Recognizing & Relieving Anxiety in New Dogs: 7 Signs & Soothing Tips

Welcoming a new dog into your home is exciting — but it also comes with challenges. Even the friendliest rescue or puppy may feel anxious, unsettled, or frightened in a new place. These feelings are normal. What matters is recognizing when anxiety shows up, even subtly, and helping your new companion feel safe, trusted, and loved.

In this post, I’ll walk you through 7 subtle signs that a new dog is anxious, and share gentle strategies you can use to help them settle in, reduce stress, and build confidence.

7 Subtle Signs a New Dog Is Anxious

Here are behaviours that people often overlook or misinterpret:

1. Lip Licking / Tongue Flicks / Nose Licking
   If your new dog licks their lips, flicks the tongue, or licks the nose often — especially when there's no food around — that can be a sign of mild stress or unease. PetMD+2SPCA of Texas+2

2. Yawning (Not from Tiredness)
   Yawning is not always about being sleepy. In dogs, frequent yawning in new or unfamiliar situations can mean they’re trying to self-calm. PetMD+1

3. Avoiding Eye Contact or Turning Head Away
   When a dog turns the head or turns away instead of making eye contact, it can be a signal that they’re uncomfortable or trying to avoid confrontation or stress. PetMD+2BC SPCA+2

4. Tucked Tail, Ears Back / Flattened
   These classic body language cues can show fear or stress in a new environment. Even if the dog isn’t trembling, a lowered tail or pinned ears are warning signs. Humane Society of Missouri+2PetMD+2

5. Restlessness, Pacing, or Inability to Settle
   If the dog moves around a lot, circles, can’t seem to lie down, or frequently changes places trying to find comfort, that’s usually more than just curiosity. Humane Society of Missouri+2Petland Lake St. Louis & Fenton, MO+2

6. Excessive Panting, Drooling or Panting Without Obvious Heat / Exercise
   Over-panting or drooling when the dog is otherwise calm or indoors (without physical exertion) can indicate stress. Petland Lake St. Louis & Fenton, MO+2PetMD+2

7. Subtle Avoidance / Hiding
   The dog may retreat under furniture, behind you, or find quiet spots in the house to avoid stimuli. They may not bark or act up, but they’ll try to disappear. BC SPCA+2Petland Lake St. Louis & Fenton, MO+2

Why New Dog Anxiety Happens

Understanding what’s behind the behaviour helps you respond with compassion. Common causes include:

• New environment (new home, new scents, new layout)

• Unfamiliar people or animals

• Changes in routine (meals, walks, sleep times)

• Past trauma, shelter background, rehoming stress

• Overstimulation (too much noise, too many novel things at once)

• Separation from previous caregiver or familiar surroundings

7 Gentle Strategies to Help a New Dog Settle

Here are effective, compassionate methods to relieve anxiety and build trust:

1. Create a Safe Space
   Provide a quiet corner, crate, or bed area where your dog can retreat. Make it cozy with bedding, familiar-smelling items (a blanket, toy), and keep activity around it calm.

2. Establish a Predictable Routine
   Feed, play, walk, and rest at roughly the same time every day. A predictable schedule gives dogs a sense of safety and control.

3. Slow Socialisation & Controlled Exposure
   Introduce new people, pets, places gradually. Pair every new thing with positive reinforcement (treats, praise). Don’t force meeting strangers; let your dog approach in their own time.

4. Use “Comfort Signals” and Calming Tools
   Tools like calming pheromone diffusers or collars, soft music, low lighting, or anxiety wraps can help. Also use your own body language: move slowly, avoid direct eye contact at first, speak softly.

5. Gentle Training Using Positive Reinforcement
   Teach simple commands (sit, stay) with treats and praise. Start small. Celebrating little wins builds confidence.

6. Avoid Over-Stimulation
   Limit loud noise, avoid crowded or busy places until your dog feels more settled. Keep greetings low key.

7. Vet Check-Up & Professional Help If Needed
   Sometimes anxiety is worsened by unseen medical issues (pain, parasites, illness). Also, a behaviourist can help for more serious anxiety.

What to Avoid (Mistakes That Can Increase Anxiety)

• Forcing interactions: insisting dog meet strangers, pets, or enter spaces when uncomfortable.

• Punishment or scolding: heightens fear and damages trust.

• Inconsistent routine: irregular meals, walks, rest times increase insecurity.

• Overwhelming sensory input too soon: loud noises, many new things at once.

Final Thoughts

Every new dog is different. Some settle quickly, others take weeks or more. With patience, consistency, love, and understanding you'll help your dog adjust more comfortably. Paying attention to those subtle signs early makes all the difference.