When a dog is adjusted completely to a new home, it will act relaxed, eat at regular times, play with toys, and feel more comfortable exploring its new surroundings. They might also want to be loved, answer when you call their name, and stick to a plan. A dog may need weeks or even months to get used to things, depending on its personality and past.
A Quick Overview
- Body language that shows you’re calm and at ease
- Regularly eating, drinking, and sleeping
- Being interested in and having fun with the world around you
- Being with family and picking up when they call
- Regular times for potty training
Table of Contents
Why does it take a while to get used to things
When a dog moves into a new house, it’s a big deal. The smells, sounds, and feelings are all different. The American Kennel Club (AKC) says that dogs usually need three days to calm down, three weeks to get used to their new home, and up to three months to feel completely at home.
Here are some things that can make it harder to get used to:
- Past experiences (shelter dogs may take longer)
- Age and personality (younger dogs may be more flexible than older dogs)
- How stable the new place is for them
You might like this: How to Crate Train a Puppy at Night Time: A Complete Guide for Pet Owners
My experience
I’ve had dogs for more than ten years, and I’ve learned that each one is unique. Max, my rescue Labrador, hid under the table for three days after I brought him home and wouldn’t eat. He started to explore the house again and wag his tail after a while and some gentle pushing. My Golden Retriever puppy Bella, on the other hand, got used to it right away. On the first day, she lay on the couch and played fetch.
These things taught me how important it is to wait. Dogs that are rescued may need more comfort, but puppies may get better faster. Seeing a scared dog calm down, play, and trust you is one of the best things about being a pet parent.
Signs of behavior and getting along with others
Your dog is getting used to it.
- Body Language That Is Calm
When your dog’s face is smooth, its body is relaxed, and its tail is wagging gently, it knows it is safe. VCA Animal Hospitals (VCA, 2022) says that dogs who roll on their backs or stretch out all the way are showing that they trust you. - More confidence
Your dog might start going into rooms they used to stay away from or sniffing around without being scared. When dogs know their new home is safe and dependable, they feel better about themselves. - Fun
If a child gives you toys, plays bows, or starts games, it means they are happy and safe. A dog that plays is safe (Humane Society, 2022). - Being nice
If your dog likes to cuddle, follows you around, or looks you in the eye, it means they are getting close to you. A lot of them also start to play with other pets once they feel at home. - Respond to Name and Voice
If you call them by name or talk to them in a friendly way, they will start to trust you. Trainers say that giving people recognition is a big part of how they connect.
READ MORE: How to Stop a Dog from Barking in Their Kennel at Night
Routine and physical signs of change
- A lot of eating and drinking
If you have a normal appetite, that’s a good sign that your stress levels are going down. If a dog eats and drinks normally, it is getting used to its new home. - Sleep better
A dog that is well-adjusted will sleep all night without whining or pacing. People can see dogs when they sleep, not just when they hide. - Set up routines
If your dog learns to expect meals or waits by the door for walks, it means they are getting used to how things work in your home. People feel better about themselves when their routines are easy to follow. - Teaching your dog to go to the bathroom on a regular basis
At first, dogs often have accidents, but if your dog wants to go outside and follows bathroom patterns, it’s a sign that it’s getting used to things.
READ MORE: Do Dogs Remember Their Family? Simple Truth
What to Look For and What Not to Look For
✅ What to Do
- Wait a second; each dog has its own time. Some take weeks, while others take months.
- Make a plan: Eating, walking, and sleeping at the same times every day can help you feel less stressed.
- Encourage your dog to explore by letting them look around the house at their own pace.
- Give your dog safe places to go, like crates or quiet rooms, when they are stressed.
- Give prizes for good behavior. Giving someone treats and praise is a quick way to get closer to them.
❌ Things to Avoid
- Don’t let them talk to you: Making people pay attention might make them even more scared.
- Don’t punish mistakes or accidents; fear slows down progress. Say something nice.
- Don’t ignore stress that won’t go away. If your pet is hiding, acting nervous, or not eating for more than a few days, you should take it to the vet.
If your dog has trouble getting used to new things for more than a few days, you should call a vet or a trained trainer, according to the Humane Society (2022).
How long does it take for a dog to adjust to a new home?
Most dogs follow the “3–3–3 rule“:
- Three days: Stressed, worried, or alone.
- Three weeks: Getting used to things and starting to feel better.
- Three months: Feeling safe, at home, and connected.
But not all dogs are alike. It might take longer for dogs that have been hurt before or haven’t been around other dogs much, but with time and love, they will get better.
FAQS
- How can I tell if my dog is scared in a new place?
Some signs that a dog is stressed are panting, hiding, whimpering, not eating, and chewing things up. - How can I make my dog feel safe more quickly?
Give your dog a schedule to follow, a quiet place to sleep, and praise them when they do something well. Don’t let your dog meet too many new people or do too many new things at once. - Why is my dog that I rescued hiding?
It’s normal to want to hide when you’re scared. Give them space, talk to them softly, and give them treats when they do something that makes them feel good about themselves. - Should I put my dog in a cage while I move?
Yes, if you do it right. A crate can help you make changes and keep your pet safe. - When should I get help from a pro? If your dog won’t eat, hides all the time, or is scared or aggressive for more than a few days, you should take it to the vet or a behaviorist.
Karim Kaifi is an experienced pet owner and writer. He shares practical, research-backed advice based on over 10 years of caring for cats and dogs.
