Helping Nervous or Newly Adopted Dogs Adjust: Tips from a Foster and Pet Pro

New home jitters are real - for dogs and for their humans. Whether your pup is newly adopted or just feeling unsure, here are a few things we’ve found helpful after fostering over 30 full-time dogs and many more temporary guests:

Give them space at first, letting them explore at their own pace without pressure.

Stick to a simple routine like regular meals, walks, and quiet time, which help create predictability.

Reward calm behavior - don’t just correct the nervous stuff - praise the good moments too.

Use a crate as a comfort zone, not a punishment. Dogs often feel safer with a space to retreat to.

Every dog is different, but with time, patience, and kindness, most dogs come out of their shell beautifully. We’ve seen it again and again - and there’s nothing more rewarding.