Adopting a rescue dog is so rewarding, but it can come with its challenges. As you welcome your new dog into your home, it is important to approach the transition with patience and understanding.
Did you know it can take up to 90 days for a dog to fully transition into a new home?
To help your dog make the transition from shelter to its forever home, we've put together 10 strategies to successfully acclimating your rescue dog. From establishing routine to celebrating small victories, these strategies are designed to create a positive and supportive environment for your dog. Remember, every little bit of effort you put in makes a big difference.
Gradually introduce your rescue dog into your home
Unless your dog came from a foster home, they more than likely spent a lot of time in a kennel. When transitioning from a kennel to a house or apartment, that can be overwhelming for dog. When you first bring your rescue dog home, we recommend introducing them to one area of the home and allow them to explore the area slowly. Gradually, you can introduce them to new areas of the home for them to explore. This gradual approach will help your new dog adjust to their new environment without getting overwhelmed.
Create a safe space for your new rescue dog
It is important for every dog, especially new rescues, to have a place they can safely retreat to if they are feeling stressed or overstimulated. We recommend this safe space be a crate or kennel. Although it sounds counterintuitive since they may have just come from a kennel, it is important that your dog has a positive association with a crate or kennel. Even if you are not too keen on crates or kennels, there may be times in a dog's life that they will have to be in one for an extended period of time (the vet, boarding facilities, doggy daycare, etc). This will help you set them up for the future while giving them a safe space at home to retreat to.
Establish a routine
Dog's thrive on consistency. We recommend setting up a routine from day one. Have set times for feeding, walks, playtime and rest. Predictable schedules can help your new dog feel secure when they understand what to expect. This will also set your dog up for success when you start training.
Start training basic commands
Teaching basic commands, such as "sit", "down" and "come" or "here" will immensely help you with communication and providing structure to make it easier for your new dog to understand what is expected. Additionally, when dogs are learning a new skill, it is a great opportunity to use positive reinforcement techniques. This will help build the trust and relationship between you and your new rescue.
Socialize slowly and gradually
Gradually expose your dog new people, pets and environments. Start with controlled, low-stress situations and gradually increase as your dog becomes comfortable. Having positive socialization experiences can minimize future fearful reactivity.
Make exercise and mental stimulation a priority
Adequate physical exercise and mental stimulation are important to keep your dog healthy and reduce stress. Physical exercise can include daily walks, playing fetch in a fenced-in yard. Mental stimulation can include short training sessions or games such as puzzles you can hide food in or snuffle mats.
Monitor health & behavior
Keep an eye on your dog's health and behavior. Changes in appetite, energy levels, or bathroom habits could indicate stress or health issues. Regular vet visits are essential for ensuring your dog's well-being. If you are a new dog owner and are looking for a vet, the shelter you adopted from or community social media pages are a good place to start for finding one that fits the needs for you and your dog.
Be consistent with training and house rules
Just like in parenting, training is only as effective as your consistency. Everyone in the household should be using the same commands and enforce the same rules to avoid confusing your dog. Consistency also helps your dog learn and adapt more quickly.
Practice patience and understanding
Your new dog may have had a rough past and may need some time to adjust to its forever home. Patience will be key during this time. Building trust takes time and your dog will gradually become more comfortable in its new home.
Manage expectations and celebrate progress
The transition from shelter to a forever home is a process that varies from person to person and dog to dog. Celebrate small victories and progress along the way. Whether it is a successful walk, a new command learned or your dog's increased comfort in a room or around a new person. Acknowledging these small victories will boost your confidence, reinforce the wins and help you and your dog stay motivated throughout the adjustment period.
Adopting a rescue dog is a beautiful journey, and setting the stage for a successful start can make all the difference for both you and your new dog. By following these 10 essential tips, you’re helping your rescue dog adjust more smoothly while building a strong, trusting bond that will last a lifetime.
If you need any help or face any obstacles while training, book a FREE consultation where we can discuss your goals, challenges and give you a few pointers on how to move forward. Click the button below to get started.
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