Rescue dogs do not come into their new homes with the clean slate that many puppies do, so there may be an adjustment period. Here are some suggestions for making that adjustment as smooth as possible:
- Restrict freedom: Many times, humans have the instinct to protect their new dog because he or she may have had a tough life. They think that rules seem cruel. But rules make your dog feel safe. And they keep him from making mistakes that will make you angry. Use a crate when you aren't home. Or limit the rooms in which your dog is allowed. And be sure to keep your valuable out of reach! Just like your puppy has to earn its house freedom, so does your rescue dog. She will appreciate it. Really.
- Don't Make Assumptions: Dogs do not generalize like humans, so don't assume that we are potty-trained just because the foster parent says so. Your house is still new, so take your dog outside a few times and reward for eliminating in the right places. If your dog was previously potty-trained, you will only have to do it a few times. Some dogs are punished for going in the house and may be afraid to go in front of you. This might cause them to sneak off and go in hidden places. Don't give your dog the freedom to do that. For the first few days, he should always be in your sight. Once he realizes that going to the bathroom outside earns rewards, it will be easier.
- Be patient. Be consistent: Your new dog doesn't know the rules of your new home, so don't get too angry when she breaks one. But set rules and be consistent. If you don't want your dog on the furniture, don't allow her on for the first few days. If you want her to sit for greetings, start that training right away.
- Leave Your Dog Alone: Many humans think they should spend every second with their new dog so he feels comfortable. However, you eventually have to go back to work, and your dog can't understand why you are suddenly gone. When you first get your dog, plan to spend an hour away from home or a couple of hours away from home each day, so he gets used to having you gone.
- But Keep an Eye on Her: However, don't leave your dog out in the yard alone. We can escape. And if your dog doesn't know the neighborhood or is frightened, she may take off and not be able to find her way back. When you walk your dog the first few days, make sure the equipment is fit properly and allow her to smell a lot, so she knows how to find her way back in case she does get lost.
- Don't Push Your Dog: Don't have a bunch of people over to welcome your dog. You don't know his fears. Take it slow with socializing. Don't let your dog greet strangers on the street until you know how he will react. Let him meet your friends slowly. Then, he can meet strangers -- if he wants to. I don't like all dogs, and I get so excited meeting people that I sometimes jump at faces. My mom is careful with who I greet, and that's OK. Your dog can be perfectly happy and healthy not greeting every person or dog on the street. In fact, he might just prefer that!
- Set Aside Alone Time: If you have other dogs, make sure your new dog gets alone time with you every day. This can be going on walks alone or having some individual training time. This will teach your dog to look to you for guidance rather than the other dogs. You want your dog bonded with YOU!
- Keep Them Calm: There are a couple of great products that can help reduce stress in your dogs: DAP diffusers, which release calming pheromones that we can't smell but can calm your dogs (I'm told these helped my predecessor Muggsy a lot), and Thundershirts, which wrap your dog and provide constant pressure to reduce stress. These will help reduce the stress of being in a new environment so your dog begins to feel comfortable in his new home.
New rescue dogs can be a great gift. But they also may take a little work. Take a deep breath. It's worth it. Take them to a training class or call a trainer if you think you need a little more help. But stick with it. It's worth it. Trust me. :)
Love, Bammie
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