Do Dogs Get Sad When Rehomed? Understanding Your Pup’s Emotional Journey

When we make the tough decision to rehome a dog one of the most heart-wrenching questions we ask ourselves is do dogs get sad when rehomed? As someone who’s worked with rehomed dogs for years I can tell you the answer isn’t simple, but understanding what your furry friend experiences can help both of you navigate this difficult transition.

The Emotional Impact of Rehoming on Dogs

Dogs are incredibly social creatures who form deep bonds with their human companions. When suddenly separated from the people they love and the environment they’re familiar with, they absolutely can experience feelings similar to what we might call sadness or grief.

But here’s the truth – dogs are also remarkably resilient and adaptable animals. While they may initially struggle with the change, many can adjust to new homes and form strong bonds with new families given the right support and time.

Common Emotional Responses in Rehomed Dogs

When dogs are rehomed, they typically experience a range of emotions:

• Anxiety and fear: Your new pup might bark excessively, pant, or pace as they try to make sense of their new surroundings
• Sadness and loneliness: You might notice floppy ears, curling up in corners, or whining/crying
• Confusion: Dogs thrive on routine, and a new environment disrupts everything they know
• Withdrawal: Some dogs might avoid interaction or eye contact initially

One rehomed dog owner told me “When we first brought Max home, he just sat in the corner for two days I was worried he’d never adjust, but by the end of the month, he was sleeping on our bed and following me everywhere!”

Signs Your Rehomed Dog Might Be Sad

It’s important to recognize the signs of emotional distress in your newly rehomed dog:

Behavioral Changes

• Withdrawal from social interaction
• Decreased interest in activities they’d normally enjoy
• Excessive barking, howling, or whining
• Aggression due to stress
• Changes in sleep patterns (sleeping more or struggling to sleep)

Physical Changes

• Loss of appetite or disinterest in food
• Weight loss
• Changes in coat condition (dullness, excessive shedding)
• Digestive issues like diarrhea or constipation
• Excessive panting without physical exertion
• Increased heart rate

Emotional Indicators

• Anxiety behaviors like pacing, trembling, or restlessness
• Depression-like symptoms (lethargy, lack of energy)
• Fearful behavior (cowering, trembling)
• Excessive licking or chewing as self-soothing

Every dog is different and not all will show the same signs. Some might adjust quickly while others need more time and patience to feel comfortable in their new home.

The Rule of 3: Understanding Your Dog’s Adjustment Timeline

When helping a rehomed dog adjust, many dog trainers and owners follow the “Rule of 3” – three days, three weeks, and three months. This timeline can help you understand what to expect:

First Three Days

During these initial days, your dog will likely show signs of anxiety and uneasiness. They might:

• Seek out dark, cozy areas to hide
• Avoid eye contact or being touched
• Refuse food or walks
• Seem generally overwhelmed

This is completely normal! They’re just trying to process this major change in their life.

First Three Weeks

This is when you’ll start building trust with your dog. During this period:

• Begin establishing routines
• Start basic training
• Set house boundaries
• Help them socialize gradually

You’ll likely notice your dog starting to understand their new routine and becoming more comfortable with family members.

First Three Months

By this point, most rehomed dogs will have adjusted to their new family. You might notice:

• They seek out attention and cuddles
• They bond with family members
• They understand and follow household routines
• They display their true personality

Remember that this timeline isn’t exact – some dogs adjust faster, while others take longer depending on their past experiences and individual temperament.

How to Help Your Rehomed Dog Adjust

We can make this transition easier for our dogs with some thoughtful approaches:

1. Create a Safe Space

Every dog needs a place they can retreat to when feeling overwhelmed. Set up a comfortable bed or crate in a quiet area of your home where your dog can go when they need alone time.

2. Establish a Consistent Routine

Dogs thrive on predictability. Create a regular schedule for:

• Feeding times
• Walks and exercise
• Training sessions
• Bedtime

Consistency helps your dog feel secure and understand what to expect each day.

3. Introduce Your Home Gradually

Don’t overwhelm your new pet with a complete house tour on day one. Instead:

• Start with one or two rooms
• Gradually introduce them to other areas
• Let them explore at their own pace
• Show them outdoor areas separately

4. Use Positive Reinforcement

Reward your dog for calm, confident behavior with:

• Treats
• Gentle praise
• Petting (if they’re comfortable)
• Favorite toys

This helps create positive associations with their new environment.

5. Be Patient with Accidents

Even previously house-trained dogs might have accidents in a new home. Remember:

• This is stress-related, not defiance
• Never punish accidents
• Calmly clean up and continue with consistent potty breaks
• Praise successful outdoor bathroom trips

6. Introduce Family Members Slowly

Allow your dog to meet everyone at their own pace:

• Have family members offer treats
• Avoid crowding or overwhelming the dog
• Respect signs that they need space
• Let the dog approach people when ready

7. Schedule a Vet Visit

A check-up will ensure your new pet is healthy and gives you a chance to:

• Learn about any existing conditions
• Set up vaccination schedules
• Discuss behavior concerns
• Create a health plan

Factors That Influence How Dogs Adapt to Rehoming

Several factors can affect how your dog responds to being rehomed:

Previous Experiences

Dogs with a history of neglect, abuse, or multiple rehomings may have a harder time adjusting and trusting new owners.

Age

Younger dogs and puppies typically adapt more quickly to new environments than older dogs who’ve spent years with their previous family.

Personality and Breed

Some dogs are naturally more adaptable and resilient, while others are more sensitive to change. Breed characteristics can play a role here too.

Support from New Owners

Your patience, consistency, and understanding dramatically impact how quickly your dog adjusts.

Transition Period

How the rehoming process was handled can affect adjustment. Abrupt changes are typically more stressful than gradual transitions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rehomed Dogs

Can dogs eventually adjust and become happy in their new homes?

Absolutely! With time, patience, and proper care, most dogs can adjust wonderfully to new homes. Dogs are remarkably resilient creatures with an amazing capacity to adapt and form new bonds.

How long does it typically take for a rehomed dog to settle in?

While the Rule of 3 suggests three months for full adjustment, every dog is different. Some may feel at home within days, while others might take 6 months or more to fully settle in, especially if they’ve experienced trauma.

Will my rehomed dog forget their previous owner?

Dogs do form emotional attachments and memories associated with previous owners. However, they live very much in the present, and with time and positive experiences, they can form equally strong bonds with new families.

Is it possible for rehomed dogs to form strong bonds with their new owners?

100% yes! Dogs are capable of forming multiple strong attachments throughout their lives. With patience, love and consistency, your rehomed dog can become just as attached to you as they were to any previous owner.

Conclusion: A Journey Worth Taking

Rehoming a dog is a significant transition that requires patience, understanding, and lots of love. While dogs do experience emotional responses similar to sadness when rehomed, their incredible capacity for adaptation and forming new bonds means most can thrive in their new homes with the right support.

If you’ve recently rehomed a dog or are considering doing so, remember that the adjustment period is temporary. The bond you’ll form with your new companion is worth the effort it takes to help them through this transition.

By understanding what your dog is experiencing emotionally and taking steps to make them feel secure, you’re building the foundation for a beautiful relationship that will bring joy to both your lives for years to come.

Have you rehomed a dog? What was your experience like? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments below!