My new adopted puppy is shy after 3 days. Am I doing something wrong?

If you just adopted her yesterday it is still very soon for her to be warmed up to you. It can take a full 2 weeks for dogs to be completely comfortable at a home and with the people that adopted them. I would just give her lots of love and patience. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach is an international question and answer service staffed by veterinarians and technicians. Dependent on the type of question it could be answered by either type of professional. It will also say who has answered the question. There are a variety of veterinarians available to answer questions including general practice doctors and specialists such as myself. For rodent questions these will likely be answered by a person who is an exotics specialist or a general practice doctor with an exotics interest. Any question can be asked but your readers have to keep in mind what we can legally answer. Our licenses require a client patient relationship so telemedicine such as this does not allow for diagnosis or treatment prescription. We can give options for what something could be, make general recommendations, and discuss husbandry. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hello! If often takes some time for a pet to adjust to their brand new home and family. Most dogs need a few weeks to become confident and comfortable in their new environment. It would be helpful to know exactly what she is doing that is causing you to be concerned though. If you'd like to resubmit a question describing the possibly depressed or adjusting behavior (ie. hiding, pacing, licking, chewing, growling), I may be able to better advise. I hope this is helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

That is quite young for a puppy to be very scared of everything. If you just got her a few days ago, it may take time for her to adjust (usually 2-3 weeks) before she fully feels herself. However if she is acting so scared that she won't interact at all, isn't eating, or wanting to do normal puppy things (playing, exploring, etc), it is best to seek out a veterinary behaviorist in your area. They can help ensure that Bella starts receiving positive socialization in her environment and with her new family to try and help with her issues. You can learn more about veterinary behaviorists here: http://www.dacvb.org/about/member-directory/

The best thing to do is to give her a lot of TLC. I would try to keep things quiet for a little while in the home. I would not force her into any uncomfortable situations like a lot of visitors. I would make sure you give her treats for positive behaviors like going outside or coming to you when called. She will learn that you are her new “person” before long but just be patient with her. I hope this helps!

Penny has been through a lot lately with moving to a new home with a new owner. When you met her, you likely met her where she was living, so she felt comfortable there and was friendly. She met your parents in a new home that she has not adjusted to yet, so she likely was shy and a little scared. Give her some time, it's ok that she didn't let them pet her. I imagine she will warm up as she becomes more comfortable in your home. Best of luck.

Remember that, while you thought about this dog and bringing her into your home, all she knows is that one day she was Here, and the next day she was THERE, with no warning or explanation. She is confused and frightened. Try letting her come to you when she's ready, instead of approaching her. Don't pet her for the time being. Just be a calm and stable presence i her life. Understand, too, that dogs have no idea what a "name" is, other than a familiar word that usually has something to do with her. Yes, there are things you can do to help her adjust to her new surroundings, but this is not a "one or two sentence" answer. If you would like me to work with you on it, just click on the prompt ot initiate a consult.