Now more than ever, shelters and rescues are filling up with homeless dogs. For people who are thinking about bringing a dog into their family, adopting a shelter or rescue dog is a humane and rewarding act. For years to come, a rescue dog will give back tenfold what he receives. However, the first few weeks in his new home are a scary time for a rescue, and require patience, diligence and gentle handling on the part of his new family.
Match the Rescue Dog to the Lifestyle
It's important to make sure that the rescue dog will fit into the lifestyle in which he is expected to live. For example, a tiny, dependent breed like a Chihuahua would not be suitable--or happy--living in a home where his people are away for long periods of time or where there are very young children. An active breed like an American Foxhound would not be content living in an apartment where there is little chance to run and explore a large yard. Be aware of what can and cannot be provided for the dog.
Know the History of the Rescue Dog
Each and every dog in a shelter or a rescue has a unique history, life experience and, yes, feelings about that life experience. Like people, no two dogs are ever exactly the same, so it is foolish to expect, for example, a rescued Golden Retriever to be just like one's childhood Golden Retriever. These types of expectations will almost certainly lead to disappointment. The "baggage" that a rescue dog carries will depend on his history. A dog that has been loved and well-cared for, but has landed in rescue due to his person's illness or financial difficulties, will most likely be well socialized and able to adjust to his new circumstances in a short period of time. If a dog has been abused or neglected, he may have a lot of fear and uncertainty that will require compassionate patience and self-education on the part of his new person. Puppy mill rescues typically arrive unsocialized, dirty and afraid of humans and their touch. These dogs require an experienced owner to calm them and introduce them to life outside the puppy mill.
Allow the Rescue Dog Time to Adjust
Once the rescue dog has arrived in his new home, he must be given time to learn to trust his new environment . It is unrealistic to expect a dog to simply "jump in" and join the normal household routines. Each rescue adjusts at his own pace and in his own way, so again, do not ever expect two rescues to behave in the same manner.
Here's the tricky part: It's important to allow the rescue dog his own space without making him feel isolated from the family or other pets. It's a delicate balance, but here are a few guidelines:
- If the dog wants to sit in a corner or under a table and just hang out, observing the household, then allow him to do so. Don't immediately force him into the center of household bustle.
- Initially, feed the new dog in a separate room from other pets. This will allow him to feel secure and will serve to put other pets at ease, too. They need time to adjust to one another.
- Spend "special time" with him every day. This may seem contradictory to allowing him his own space, but this is where the delicate balance must be struck. The rescue dog may be frightened and not want to be touched or spend time with his new people, but if he receives increasing amounts of "special time" every day, he will begin to enjoy it, expect it and look forward to it. On day one, pick him up, hold him, stroke him and talk to him gently for 5 to 10 minutes (longer if he wants to stay).
- Praise the rescue dog for every step he takes. If he comes when called, if he allows himself to be petted, if he takes a treat or eats his dinner...praise him for being so smart and brave. It's important that the rescue know that he is loved and appreciated.
- Tune in to the cues the rescue dog sends. It's important to observe a new dog closely and try to understand what he needs. For example, eventually the rescue will seek human attention, but it may be subtle at first. He may sit back, watching and yearning for attention, but will still be too shy to come close. This is when it's important to take a cue from the dog and give him what he needs in that moment. Tuning in to these subtle cues and reacting to them will go a long way to helping the rescue dog adjust.
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