There is no hard and fast rule on how long it takes a rescue dog to adjust to a new home. All dogs are different so it will depend on the background and life experience of the rescue dog, plus the efforts you make. Some can take 3 months, others may follow the 3-3-3 rule, while there are those that might take longer to adapt. 

If you are concerned about how long it’s going take to get your new rescue dog to settle in your home then please read on. I’ve answered more questions you could also want to know about starting life with a rescue dog, including the all-important bonding.

How do I get my rescue dog to settle?

Congratulations! You’ve done it!

You’ve finally made the brave, life-changing decision to make a rescue dog part of your family. It takes lots of courage to bring home a rescue dog, knowing they’ve probably endured horrible experiences you can only imagine.

And as you fantasize about giving them the wonderful life they deserve, you likely have worries about how long it will take for your special canine companion to adjust to your lovely home.

Rest assured; your new rescue dog buddy will eventually adjust in your home – only that there isn’t an exact timeline since every rescue dog’s life experience is unique.

It’s said that rescue dogs with less traumatic experiences often follow the 3-3-3 rule of adjusting. This rule goes a little like this – the graphic below is from RescueDogs101.com (check them out).

The first 3 days

The first three days of bringing a rescue dog home is a period for them to decompress. New owners often say there is an initial honeymoon period… but it doesn’t always last long.

When your rescue dog finally comes home, their emotions will be all over the place. It may take around three days for them to be in a calmer state of mind.

But before then, expect to see worrying behaviors such as:

• Hiding a lot in the “safe places”— like under the table.
• Growling when you or anyone else approaches them and / or when picked up.
• Wanting to be left alone.
• Avoiding eye contact.
• Sleeping too much and refusing to eat (here’s how to encourage eating).
• Trembling when you try to pet them.
• Looking sad, as though beat down.

Within 3 weeks

Your rescue dog will appear more relaxed and will be starting to settle in the new home better. They will have an idea that your home is their new home and somehow get used to their routine.

Their appetite and sleeping patterns will also improve. Plus, they will be kind of willing to interact with you.

Things won’t be all rosy, though. Your rescued buddy will likely display inappropriate behaviors (like frequent potty accidents). You will have to train them into a well-mannered companion. Sometimes it might even get worse before it gets better.

And I hate to say this but lower your expectations. In fact, throw all your expectations out of the window.

Your special canine pal will test your patience in so many ways. Expecting them to adjust quickly, or to act their best at all times will only frustrate you.

Be patient with them and correct them positively. That’s the best way to avoid breaking the trust you’re working so hard to build.

In 3 months

Your rescue dog will feel fully secure in your home, and your relationship will probably be better than you imagined. Hopefully they will be socialized.

You’ll also be convinced your furry friend is genuinely happy in their new home because of how they act. For instance:

• They will be full of life.
• Their personality will blossom fully.
• They eat quite well and sleep properly.
• They are often wagging their tail when around you.
• They have a relaxed posture when around you or other people.
• They get along well with other household pets.

The 3-3-3 rule doesn’t necessarily apply to all rescue dogs. Some rescue dogs will take longer to adjust to a new home.

Some dogs adjust sooner than three months. If your new four-legged companion experienced neglect and suffering prior to their prolonged stay at the shelter, it could take several months for them to settle into your home.

Just be extra patient and kind and pamper them with love. While it may take a while for everything to fall into place, your efforts should be worth it in the end.

Handy Hint: Did you know that it’s very normal to feel regret and guilt when adopting a rescue dog?

Small steps to make a rescue dog settle and adjust better

Preparing for your rescue dog’s homecoming will ensure you focus on giving them your full attention from day one.

You won’t be up and down trying to sort out what you should have done before your dog’s arrival. That said, here are a few important things to keep in mind:

• Make sure your home is dog-proof. Get rid of anything that might be a threat to your new canine friend’s safety.
• Have a cozy crate with soft beddings ready. Your rescue dog will likely need a safe spot where they can retreat if overwhelmed.
• Buy a comfortable leash and collar tag.
• Repair any damages on your fence or gate to ensure your new furry friend doesn’t try to escape
• Develop a relationship with a vet and a professional trainer before your rescue dog comes home
• Decide on the room where your rescue dog will stay and which areas, you’ll keep off-limits (at least for some days). Finding themselves in different rooms can stress them.
• Buy enough food for them. In this case, it’s best to stick to the food brand your dog’s been eating at the shelter.
• Buy many assorted dog-safe toys for your new furry friend

While your rescue dog will adjust to your home in their own time — no pressure — you can make it easier for them.

