5 'Concerning' Rescue Dog Behaviors That Are Totally Normal—Plus, Red Flags to Watch For

Bringing home a rescue dog can feel like the start of an exciting new chapter. But the first days or weeks may also come with a few unwelcome surprises. Your new canine companion might hide under the bed, spend all night pacing, pant nervously whenever the dishwasher starts running, or have accidents indoors.

While these behaviors can be unsettling, experts say they’re a normal part of the transition process. As your pooch becomes more comfortable and confident in his new environment, many of these stress-related tendencies will disappear—and he’ll start acting like his true self.

“Many behaviors that look like problems are just symptoms of stress and will decrease with time,” says Dr. Gary Weitzman, DVM, MPH, CAWA, president and chief executive officer of San Diego Humane Society.

Common Adjustment Behaviors in Dogs

In the first few days or weeks of bringing home a rescue dog, you may notice a range of common adjustment behaviors. Weitzman says these responses are typical, as your dog decompresses, familiarizes himself with his surroundings, learns your routines, tests boundaries, and gradually starts to feel safe.

• Reduced appetite: It’s very common for dogs to skip meals and refuse treats for the first 24 to 48 hours, says Weitzman.
• Indoor accidents: Even housebroken pups may have a few accidents as they learn when and where they’re supposed to relieve themselves.
• Hyper-vigilance: Don’t be surprised if your dog is easily startled by household noises like the dishwasher or the TV. 
• Shyness and hiding: Your rescue pup may seem withdrawn and reluctant to interact. Newly adopted dogs also have a tendency to hide under the furniture after arriving in a new home.
• Excessive sleeping: Most shelters are loud, high-stress environments, says Weitzman. Once they head to a quiet home, many pets crash and spend a lot of time snoozing. 

When to Be Concerned

While some adjustment responses are to be expected, certain behaviors may signal that your dog needs additional support. If you notice any of these “red flags,” it’s wise to consult the shelter or rescue you adopted your pup from, a veterinarian, or a certified behavior professional who uses positive reinforcement training techniques. 

• Escalating aggression: You should be concerned if your dog is growling, snapping, or lunging, and if these aggressive behaviors don’t seem to improve with space and time, says Weitzman.
• Self-harm: If your pup is obsessively chewing or licking their paws or tail, that’s another indication that something might be wrong.
• Prolonged lethargy or refusal to eat: If a dog goes more than two days without eating or seems physically ill—for example, he’s vomiting or has repeated bouts of diarrhea—it’s time for a vet visit.
• Total shutdown: Many dogs act withdrawn for the first few days. But if your new dog has not moved from his hiding spot or interacted with you at all after the first week, get in touch with a professional.

How to Help Your Dog Adjust to a New Home

Stick to a Routine

Settling into a new home can be challenging for even the most confident, well-adjusted pups. You can help mitigate some of your dog’s stress by being calm and empathetic, and by sticking to a predictable, daily routine. That means feeding, exercising, going outside for potty breaks, and playing at roughly the same times every day.

Be Patient

If you face some early roadblocks after bringing home a rescue dog, that doesn’t mean you’re incompatible with each other, nor that you have somehow failed as an adopter, says Weitzman. You may not hit it off right away—and that’s OK. Bonding with a pet usually doesn’t happen overnight.

Set Realistic Expectations

Instead of striving for perfection and instant harmony, Weitzman recommends focusing on small wins and consistency. When you lead with compassion and have realistic expectations, you’ll give yourself the best chances of success with your rescue dog.

“Building a bond is more important than getting everything right immediately,” says Weitzman. “It’s perfectly normal to have a few bumps in the road as you and your dog learn each other’s language. Just think of any good human relationship you’ve developed. It can take time, and giving yourself and the dog grace to be works in progress makes the transition more enjoyable for everyone.”