Will there be an adjustment period when I first bring my new Golden Retriever home?
Will there be an adjustment period when I first bring my new Golden Retriever home?
Yes. Your puppy will go through an acclimation period. Keep in mind that all puppies (and adult dogs) when changing environments or owners, will go through this. This time period typically can take anywhere from 3-30 days for your puppy to fully adjust. The duration differs between each individual puppy, depending on his or her personality. Some puppies bounce right into their new environments as if there was no change at all. Others will take the transition a bit harder. The key thing is be patient! (with the puppy and with yourself!) Along with your puppy getting used to his “new pack”, there are a lot of changes taking place in your life right now with adding a new member to your family.
During this “acclimation” period your puppy may experience any or all of these symptoms: loss of appetite, loose stools, a lot of barking and/or “crying”/whining, or the “doggie blues”. All of these things are normal. The most important thing you must be mindful of is keeping your puppy hydrated.
