Is This Normal? What to Expect During Your Puppy’s Transition Home

Is This Normal? What to Expect During Your Puppy’s Transition Home

So many times we get frantic emails from new puppy parents in Seattle, Portland, Spokane, Los Angeles, or Phoenix, confused as to how their puppy should be behaving the first few weeks in their new homes. No matter how many times we reassure them that their puppy behavior is normal, the new parents have a hard time adjusting their idealistic expectations to the reality of transitioning to a new home.

If you are new to the Habibi Bear Dog Blog, transitioning is the term we are using that describes a behavior or set of behaviors of a dog that is adjusting to a change in living situation (a new family member leaving or joining a household)  a schedule change (Mom or Dad work hour change) or a new place to live (going to a new home with a new family in Tacoma, Eugene, Boise, Bellevue, or Scottsdale)

Some of the dog behaviors that your dog might exhibit if stressed by transitioning 

1. Submissive urination
2. Withdrawal or curling into themselves, no interest in food or treats
3. Whining, drooling or panting
4. Unwillingness to go outside to poddy 
5. Extreme clinginess, underfoot

All of these behaviors are very normal and depending on your reaction to the behaviors, are temporary and are no indication of your puppy’s future behavior in your home. In fact, the more resistance or frustration you exhibit if witnessing this type of behavior, chances run higher that the behavior continues. 

Why this happens: Being non-verbal beings, dogs are tuned into energy and emotions. When you tense up, get nervous, or frustrated, they can sense your emotions, causing their stress levels to increase even more. 

Here are some helpful tips to remember when you get your new puppy to your home if they seem to be struggling.

• 90% of dogs need a period of time to adjust to a new environment or major change in their living situation. Chances are, your dog will too! 
• One accident (or 5) is not an indicator of future behavior in the first week at a new home. 
• Keep sensory stimulation down to a minimum to avoid a sensory overload. 
• Move slowly and speak softly. Take deep breaths. Keep centered and calm. 
• Limit the range of space around the dog, by using a pen or tethering. A smaller space feels more reassuring to an overwhelmed dog trying to regulate their nervous system.
• Because dogs and humans don’t speak the same language, it can be helpful to use additional sensory aids, like Adaptil calming diffusers (scent pheromones) and Dog Calming Music. Adaptil is a pheromone that mimics the calming pheromone the mother’s body produces to let her puppies know they are safe while nursing her babies. These can work especially well when we remember that scent is a dog’s super power
• Calming Music: In our nursery, we keep the dog calming music playing on low in the background on a loop for our little pups. Shoot us a text for our playlist and the ones we prefer. Remember, you need all the non-verbal reassurance and help possible, because you and your puppy are still in the process of establishing your unique communication style. 

No matter what happens, try your best to accept what your dog is experiencing and their reactions.

If they spill, wipe it up and don’t stress. If they cry, make sure they have food, water, and have used the bathroom, then remind yourself that whining or crying is their way of communicating the overwhelm or confusion they feel, and not a personal judgment on your puppy parenting style. Whether you’re adjusting to life with your new puppy in Seattle, Portland, Spokane, Los Angeles, or Phoenix, use your puppy affirmations from last week—I’m doing better than I think, My dog is doing their best, Someday we will laugh about this—to remind yourself that whatever inconvenience you might be experiencing is temporary. Stay in the flow! By staying loose and as calm as possible, your puppy will feel your energy, begin to feel safe, and associate you with those good feelings and positive vibes.

And remember, you are always doing better than you think!