Welcoming an adopted dog into your home is a rewarding experience, and observing them settle in can be heartwarming. Here are 15 signs that your furry friend is feeling right at home.
Sleeps Peacefully Through the Night
When your adopted dog can finally rest easily through the night, it’s a sign of true comfort. Sleep is a vulnerable state, and achieving restful sleep in a new environment can be a challenge for pets.
Once they establish a routine and find security in their surroundings, their sleep patterns improve. If they snooze soundly without disturbances, it means they trust their environment.
Their ability to dream peacefully also indicates they’re no longer on edge. This peaceful slumber reflects their trust in their new family and home.
Seeks Eye Contact with Confidence
Eye contact is a powerful communication tool, and when your dog seeks it with ease, it shows confidence. This interaction fosters a deeper bond between you and your pet.
Initially, a dog may avoid direct gaze as it can seem intimidating. However, as trust builds, eye contact becomes a reassuring exchange.
When your dog looks you in the eye, it’s their way of saying they feel secure and connected to you. This mutual gaze strengthens your relationship.
Wags Tail in a Relaxed Way
A wagging tail can mean many things, but a relaxed, gentle wag shows your dog is comfortable and happy. It’s different from the frantic, anxious wagging seen when they’re nervous.
This type of tail movement is often accompanied by soft eyes and a relaxed body posture. It’s a sign your dog feels at ease, enjoying their surroundings.
The wag reveals their joyful emotions and signifies they’re content in their new home, ready to explore more.
Eats Regularly Without Hesitation
A hearty appetite is a straightforward indicator of a settled dog. Initially, new environments can disrupt a dog’s eating habits due to stress or uncertainty.
Once your dog eats regularly without hesitation, it’s a signal they feel safe and comfortable. Mealtime becomes a pleasant routine, not a stressful event.
Regular eating habits indicate your dog trusts their environment and feels secure enough to enjoy their food. It’s a sign of their growing confidence.
Shows Curiosity During Walks
Curiosity is a joyful trait in dogs, and when they start to explore during walks, it’s a clear sign they’re settling in. Initially, walks may have been overwhelming.
As they grow accustomed to their new neighborhood, their curiosity blossoms. They’ll sniff more, explore different paths, and show interest in surroundings.
This inquisitive behavior indicates they feel secure enough to engage with their environment, making walks a delightful adventure.
Accepts Gentle Touch Without Fear
Physical touch can be daunting for a newly adopted dog. As they grow accustomed to gentle, loving touches, it signifies a deep level of comfort.
Your pet begins to associate touch with affection and care, rather than fear. They may lean into pets, seek out cuddles, or enjoy a good scratch.
This acceptance shows they trust you and feel safe in their new home, forming a bond built on love and security.
Starts Playing with Toys
Play is a natural behavior that emerges when a dog feels secure and happy. If your dog starts showing interest in toys, it’s a great sign they’re settling in.
Initially, toys may not capture their attention. But with time, they start to interact with them, indicating a relaxed and playful state of mind.
This behavior reflects their comfort level, as play is often one of the first joyous behaviors to return when a dog feels at home.
Responds to Their Name
When your dog begins to respond to their name, it’s a sign of recognition and acceptance. Initially, a new name may be unfamiliar, causing confusion.
With time and patience, they start to associate the name with positive experiences, such as treats or affection. This recognition is a step towards building a strong bond.
Their response shows they’re adapting well, acknowledging their identity within their new family.
Greets You Happily When You Return
A warm welcome upon your return is a heartening sign that your dog feels at home. This greeting expresses joy and relief, indicating they’ve missed you.
Initially, separations might have been stressful. However, as they settle in, they grow confident in your return.
Their enthusiastic greetings, characterized by a wagging tail and bright eyes, showcase their affection and sense of security in their human connection.
Rests Close to You Voluntarily
When your dog chooses to rest near you, it’s a sign of trust and attachment. They seek your presence and feel comforted by it.
Initially, they may have been distant or wary. Over time, as they feel more secure, they naturally gravitate towards you.
This behavior highlights their bond with you and their growing comfort in your shared space, turning it into their home as well.
Accepts Grooming or Brushing Calmly
Grooming can be a stressful experience for some dogs. However, when they accept it calmly, it shows trust and relaxation.
Brushing becomes associated with care and attention rather than anxiety. It signifies your dog’s comfort in allowing close contact.
Grooming sessions transform into quality bonding time, highlighting their acceptance and trust in you as their caregiver.
Learns Your Routine and Adapts
When your dog begins to learn and adapt to your routine, it reflects their comfort with the household. They start anticipating activities like walks or meals.
Adapting to your schedule shows they’ve integrated into the family lifestyle. This familiarity brings them security and predictability.
Their understanding of daily rhythms strengthens the bond, showcasing their growing attachment to their new family and environment.
Sleeps Belly-Up (Shows Trust)
When your dog sleeps belly-up, it’s the ultimate display of trust. This vulnerable position shows they feel completely secure and unthreatened.
Initially, they may have preferred more protected positions. But as their trust grows, they relax fully.
This comfortable, carefree pose is a testament to their confidence in their safety and happiness in the new home environment.
Uses Their Bed Instead of Hiding
Choosing to use their own bed instead of hiding signifies your dog’s comfort in their environment. Initially, new spaces may be intimidating, leading them to seek hidden spots.
As they grow accustomed to their surroundings, they begin to favor their designated space. This choice reflects their trust and relaxation.
Their bed becomes a sanctuary, highlighting their sense of belonging and security within the home.
Becomes More Vocal or Expressive
A dog that becomes more vocal or expressive is finding their voice in the household. Initially, they may have been quiet, adjusting to the new environment.
As they settle, they start communicating more, whether through barks, whines, or other playful sounds.
This expressiveness indicates they feel comfortable sharing their emotions and needs, showcasing their growing confidence and comfort in their new home.