreased Signs of Anxiety or Stress
Anxiety and stress are common when a dog adjusts to a new environment. However, as your dog becomes more comfortable, you should notice a decrease in signs of stress such as whining, barking, or destructive behaviour.
Other signs that your dog is adjusting to its new home include being visibly at ease and calm, which indicates that it is adapting to its new home.
5. Interacting Positively with Family Members or Other Pets
Social behaviour is another key sign that your dog is adjusting. If your dog interacts well with family members and other pets in the household, it shows that it is comfortable in its new environment.
The last signs that your dog is adjusting to its new home can be playful behaviour or relaxed interactions with others, which indicate that your dog is beginning to feel like part of the family again.
How to Help Your Dog Adjust to a New Home
1. Get Everything Ready
Before your new dog arrives, make sure you have all the basics covered. You will need a collar (flat-buckle or martingale), an ID tag, a harness, a 6-foot leash, and a cosy bed.
Do not forget about toys, these are safe options, like Nylabones are great for playtime without the risk of your dog swallowing small pieces.
You should also grab a crate or playpen so your dog has a quiet space. If you know what food your dog has been eating, it is smart to keep it on that for now to avoid any stomach upset.
2. Create a Routine
Dogs love routine, so it helps to figure out a schedule ahead of time. Who is going to walk your dog? When will they be fed? Will your dog sleep in a crate or join you on the furniture?
A consistent routine will help your dog feel more secure and comfortable as they settle in.
3. Plan for the Big Day
The best way to start your dog’s new life with you is by being present and calm when they arrive. Try to bring them home when you have a few days to spend together.
Avoid immediately rushing them into big social outings like dog parks or pet stores.
It is better to keep things quiet and predictable for the first few weeks so your dog can adjust at their own pace.
When you leave them alone, try giving them an enrichment toy, like a stuffed treat puzzle, to help with separation anxiety.
4. Introducing Your Dog to the Family
If you already have other pets, ensure they are healthy and up to date on vaccinations before introducing them to your new dog. A vet visit within the first week is a good idea to check their health and ensure they are set up with preventative care like flea and tick treatment.
5. Training and House-Training
If your new dog is not house-trained yet, do not worry. Stick to a consistent schedule for bathroom breaks and use positive reinforcement when they do their business outside. If you are crate training, make sure their crate is a cosy spot they can call their own.
6. Be Patient
The signs that your dog is adjusting to a new home can vary, but remember that it takes time for your dog to adjust to its new home. So, be patient and give it the space to settle in.
In no time, you will see your bond grow stronger and have a loyal companion by your side again.
Why Trust Global Paws for Your Pet’s Relocation?
As a family-owned business with over 20 years of experience, Global Paws specialises in the safe and comfortable relocation of pets. Our team understands the unique challenges of moving with pets and is dedicated to making the process as stress-free as possible.
We support you every step of the way, from offering advice on adjusting your dog to its new home to providing expert pet travel services.
Call us now for a consultation and experience the best pet relocation services.
About Global Paws:
Global Paws is a family-owned business with over 20 years of experience in pet travel and relocation. We know your pets are part of your family, and we care for them like they are part of ours. As proud members of the International Pet & Animal Transport Association (IPATA) and certified by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animals Regulations (LAR), we’re committed to making sure they travel safely and comfortably.
What sets us apart is the extra care we provide. Every pet is treated like family, and we make sure their journey is safe and stress-free, no matter where they are headed.
We believe every pet deserves a first-class experience, and we are here to make sure they are comfortable from start to finish. Our experience, backed by IPATA and IATA, gives you peace of mind knowing your pet’s journey is in safe, loving hands.
Then, are you ready to give VIP treatment for your furry friend? Visit our website to book your pet’s dream vacation today!
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