How Long Does It Take an English Bulldog to Get Used to a New Home?

It will usually take an English Bulldog between one and three months to get used to a new home. However, you also have to remember that all dogs are different and they’ll take just as much time as they need to feel comfortable in your home. The dog’s age can also play a factor. Puppies and younger dogs will usually grow used to a new place faster than older dogs.

Those who have had English Bulldogs also know that they can sometimes be a bit stubborn about things. For this reason, it might end up taking a bit longer for a dog to fully acclimate to a new home and person. Below are a few strategies you can use to help make this transition process easier for your dog and yourself.

Helping your English Bulldog adjust

1. Start slowly 

The first couple of days that your new English Bulldog is in the house, you don’t want to overwhelm them. Give them a few days to acclimatize to the new surroundings. Let them rest and check the place out for themselves. You can introduce them to the family members, of course, but you don’t want to have people over who don’t live in the house. It can become too much when they’re just trying to adjust.

Give them a space of their own, such as a doggie bed, along with some toys. When they go to their space, let them be by themselves for a bit, but make sure that they’re always welcome when they do want to come out and visit.

Over time, they’ll start to come around. It might take a while for them to bond with you as they did with their previous pet parent, but it will happen. Before long, it will be like they’ve always been part of the family.

2. Prepare for accidents and escapes

Your new English Bulldog may be nervous in their new home, so you should be prepared for an upset stomach and maybe some bathroom issues during those first days or so. Sometimes, dogs lose their appetite in the beginning, so they might not eat as much. Watch them for signs of any health issues, but it’s usually just an adjustment period causing this to happen.

You should also be ready for any escape attempts. They might try to slip out when you open up the door and try to find their old home. Make sure you’re aware of where they are when going into and out of the house.

3. Create a schedule

It’s also a good idea to create a schedule for feeding and walks as soon as possible. Getting your new dog onto a schedule is good for them, and it helps to build a routine that they can learn. It also gets them used to their new life a bit faster. Make sure you also have consistent potty breaks for them and have them get to bed around the same time each night.

As long as you’re patient with them, you’ll see that they’ll begin to come around and feel more welcome in their new home. Just give it some time, love, and care.