There are a couple of more things you can do to ensure your rescue dog adjusts and transitions into your home as smooth as possible:

• Give them a tour of your surroundings to familiarize them with the new smells and areas on your property. After they explore the outside environment, you can introduce them to a specific room in your house (the room that will serve as their safe space).
• Ensure that the “safe space” is in a quiet location. If your rescue dog proceeds to curl up in a particular corner in the room, place their crate in that spot.
• Stick to a routine from day one as closely as you can. Make sure they eat, potty, take walks, and go to bed at the same time daily.
• Keep your home environment peaceful for the time being. Avoid loud noises that may make it hard for your rescue dog to decompress.
• If you have another dog, it’s best to let your rescue stay in a separate area from the other household dog during the first few weeks.
• Don’t be too quick to introduce your special furry pal to friends or extended family. The many strange faces and different personalities can make them anxious.
• Train them on basic commands from the start. You should also be ready to train them on proper manners when you notice they’ve started moving around the house.
• You should only focus on positive training techniques — no punishments whatsoever. If you have difficulties curbing your rescue dog’s destructive habits, don’t hesitate to consult a professional trainer.
• Try not to be too demanding of your rescue dog’s attention. If they seem like they want to be alone, don’t force the cuddles or petting.
• Always keep in mind the advice and rules given by the rescue center.

Normally puppies socialize quicker. Their young minds are like sponges, with inherent curiosity about the world. An adult rescue dog may take longer to adjust as they will be a little world-wearier at best or traumatized at worst.

FAQs on rescue dogs settling into new homes

How long does it take for a dog to adjust to a new home?

As mentioned earlier, this mainly depends on a rescue dog’s past life experiences. There are rescue dogs that adjust fully in less than three months, others within three months, and some take longer than three months.

What is the 3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months rule?

This is a general rule on how long it typically takes for a rescue dog to adjust.

In this case, it takes about three days for them to decompress, three weeks to begin getting comfortable, and 3 months to fully adjust to their new home.

Conclusion

Taking a rescue dog home is hard work. But if you work at it, there’s a better chance they will settle into your home sooner rather than later.

You might also like…

• My views on renaming rescue dogs
• Potty training your rescue dog
• What to do when meeting a dog for the first time

Rescue dog image in header via https://unsplash.com/photos/PcKhVNNyEio

The post How Long Does It Take a Rescue Dog to Adjust to a New Home? appeared first on DoggySaurus.

However, it is important to remember that they are coming home with their fair share of trauma that you will need to keep in mind… some of which could related to connotations they have in their old name.

Can you rename a rescue dog? You can rename a rescue dog from a shelter, but you need to carefully consider their history and age first. It is often best to rename a mistreated dog. But older dogs don’t respond to name changes so easily.

If someone has mistreated the dog in the past, you should change the name. It will give them a fresh start, and possibly help to remove the fear they had associated to what they used to be called.

When deciding whether it’s okay to rename your rescue dog, remember that dogs respond better to name changes when they are two years old and under.

Renaming a rescue or shelter dog

If you are not sure if you should rename your rescue dog in your particular situation, we might have the answer for you below.

Find out the dog’s history

The first thing you should do is investigate your dog’s history. If they were left at a shelter, the employees may have some kind of background knowledge that can help you.

For instance, they may be able to tell you why the dog got surrendered, and whether or not they were mistreated in the past. They may also know the name that the dog has been called up until this point.

It is quite likely that the shelter or foster home does not know the former name of the dog. This could happen if the dog was abandoned, or if someone just dropped them off without an explanation. Make sure this is one of the questions you ask the shelter though (here are more questions to ask when adopting a dog).

In this case, the dog may have been given a temporary name, and it is okay to change your rescue dog’s name. This is because the shelter dog probably was never aware of the name change and hadn’t had enough time to get used to it.

Assuming that the rescue dog was treated with kindness in the past, you might want to consider keeping their name. They are used to it, and a new name might cause unnecessary additional stress for them. They will also be easier to train if they already know which name to respond to.

If you discover that the dog was mistreated in the past, this will be a good opportunity to help them get a fresh start. Hearing their old name may remind them of the hurt that they had suffered, so you will want to change your rescue dog’s name.

Hopefully they can then start to associate their new name with good memories and the loving care that you provide as you bond with the dog. You can slowly get the dog used to the change by adding the new name to the old one.

