Acclimating a New Dog to Your Home? Here Are Some Tips
Bringing home a new dog can be stressful and challenging for the whole family – especially for your new furry friend. The adjustment can be difficult, as they face a new routine and increased stress in an unfamiliar place. Your dog may feel confused and anxious amidst the new surroundings.
Helping a new dog acclimate to your home can be smoother if you follow these steps to ensure they feel safe and secure:
Ways to Help a New Dog Adjust to Your Home
Stick to Routines
Everything in your dog’s life is changing, so it can help to stick to routines as much as possible. Set a time for feeding, walking, and playtime so your dog learns what to expect each day. Be consistent. Dogs need structure and routine. This will help to establish familiarity and make your dog feel more in control.
Also, see if you can bring any of your dog’s favorite items home with them following adoption. This will certainly make the transition less stressful. If your new pup doesn’t have any toys to take home or a set routine, use the first few weeks with your dog to develop a consistent daily schedule. Take them to pick out their own bedding and toys and let them adjust to the routine at their own pace. This will give them room to build confidence and become familiar with their environment.
Avoid other places outside of the home until your dog has had a chance to adjust to their new surroundings.
Give Your Dog Their Own Space
As soon as you get your new dog home, create a dog-proofed room or space where they can feel more comfortable. This is where their crate should be, as well as their bed and toys. It is very important to keep your dog in this area initially when you cannot keep an eye on them, and they should be confined to this area when you leave the house.
Show Your Dog Where Their Bathroom Is
When acclimating a new dog to your home, take them outside often to show them where the “bathroom” will be and give them a chance to get familiar with their new surroundings.
Spend Quality Time with Your Dog
The new environment won’t be the only thing that’s stressful for your dog. They’ll need time to adjust to you and your family as well. Be sure they have an appropriate amount of play, exercise, and time outdoors. Introduce your dog to household members one at a time. Wait until your dog is comfortable before allowing other people to visit. Supervise and monitor children to ensure they behave calmly and sensitively around their new furry siblings.
Introduce a New Dog to Other Pets Gradually
Always take things slowly and be patient when introducing a new dog to the other pets in your household.
If possible, introduce your new pet to their furry siblings at a neutral location, like a park or play space. This can help prevent territorial behavior and reduce the likelihood of initial conflicts.
Once they seem comfortable in each other's presence, you can move the meetups to your home, starting with brief, supervised visits. Allow them to interact naturally while keeping a close watch to intervene if necessary.
Until they’re completely comfortable with each other, they should each have their own area for food, water, and rest. This gives each animal a safe space to retreat to in case of conflict.
Give Your Dog Treats Whenever You Leave
Even dogs who are comfortable being left alone may have problems being left alone in a new house. So, when you go, leave a treat-filled Kong toy to keep your dog happily entertained.
Be Patient
It will take some time for your dog to get used to their new family and environment. Some dogs may feel comfortable in their new home after just a few days, but for other dogs, it could take weeks or months. So, be patient with your dog and help them to adapt to their new life.
Don’t Expect Perfection
Dogs usually adapt quickly to new situations, but there is a lot to take in when joining a family. Stay calm and reinforce positive behavior. Spend time interacting with your dog, and it will help them acclimate.
Product-Based Comfort for a Smooth Transition
Helping your new dog feel safe and secure in unfamiliar surroundings takes more than patience—it takes the right tools. These thoughtfully selected products can make a big difference in how quickly your pup settles in and begins to thrive.
Product Spotlight: Zeaxuie Luxury Puppy Teething Toys
Keep your new pup entertained and comforted with this 9-pack of chew toys designed for teething and play. With plush squeaky toys, rope chews, and a treat ball, this set offers a variety of textures and sounds to stimulate your dog’s senses and ease anxiety.
Highlights & Benefits
- Includes 4 squeaky plush toys, 3 rope toys, 1 treat ball, and a dog bag roll.
- Treat ball encourages problem-solving and slow feeding.
- Durable materials help clean teeth and soothe sore gums.
- Keeps puppies busy and reduces destructive chewing during adjustment.
Product Spotlight: Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed
Give your dog a cozy retreat with this orthopedic bed designed for medium-sized dogs. The egg-crate foam and bolster sides provide joint support and a sense of security—perfect for dogs adjusting to a new environment.
Highlights & Benefits
- Orthopedic foam distributes weight and relieves pressure.
- Bolstered sides support head and neck for restful sleep.
- Waterproof liner and removable cover for easy cleaning.
- Non-skid bottom keeps the bed in place on hard floors.
Product Spotlight: oneisall Dog Grooming Vacuum Kit
Keep your new dog looking and feeling their best with this 7-in-1 grooming kit. It includes clippers, nail grinders, and deshedding tools—all with a built-in vacuum to reduce mess and stress during grooming.
Highlights & Benefits
- Vacuum collects 99% of pet hair for a clean grooming experience.
- Low-noise design (under 60 dB) helps keep dogs calm.
- Includes nail grinder, paw trimmer, and grooming brush.
- Long hose and power cable offer flexibility for indoor or outdoor use.
Product Spotlight: Greenies Original Dental Dog Treats
Treat your dog to something tasty and beneficial with Greenies dental chews. These vet-recommended treats help clean teeth, freshen breath, and offer a daily moment of joy during the acclimation period.
Highlights & Benefits
- Unique chewy texture fights plaque and tartar.
- Accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).
- Made with natural, easy-to-digest ingredients.
- Crafted in USA facilities with globally sourced ingredients.
Product Spotlight: Cumbor Adjustable Dog Gate
Create safe boundaries in your home with this pressure-mounted dog gate. Whether you’re managing introductions with other pets or keeping your pup out of certain rooms, this gate offers flexibility and peace of mind.
Highlights & Benefits
- Adjustable width fits openings from 29.5 to 46 inches.
- Pressure-mounted design requires no drilling.
- Auto-close feature and dual locking system for security.
- Durable steel frame withstands active dogs and daily use.
These products can help your dog feel more at home, reduce stress, and build positive associations with their new environment. When paired with consistent routines and gentle guidance, they can make the transition smoother for both pup and parent.
Understanding Your Dog’s Fear of the Unknown
If your dog could talk, they would likely tell you that they’re nervous about leaving the shelter or rescue. New places scare dogs and, in some cases, make them act out. When acclimating a new dog to your home, they will undoubtedly experience symptoms of fear and anxiety in their new surroundings. Your dog may even begin to display inappropriate behavior like chewing, indoor accidents, barking, or howling.
Dogs can also internalize their caregivers’ emotions – if you feel stressed about the adoption, your dog will naturally feel stressed too.
In some cases, dogs that join new families can develop separation anxiety. Once you are gone, they are left very much alone in unfamiliar surroundings. As a result, they may bark, whine, or begin chewing inappropriately.
How to Make the Adjustment Period Easier for Your Dog
Every dog is different, and every dog has their own way of dealing with change. Some dogs will want to be near you all the time, no matter what you’re doing. Other dogs will do better in a crate far away from the chaos of a new environment.
Examples of How to Make Your Dog Feel Safe
When acclimating a new dog to your home and family, the dog may have anxiety issues. Talk to your veterinarian to see if they have recommendations for ways to reduce stress, including medication, treats, or soothing music. And don’t forget that exercise is a great stress reliever.