Dogs can feel sad after changing owners because most are pretty loyal and get attached to their owners. When they have to switch to a new owner and environment, they might feel abandoned and show signs like not eating, being lethargic, getting irritable, or feeling anxious. So how can you help your dog adjust its emotions? Let’s dive in.
1. How Do Dogs Behave When They Get a New Owner?
Since every dog has its own personality, not all of them get upset when they switch owners. A few might just keep eating and drinking like normal, not even noticing they’ve got a new owner. But most dogs are pretty loyal and might show these behaviors after changing owners:
1. Not Eating or Drinking
Many dogs, after arriving at a new home, miss their previous owner and get stuck in feelings of being abandoned. They might stop eating and drinking, seem listless, hide in a corner for long periods, and ignore their new owner.
2. Not Letting People Approach
If the dog was really attached to its previous owner, it might have a hard time accepting a new one. When the new owner tries to get close, the dog might hide in a corner or even show its teeth as a warning.
3. Getting Irritable
If a dog changes owners frequently, it can become sensitive and insecure. When it meets strangers or other dogs, it might get irritable and show abnormal reactions like barking, jumping on people, or lunging.
4. Running Away from Home
Some dogs are smart and really stubborn. They might try everything to run away and look for their old owner. Many might get caught and sold, or have accidents and die along the way.
2. How Long Does It Take for a Dog to Adjust After Changing Owners?
If the dog isn’t super loyal, it usually starts to adapt after a few days. Generally, a dog can adjust to a new owner and environment within half a month and quickly become part of the family.
But some dogs were really attached to their previous owner, so they’ll need more time to adapt to a new environment. To help your dog adjust faster after changing owners, you can try the following tips:
1. Give Your Dog Enough Time to Adjust
When you first bring your dog home, it’s best not to rush into interacting with it. Let it explore the new environment on its own for 2–3 days. If it seems to be adapting well, then try engaging with it. During this time, make sure it has plenty of food and water so it feels your kindness. If the dog pees everywhere or makes other mistakes, don’t scold or punish it loudly to avoid stressing it out.
2. Keep the Dog’s Previous Belongings
When you’re taking over the dog from the previous owner, try to get some of its old stuff, like its favorite bed or plush toys. These items have the dog’s scent, which can give it a sense of security and help it feel less nervous in the new home. Also, it’s a good idea to buy the same dog food it used to eat. During the initial period after it arrives, keep feeding it the old food. If you plan to switch foods later, do it gradually.
3. Spend More Time Playing with Your Dog
Once your dog starts getting used to the new environment, you can give it some of its favorite treats and take it out to play more often to help improve its mood.
Actually, dogs are emotional and sensitive animals. So once you decide to raise one, unless there are special circumstances, it’s best not to abandon it lightly to avoid causing psychological trauma.
