Adopting a puppy means you’ve added four paws, a wagging tail, and a whole lot of laughter and love to your family. But right after your new addition has put a permanent paw print on your heart, he may start eating the sofa. Did you make a mistake? And what can you do to get your happy home back?

A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research evaluated how puppy behaviors, when home alone, change over the first few months following adoption, using direct evidence by filming puppies during this time period.

The study demonstrated that puppies sometimes engage in what is known as “separation protest,” an adaptive behavior that helps reunite a lost puppy with his mother or other members of his pack. It is a reaction to stress.

Consider the situation from the puppy’s point of view. He has joined a new family, but he may have left his mother and littermates and the familiar humans at the rescue group, shelter, or foster home behind. Just as he is getting used to his new life and enjoying being the center of attention, the family returns to its normal routine – which frequently requires the young dog be left alone more than he was in the first few days. His response to stress often includes undesirable behaviors such as those observed in the study.

Fortunately, while some of the puppies in the study showed stress-related behaviors, they did not persist over time. The takeaway message for families considering adopting a puppy: Be prepared for potential problems, work to minimize your new puppy’s stress levels, and enjoy the puppy breath!

Cannas S, Frank D, Minero M, Godbout M, Palestrini C. Puppy behavior when left home alone: Changes during the first few months after adoption. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research 2010;5(2):94-100.