New Research Highlights What Owners Should Expect.
A new study, published in Animal Welfare and backed by the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare, sheds fresh light on one of the most important and often misunderstood phases of rescue dog ownership: the adjustment period.
While many rescue organisations suggest a dog settles in within a few weeks or a couple of months, this research challenges that timeline. In fact, over half of the adopters interviewed said it took more than four months for their dog to fully adjust to life in their new home, with some still unsure whether their dog had fully settled even after 10 months.
The study, led by researchers including Helen Zulch and Oliver Burman, explored the experiences of 27 dog adopters using in-depth interviews. What emerged was a rich picture of what “settling in” really looks like, not just from the dog’s perspective, but also from the owner’s.
Key takeaways:
- Adjustment is a slow, personal process: Dogs showed highly individual behaviours during the transition, from extreme clinginess to avoidance, restlessness to sleeping excessively, reactivity to silence, all of which often moderated over time.
- Playfulness, routine and tail wags were identified as key signs that a dog had begun to feel at home.
- Medical issues, shelter history, and the presence of other pets all influenced how quickly dogs settled.
- Some adopters felt overwhelmed, unsure if they were the right match, and doubted their ability to manage. But nearly all persevered, and seeing positive changes emerge helped build lasting bonds.
Perhaps most importantly, the research highlights the need for longer-term support and realistic expectations, not only to enhance dog welfare but also to help prevent returns to shelters.
Read the full study via Cambridge University Press: A qualitative exploration of owner experiences following dog adoption
