New Dog Adoption - The Honeymoon Phase
When I first brought my daughter home, I thought nothing in the universe could be harder than having a newborn. Then she learned to crawl, and suddenly I missed the days when she just stayed where I put her. Then she learned to walk, and I missed crawling. Then she learned to run, and I missed walking. Then she learned to talk, and I missed running.
For parenthood, no matter how hard it’s ever been, it’s always as easy as it will ever be again. That’s parenthood in a nutshell.
Dogs are no different. When you bring a new dog home, it feels easy. They seem calm. They follow you everywhere. They nap in the perfect sunspot. You think you’ve done it. You’ve found the one dog in the world who just “gets it.”
Then, just when you start to brag, the wheels start to wiggle. Barking happens. Zoomies. The window becomes a 24-hour news station. Suddenly, your angelic companion has opinions about everything, and you realize you’ve been living with their polite company self.
The Real Meaning of the Honeymoon Phase
The honeymoon phase is your dog’s adjustment period, a time when they’re trying to figure out the rules of their new world. It’s filtered behavior. They’re observing you, the environment, and every rhythm of your home.
When people adopt a dog from a shelter, the process can be emotionally loaded. Your dog just went from a noisy, stressful environment to something completely unknown. They might not feel safe enough to show you their true personality yet. They're still carrying around survival.
I like to picture it like arriving at an Airbnb after a long trip. You step inside, take a deep breath, and immediately look for somewhere to set your suitcase. It doesn’t even matter where at first. You just need to put it down. Then you wander, maybe pour yourself a drink, maybe plug in your phone charger. You don’t unpack right away because you don’t know which room feels right yet.
Dogs do this. They walk in and find their version of “where to put the suitcase.” Maybe it’s a quiet corner, maybe it’s under a table, maybe it's right smack on the living room rug. They’re not home yet, but they’re trying to be.
When the Suitcase Opens
Somewhere around the third week, they unzip the suitcase. Out come the socks. And yes, sometimes they get left on the floor.
This is when your dog’s confidence starts to bloom. It’s also when their stress begins to drain, which can look messy on the outside. They might bark more, guard resources, or test boundaries that weren’t obvious before.
If you’ve had a child, you know this stage. The moment your kid learns to crawl, your peaceful little newborn era feels like a vacation you didn’t appreciate enough. Then the walking starts, then the running, then the talking, and each new skill brings new challenges and adjustments. Fun.
But that’s exactly what your dog is doing. They’re not breaking down. They’re waking up.
How to Handle It Like a Pro
1. Keep the world small.
Routine is your best friend. Predictable mealtimes, potty breaks, and rest help your dog know the rules of this new life.
2. Teach with kindness early.
Don’t wait for issues to appear before you start training. Gentle positive-reinforcement exercises like Touch, Stay, and Leave It build communication and confidence.
3. Create a safe zone.
A cozy crate or quiet area helps your dog reset when the world feels too big. Decompression is healing.
4. Avoid overstimulation.
Skip chaotic outings and high-energy introductions. Keep social interactions short and sweet until your dog understands that the world outside your home is still part of their safe zone.
5. Notice patterns instead of moments.
A single outburst doesn’t define your dog. Repeated behaviors tell you what needs attention. Write them down if it helps. It’s easier to spot themes that way.
What I Want Every Adopter to Know
The honeymoon phase isn’t something to “get through.” It’s a foundation. Your dog’s first few weeks set the tone for your relationship. When that early politeness fades and their quirks appear, it means they finally feel safe enough to exist fully.
So when they start leaving those metaphorical socks out, don’t panic. You’re just seeing who they really are. It means they feel at home.
The easy part might be over, but the real part is better.
Wrapping It Up
If you’re in the early weeks with your new dog, keep it calm, predictable, and kind. Focus on connection instead of correction. Your dog will unpack at their own pace, and when they do, you’ll have the chance to meet the creature hiding under all that survival.
They’ll run, they’ll play, they’ll express opinions, and sometimes they’ll drive you up the wall. That’s life with a family member. It's the moment you stop living with a guest and start living with your dog.
Skylar McClellan, CPDT-KA
Certified Professional Dog Trainer | Ember Leash Dog Training