I just adopted my puppy and he won't come out. Is that normal?

By Dr. Steve Pelton, DVM

The short answer

Yes, very often. A new house is a lot, and plenty of puppies and rescues spend the first days under a table or behind the couch, watching. Let him be: keep the house quiet, put water nearby, sit in the room doing something boring, and toss a treat now and then. Most come out on their own within days.

Why it happens

Everything he knew is gone: the shelter, the foster, the litter. Hiding is how a worried puppy takes it all in from somewhere safe. Pulling him out tends to teach him that hiding didn't work, so he stays worried longer.

Which door?

WATCH means usually normal, keep an eye on him. CALL TODAY means call your vet today. GO NOW means head to your vet or an emergency clinic now.

WATCHHiding the first days in a new home is common, especially in rescues.
CALL TODAYStill hiding much of the day, or not eating, after the first couple of weeks.

Usually normal

Hides the first days but comes out for food, potty trips or a treat
Watches you from his spot
Sleeps a lot, or eats little the first day

When to call

Tick what fits and see which door you're at.

CALL TODAYStill hiding much of the day, or very fearful, after the first couple of weeks
CALL TODAYNot eating after a couple of days, or growling or snapping when someone comes near
GO NOWA toy-breed puppy who skips even one meal and seems quiet, or any puppy who's weak or wobbly

Your door: WATCHWATCH

Nothing ticked and he's bright, playful, eating and drinking? Keep an eye on him, jot down what you see, and call in the daytime if it doesn't settle.

What helps

A quiet routine: meals, potty trips and bedtime at the same times
A safe spot nobody follows him into
Few visitors and no big outings for the first couple of weeks
Let him come to you, then a treat

Under 16 weeks, a toy breed, or not done with his shots? Then warning signs count for more: a WATCH sign moves up to CALL TODAY, and a CALL TODAY sign means call now, not tomorrow. Normal puppy stuff is still normal.

GO NOW means: Head to your vet, if they're open and can see him right away, or to the nearest emergency clinic. Call on the way so they're ready for you.

Not sure which door you're at? That's a call. Call your vet.

Worried right now? Walk through the Three Doors check and land on one door.

Is this an emergency?

General education, not veterinary advice. Your vet's plan for your puppy comes first.