
So you’re adopting a rescue dog? That’s great news! You’ve probably thought all about the physical things your new family member will need, such as their bed, food, bowls, a lead, and toys.
You should have found a vet, dog-proofed your home, and chosen any restricted areas.
Perhaps you’ve thought about renaming your dog, too, but how about helping them settle in and feel safe?
When you bring your new rescue dog home, the first week is critical in ensuring that they settle into family life successfully.
Here are some tips for ensuring your dog’s stress-free transition from the rescue center to its new home.
Day 1: Bringing your rescue dog home
- Day 1: Bringing your rescue dog home
- Day 2: Get to know each other
- Day 3: Develop trust
- Day 4: Start building a routine
- Day 5: Visit the vet
- Day 6: Increase your rescue dog's freedom
- Day 7: Identify destructive behaviors
- Be prepared
- Help your rescue dog thrive
- Make the most of your first week with your rescue dog
Bringing your new dog home on the first day is probably a memory that will last a lifetime for you and the dog, so try to plan for as positive an experience as possible.
You should already be prepared and have space for your adopted dog before they come home. This area should be quiet, not in the central living area, but not too far away from you all.
This is ideal if you have an area close to your main living space that can be separated using a baby gate. This provides them with a space to observe you, get to know you, and interact with the family on their terms.
If you plan on crate training your rescue dog, you can leave the crate in this area. The crate should be large enough for the dog to stand up and turn around.
Leave a water bowl and toys in this area so that they have plenty to occupy their minds.
When bringing your new pet home, remember that less is more. You shouldn’t crowd them; give them space and create a relaxing environment.
Keep young children or other pets away from their designated area for the first few hours to allow them to settle in and give attention when they come to seek it out.
Some separation anxiety is normal. Your new pup may cry, howl, or whine on its first night. It can be scary to settle into a new space with lots of new sights and smells.
According to Barkspot, canines howl to express their emotions. Indeed, puppies do this most often; however, adult dogs also seek attention and may feel lonely at nighttime. Adjusting to new surroundings may lead to this kind of scenario.
Day 2: Get to know each other
Today is the day you can introduce your shelter dog to younger family members and any other pets you might have. Take this slowly.
Allow one family member to be introduced and give the rescue dog space if they walk away. Ideally, you should ensure they can always return to their private space.
Let your dog know their new surroundings and feel comfortable with you all. By this point, you should still limit the area of your home that you let Fido in so they don’t feel too overwhelmed.
Day 3: Develop trust
You know this is their new forever home, but your rescue dog does not. Spend the first few days developing their trust in you so the dog feels comfortable and begins to understand it won’t be moved again.
When you are training your new dog, use only positive reinforcement. Never use force or get angry with your dog. This will help them learn to trust you.
For example, if a dog starts displaying chewing behaviors, distract it with a toy that it can chew rather than shouting at it or punishing it.
Day 4: Start building a routine
Now that your new rescue dog is starting to trust you and feel more comfortable, you can start implementing a routine.
Creating a feeding schedule and set times for daily walks will help your dog predict what will happen and when which will help it settle in quickly.
Most dogs need a minimum of two walks per day, once in the morning and once in the evening, so aim to do these at the same time so your dog can look forward to them.
They will also need two meals, potty trips outside, chew toys or games to stimulate their brains and training.
One of the best benefits of rescuing dogs is that they are usually potty trained, so you won’t need to spend weeks focusing on potty training. You may, however, need to reinforce potty training rules and get your dog used to asking to go out after spending time at a shelter.
Sticking to a regular schedule will help your dog fully settle into its new life.
Day 5: Visit the vet
Hopefully, you found a local vet before you brought your rescue dog home. Most rescue centers will have carried out basic checks on all their dogs, too, but it’s essential to visit your vet so your dog can get used to them.
Have your veterinarian do the checks and ensure the dog is microchipped and up-to-date with all vaccinations.
Day 6: Increase your rescue dog’s freedom
Once your rescue dog has built some trust in you and you are beginning to get to know them better, you can give them more freedom.
This can start with allowing them access to the rest of your house (minus any restricted areas) and beginning to let them off-leash in the garden to work on their recall.
Day 7: Identify destructive behaviors
After a week, you should begin to spot any behaviors that might arise that aren’t desirable. This is because your dog feels comfortable being themselves, but you’ll need to nip these in the bud as soon as possible.
If you spot them chewing furniture, guide them away with a chew toy and let them chew on it.
If they are begging at the table, jumping on the couch, or digging in your yard, don’t allow them to continue those behaviors because you want them to feel at home.
Your rescue dog will thank you for clarifying the boundaries in the long run.
Understand that your dog’s previous owner may have used different training methods or commands, so you may need to start over. Your dog also may not understand basic commands like “lie down” or “come here” or may respond in a way that’s different from what you anticipate.
If your canine lived a sheltered life, it might be unfamiliar with outside activities and children. Sometimes, communication may be challenging, and you must be patient.
Be prepared
Rescue dogs often come with a history that may include neglect, abuse, or abandonment. This background can lead to significant emotional needs that require understanding and patience from their new owners.
