Tips For Bringing A Rescue Dog Home
When bringing a rescue dog into a new home, it's important to have a management plan in place to ensure a smooth transition for both the dog and their new family. Here are some steps to consider:
Create a Safe Space: Set up a comfortable area out of the thoroughfare in the house for the dog to call their own, such as a crate or bed. This will provide the dog with a sense of security and help them adjust to their new surroundings.
Give Them Time To Settle In: It takes dogs roughly 3 months to adjust to a new environment. Don’t ask too much of them, keep their world small, and allow them to get comfortable at their own pace. Each dog is an individual, give yourself time to get to know your dog’s unique needs and traits.
Establish a Routine: Dogs thrive on routine, so it's important to establish a consistent daily routine for feeding, gentle exercise, playtime, and positive interactions. This will help the dog feel more secure and reduce their stress levels.
Introduce Slowly: Introduce the dog to new people, pets, and environments gradually. Start with short, supervised interactions and gradually increase the time as the dog becomes more comfortable.
Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement training methods to encourage the behaviour you want to see. Find what motivates your individual dog. Reward them with treats, praise, and play. Redirect any unwanted behaviour to a more appropriate behaviour that you can reinforce.
Exercise and Stimulation: Ensure the dog receives enough mental stimulation through regular enrichment and playtime. Make sure you are not overdoing the physical exercise in the first few weeks while the dog is trying to decompress. This will help to reduce stress and anxiety and prevent destructive behaviour.
Provide Enrichment: Allow your dog to practice natural behaviours such as sniffing, chewing, playing, foraging, and exploring. These activities produce ‘feel good’ hormones that combat the build up of stress and reduce any unwanted behaviours. Examples include scattering treats in the home/garden, giving them a goat horn to chew on, and
Seek Professional Help: It is worth investing in a qualified dog behaviourist or trainer to ease the transition and to help support you and your new rescue dog throughout the journey.
Remember, patience, consistency, and kindness are key when working with a rescue dog. With time and patience, most dogs can adjust to their new homes and become happy and well-adjusted members of their families.
We offer a program specifically designed for bringing a rescue dog home called Settle In.
