3 Rules to Adopting a Shut Down Shelter Dog, According to an Expert

Welcoming home a pet can be exciting and challenging, especially as many shelter dogs arrive withdrawn, fearful or emotionally “shut down,” leaving new owners wondering how best to help them settle and build trust.

Allie Lovegood began fostering Cloud, a 13-year-old dog who was found abandoned on the side of a busy road in Atlanta, in May, she told Newsweek. Severely underweight and emotionally shut down, Cloud had become so withdrawn that shelter staff said there were days he refused to leave his kennel to go outside. There was “no hope left in him.”

But instead of rushing to win his trust, Lovegood gave Cloud the time and space to adjust. Within the first 24 hours, she said, he reached two milestones: eating consistently and finally going to the bathroom after leaving the animal shelter.

The biggest surprise came on day three, when Cloud climbed onto the couch to sit beside her, a sign, she felt, that he was beginning to trust again. Cloud even “imprinted” on her, and within days of fostering him, she adopted him.

Stories like Cloud’s often leave prospective adopters wondering how best to help a fearful rescue dog adjust to a new home. Dr. Ambika Vaid-Sidhu, a holistic veterinarian and veterinary adviser for Badlands Ranch, spoke with Newsweek about three key rules new owners should follow when welcoming home a fearful shelter dog.

1: Go Slower Than You Think You Need To

Excited pet parents often want to create an instant bond with their new dogs, but Vaid-Sidhu said moving too quickly is a mistake.

“Go slower than you think you need to,” she said. “In those first weeks, a rescue dog is not being difficult; he is decompressing, working out whether this new place is safe.”

Rather than focusing on creating an immediate bond, Vaid-Sidhu recommends establishing a predictable routine. Consistent mealtimes, walks and interactions help dogs understand what to expect, reducing stress and uncertainty.

Owners should also provide a quiet space where the dog can retreat and avoid forcing interactions.

“Trust is built in small, boring, repeated moments,” she said. “The same walk, the same mealtimes, the same calm voice.”

Lovegood said she followed a similar approach with Cloud, giving him a separate quiet room to decompress.

2: Don’t Force Affection

While friends and family may be eager to meet a newly adopted dog, Vaid-Sidhu advises keeping introductions to a minimum at first. Too much stimulation can be overwhelming for a dog that is still learning whether its new surroundings are safe.

Avoid the “big welcome” party. A house full of visitors, hugs and noise can become stressful. Skip the forced physical affection, face-to-face greetings and looming over a dog. Instead, she advises keeping early interactions calm, minimal and entirely on the dog’s terms.

Letting the dog initiate contact is key, Vaid-Sidhu said, especially in the first days when they are still assessing whether their new environment is safe.

Rather than encouraging affection, Lovegood allowed Cloud to come to her when he was ready. After spending time circling the coffee table and observing her, he eventually chose to jump onto the couch beside her.

She also introduced him to her other dogs gradually, first walking them separately across the road, then side-by-side, before allowing them to interact in a fenced area.

Importantly, Vaid-Sidhu warns against punishing warning behaviors like growling.

“A growl is information,” she said. “It is your dog telling you he is uncomfortable, and it is far better than the bite that comes when a dog learns that growling gets him in trouble.”

By removing pressure and allowing space, dogs are more likely to begin engaging on their own timeline.

3: Rule Out Medical Problems Early

Not every fearful or withdrawn behavior is psychological. According to Vaid-Sidhu, one of the most common mistakes adopters make is assuming behavior alone explains what they are seeing, when underlying pain or illness may be a factor.

“A dog who flinches, hides or snaps can be a dog in pain, not a dog with a bad temperament,” Vaid-Sidhu said. “…No amount of patience fixes a problem that is medical.”

Conditions such as dental disease, ear infections and old injuries can affect a dog’s behavior, making them appear withdrawn or reactive.

With a gentle veterinary exam, owners can understand their new pet and see what they are working with.

Don’t Be Discouraged

Even when following these rules, some dogs may need extra time to unwind, which Vaid-Sidhu said can leave owners feeling as if they’ve failed. But expecting gratitude and an instant bond are often unrealistic expectations.

Newsweek previously reported that experts often point to the 3-3-3 rule as a reminder that adjustment takes time. The guideline suggests many rescue dogs need roughly three days to decompress, three weeks to learn a household routine and three months to begin feeling fully at home, though every canine’s timeline is different.

Lovegood has seen that firsthand through fostering. While Cloud began showing signs of trust and becoming the pack leader within days, she said sme of her fosters take months to fully come out of their shells.

When to Seek Help

If a dog’s fear or reactivity is not improving, Vaid-Sidhu recommends contacting a certified trainer or veterinary behaviorist sooner rather than later.

“Go at your dog’s pace, protect his sense of safety, and the trust will follow,” she said.

For dogs like Cloud, patience and consistency can make all the difference. But Vaid-Sidhu stressed that successful adoption is less about earning trust quickly than creating an environment where it can develop naturally.

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This story was originally published June 27, 2026 at 2:00 PM.