Addressing these needs is crucial for helping them adjust to a loving environment and ensuring their overall well-being.
Provide security and stability
Many rescue dogs struggle with anxiety because they lack a sense of security. Providing a consistent routine, a safe space, and predictable interactions can help them feel more at ease.
Designate a quiet area where they can retreat when feeling overwhelmed, furnished with their bed, toys, and some comforting items like old clothes with your scent.
Focus on socialization
Building positive social experiences is vital for rescue dogs.
Gradually introducing them to new people, animals, and environments can help diminish fear and anxiety. Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, to reward calm behavior during introductions.
Provide affection and attention
Many rescue dogs thrive on affection, which can help build trust. Spend quality time with them through gentle petting, play, or sitting together.
Be attentive to their body language; they may prefer slow interactions initially.
Give your dog mental stimulation
Engaging a rescue dog’s mind can alleviate anxiety. Puzzle toys, training exercises, and interactive games provide focus and a sense of accomplishment.
Incorporate short training sessions with positive reinforcement to build their confidence and strengthen your bond.
Provide patience and understanding
Recognize that overcoming anxiety and trauma takes time. Be patient and allow your dog to settle into their new environment at their own pace.
Gradual exposure to new stimuli helps them build confidence without feeling overwhelmed.
Focus on training and behavior modification
Consider enrolling in training classes specifically designed for anxious dogs.
A professional dog trainer can provide techniques to help manage anxiety, such as desensitization strategies and counter-conditioning.
Consistent training reinforces good behavior and gives your dog the tools to cope.
Use calming aids
Explore calming aids such as anxiety wraps, pheromone diffusers, or natural supplements designed to reduce stress.
Consult your veterinarian to discuss appropriate products or medications to support your dog’s emotional health.
Provide regular exercise
Exercise plays a significant role in relieving stress and anxiety.
Daily walks, playtime, and mental challenges help burn off excess energy and promote well-being. Ensure that activities are suited to your dog’s energy level and comfort.
Create a positive environment
Surround your rescue dog with a positive and calm atmosphere.
Use soothing music or ambient sounds and maintain a relaxed demeanor.
This helps create a sense of peace in the home that can positively impact your dog’s emotional state.
By addressing the emotional needs of rescue dogs with compassion and care, you can help them heal from their past experiences and foster a trusting, loving relationship.
Understanding their anxiety and trauma is the first step toward enriching their lives and enhancing their overall happiness.
Help your rescue dog thrive
Socialization, mental stimulation, and positive reinforcement training are essential for a happy and well-adjusted dog.
Each element is vital in helping your dog thrive and adapt to their environment.
Proper socialization helps prevent behavioral issues such as fear, anxiety, and aggression towards unfamiliar situations. Gradually introducing your dog to new experiences fosters confidence and teaches them how to interact appropriately in various social settings.
Aim for a well-rounded socialization experience by visiting parks and dog-friendly events and arranging playdates with other pets.
A well-socialized dog is more comfortable in different environments and enriches their quality of life.
Mental stimulation is equally important, as dogs benefit significantly from engaging their minds.
Boredom can lead to destructive behaviors, so providing activities that challenge them is crucial. Interactive toys, puzzle games, and training exercises keep your dog’s brain active and can prevent unwanted behaviors.
Activities like obedience training, scent work, or agility courses can enrich your dog’s daily routine and ensure its health and happiness.
Positive reinforcement training is a humane and effective method of teaching and reinforcing desired behaviors.
This approach involves rewarding your dog with treats, praise, or toys when they exhibit the behavior you want to encourage.
Positive reinforcement builds trust between you and your dog, promoting a strong bond and fostering an environment where they feel safe to learn and explore.
Avoiding punishment not only helps your dog learn more effectively but also reduces anxiety and fear, allowing their true personality to shine.
Incorporating socialization, mental stimulation, and positive reinforcement training into your dog’s routine can help establish a strong foundation for a happy, well-adjusted companion.
By nurturing these aspects, you create an enriching environment where your dog can mentally and emotionally flourish.
Make the most of your first week with your rescue dog
There are permanent gains in adopting a rescue dog. Don’t forget you’re saving an animal’s life when adopting. Moreover, you’re giving a safe shelter to a deserving dog and relieving resources and space for other needy canines.
You can browse online for a reputable shelter where you can adopt rescue dogs. Note that the adoption procedure may differ for each shelter. Nevertheless, you’ll most likely have to submit documents relating to the history of your pet ownership, an adoption questionnaire, and contact details.
Hopefully, you’ll now understand how important the first week is in caring for your new best friend. Your main goal is to help them feel safe within your home and around all your family members so that they can trust you.
Remember, many dogs in rescue shelters haven’t come from a loving family, so it may take some time to build that trust and show them that you love them, but it is certainly worth it.
David Woods has been an animal lover for as long as he can remember and founded My Pets Name. He has two degrees and studied Applied Animal Behavior and Animal Welfare. He is also a member of the Dog Writers Association of America.
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