Available Dogs
Success With Your Rescue Dog
When considering adoption, the adopter must be prepared for challenges. There are many ways to support the rescue animal when bringing them into a new home. Here are some helpful tips:
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A Safe Place - Make the new environment as comfortable and inviting as possible. Do not overwhelm the dog, but allow them space. Set up a special, quiet, escape-proof area for the dog to relax so he can ease into the home. A crate can be used with comfortable bedding placed inside.
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Relief Area - Choosing a relief area is very important. Ensure you take your pet to the same area each time. This will make clean up easier and will make it familiar for faster training. Puppies will need a lot of reminders, adult dogs will be faster to catch on.
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Do Not Be Disappointed - If the dog is not perfect from the start. Any new pets need to be shown the rules of the household and be supervised until proper behavior is established. Kenneling the dog at night and during the day while away can help ensure there are no surprises.
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Wait For Them - Once you have provided the dog with a special place, give them time. Each animal will be different, let them come to you. Don't panic if they don't bond with you immediately. Most dogs will start feeling better within hours of arrival.
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I Am Not Hungry - Stress can contribute to a lack of appetite. Rescue dogs aren't used to having a meal laid out for them, so it may take some time for them to eat. Rest assured, when they get hungry, they will eat. (*If your pet does not eat or drink water within 24-48 hours, contact the Rescue or Veterinarian.)
The reality is that most of these rescue animals have experienced some degree of abandonment, neglect, or abuse. The uncertainty of their background can make it hard to know exactly what the dog's temperament will be like once they have settled in. For some dogs, that could be a few days in a loving home, and for others it could take months for them to develop trust in their new owner. This will depend on their history and their personality. Patience is key when working with a rescue dog. Treat them like a puppy who is learning everything for the first time. It is likely that they have never has a routine, rules, or even a home before.
The Adult Dog vs. The Puppy
The great thing about adopting an adult dog is you already know the size and disposition of the animal; something harder to determine in a puppy. There is a high chance that the dog has never been house trained, so patience is imperative to the success of the match. Your dog wants to be loved, you just have to teach them how.
If you are shopping for a rescue dog, take the time to consider the breed that will work best for your lifestyle. No dog is 100% hypo allergic, no dog is 100% trained and no dog is like any other dog. An adult dog can be much easier to train than a puppy; but they both have their advantages.
Don't forget, any dog can be trained; sometimes we are the ones that need a little training - so work as a team. Become the pack leader and your dog will respect and listen to you - the number one way to bond with your dog is going for a walk. Attending training classes together can also help build trust and confidence.
Checklist For Homecoming..........
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Bring a well fitted collar and leash
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Don't let your pet over eat, or drink this will cause diarrhea and frequent urination
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Keep your pet on a leash for the first little while
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Bring a carrier for the car ride
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Be prepared to have infinite patience
Within a week or two, your new pet will become part of your family; and it will be hard to remember what life was like before them.
Discipline
When training your new pet, it is important to use gentle discipline. There is no way to know what experience they have had with humans. Yelling or physical discipline could make their behavior worse and can break the trust you are building with them. Be gentle and consistent. Help them know what your expectations are and give them time to learn and adjust.
