Adopting a puppy from overseas

By the time your puppy arrives with you in the UK, some of their early development will have taken place. Their genetics, their early environment, the experiences they have had and those they may have missed will all have contributed to the dog they are becoming.

With changes to UK import legislation set to affect the age at which puppies can travel, it is worth understanding what happens during those first months, particularly when it comes to socialisation, fear and how puppies learn to respond to the world.

Early experiences

Puppies go through a particularly important period of social development during the first few months of their life.

During this time, they are learning about people, other animals, different environments, sounds, surfaces and everyday experiences. Positive experiences can help them become more comfortable with the things they are may come across later in life. This is often referred to as the socialisation period, which generally begins at around three weeks of age and becomes less sensitive to new experiences somewhere around twelve to fourteen weeks (although there is always individual variation).

For a puppy growing up in a rural shelter, for example, their early experiences may be very different from those of a puppy raised in a family home in the UK. Overseas puppies have often had plenty of contact with other dogs but little experience of household appliances, traffic, visitors, children, lead walking or busy residential streets. They will need support and guidance as they learn all about the world around them.

Socialisation is not about exposing your puppy to as many new situations, dogs or people as possible. It is the quality of the experience that is important, taking things at your puppy's pace, reading their body language carefully, providing opportunities to rest, move away or choose to engage as you work to build positive associations.

Understanding fear periods

You may have heard about fear periods, but what do they actually mean?

Fear periods are commonly believed to occur at around 8-11 weeks, and a second sometime between 6-14 months of age. During this time a puppy may become more sensitive to potential threats in their environment. Things they might previously have approached with curiosity may suddenly seem unfamiliar, worrying or frightening, which can result in a change in the way they respond to the world around them.

In reality, there is more nuance to fear periods than a specific timeframe. Early development is perhaps more accurately understood in relation to sensitive windows, during which your puppy may be more aware and sensitive to novelty in their environment.

If your puppy or adolescent dog suddenly seems more wary and cautious (behaviour may include cowering, barking, hiding) it is important to take note. Pushing them through experiences when they are showing signs of discomfort will not help them. It is best to strip things right back to basics - focusing on everything your puppy does well and helping set them up for success in the environments you bring them into.

Predictable routines, predictable patterns, reward for connection and by building positive associations. Sleep, rest, mental enrichment and social support will all help them move through this window in the best way possible.

Changing UK legislation for overseas puppies

Legislation regarding the import of overseas rescue puppies is changing. The Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act 2025 received Royal Assent in December 2025, giving the government powers to prohibit the importation of puppies under six-months-old, with the aim of reducing puppy smuggling and improving animal welfare.

As of October 2026, the new six month restriction has not yet taken effect. The existing general minimum age remains 15 weeks, although the precise requirements depend on the country of origin and the type of movement.

The government has confirmed its intention to introduce the restriction, but the legislation has not yet come into effect.

What does this mean for rescue puppies?

Once the new rules take effect, subject to any exemptions, puppies entering Great Britain will generally need to be at least six-months-old.

By this age, puppies may be entering puberty and adolescence, with changes in confidence, behaviour and sensitivity to their surroundings happening just as they arrive in a completely unfamiliar environment.

At six-months-old, your puppy may have spent their entire life in an environment that looks nothing like your home. They may have never been indoors, heard a washing machine, a TV, or slept in a room away from other dogs. Everyday things that seem normal to us may be completely unfamiliar and potentially scary.

So how can you help them when they first arrive?

Start by keeping life as simple and predictable as possible. Think about how you can manage access to the house and garden, particularly if your new arrival is nervous or unfamiliar with life indoors.

As your puppy settles, it's important not to rush the process. Your puppy has their whole life ahead of them to learn about the world around them. There is no need to introduce them to lots of new people, take them to busy places or try to make up for experiences they may have missed during their early months.

Instead, focus on helping them feel safe and comfortable in their new home. Give them time to explore, plenty of opportunities to rest and a predictable routine they can begin to understand.

Pay attention to behaviour and body language. Is your puppy starting to relax around you? Can they settle and sleep? Are they showing curiosity about their surroundings, or do they still seem unsure?

Let their behaviour guide the settling in process. Some puppies will be ready to explore a little further quite quickly, while others will need more time. If something feels overwhelming, there is nothing wrong with making things easier and trying again as their confidence develops.

Still have questions?

A Pre Adoption Consultation is a chance to talk through things together. We can look at what you know about your puppy's early life, what their age and stage of development might mean, and how you can prepare to support them when they arrive.