This will get them accustomed to the sounds. For instance, if the old name was Bozzo, and the new one is Bear, you can call the dog Bozzo-Bear for the first week or so. After that, the transition to Bear will be a lot easier.

How old is the dog?

Your rescue dog’s age will also be a good consideration as to whether you should change their name or not. If the dog is under two years of age, you will have an easier time changing their name, as they have not had as much time to get used to the old one.

They will quickly become used to the sound of your voice and will then respond to the new name.

If they are older than two years, you will need to have a bit of patience during the transition to a new name. To change an older rescue dog’s name, start using the new one as soon as you bring them home.

Expect to spend at least a few weeks teaching them to respond to the new name.

As a rule of thumb, a dog’s name should only be spoken with good associations attached to it. For instance, I would say “Rex, good dog”, followed by a pet. This helps teach the dog that they should be happy to hear their name be called.

Avoid saying things such as “Rex, no!” or else they will become confused and unhappy to hear their name. This general rule applies no matter how old the dog is.

What to name your rescue dog?

After you have decided that you would like to rename your rescue dog, the next question is related to which name you should pick. Starting fresh means that the name should not sound at all like their old one. This could confuse the dog when they hear similar sounds, and they may not respond to you or do so begrudgingly.

Take a lot of time to decide if you like the name. Changing a dog’s name once or twice in their lifetime is okay but doing it more often than that can cause confusion.

Spend a day or two saying the name out loud to yourself and others. See if you like the sound of it before you commit.

Another thing to avoid is choosing a name that sounds like a command. If a dog has the name of Bae, for example, and you are teaching them the ‘stay’ command, it can be difficult to differentiate the syllables. The dog may think that you are calling for them to come over to you, rather than to stay.

Finally, do not make the name too complicated. Dogs respond best to simple names, so stick to one or two syllables.

Two syllables are generally preferred, as one may be too short to recognize. Having any more than that can become a mouthful anyway, and you may get tired of it quicker.

What to do when your dog won’t respond to a new name?

It can become frustrating if your rescue dog still will not respond to its new name after several weeks have passed. However, don’t give up, as this is a very baffling period for them, and they might simply be feeling overwhelmed.

There are various training methods that you and the dog can work through together – I have listed a few here.

To teach them to respond, stock up on treats. Also, wait until the house is quiet, and ideally, you and the dog are alone. This will reduce the number of distractions for them.

To start the teaching, wait until the dog is nearby, but looking away. At this point, say the new name in a cheerful, clear voice.

When the dog turns to look at you, or comes closer, reward them with a treat. This will give them good associations with the name.

Follow this process for 10 minutes per day, and then re-evaluate if they are responding any better after a week.

As your rescue dog progresses with its training, you can increase the difficulty. Perform the same process when there are other people in the house making noise. When they have mastered this, take the dog outside and try there.

The final step would be going to a dog park and having them come when you call. As you are training, you can gradually reduce the number of treats you are giving out.

At the end of the training, the dog should respond to its name 100% of the time, even if there is no treat in sight.

Conclusion

I’ve never owned a rescue dog but do have plenty of friends who have adopted from shelters. In some cases, they have even gone abroad to rescue a dog from the streets of a foreign country.

In every single case, they have changed the name of their rescue dog.

Training was challenging for all of them, but months down the line, they now have a happy rescue dog with a new name.

It’s probably worth doing.

You might also like…

• Can you handle the guilt of returning a rescue dog?
• Some tips for potty training rescue dogs
• How long it takes a rescue dog to settle in a new home

Image in header via https://pixabay.com/photos/labrador-dog-woods-logs-black-dog-5971972/

The post Can You Rename a Rescue Dog from a Shelter? appeared first on DoggySaurus.

However, through understanding the signals, creating a routine, having good house-training habits, and being a calm, consistent authority figure, you’ll potty train your rescue dog in no time at all!

It takes patience and time, but these 5 steps to house training a rescue dog should help. Before you start though, make sure you have enough pee pads (see Amazon prices). They will be essential.

How to house train a rescue dog in 5 steps

1. Learn the body language of dogs

A wagging tail or angry snarl may be easy to spot, but the nuances of dog behavior are worth learning once you have adopted a rescue dog. The signs that your dog may want to pee or poop are subtle sometimes, depending on your dog’s personality and mannerisms.

This is amplified by the fact that many rescue dogs can be more timid in new environments. After you take them home from the shelter, they may feel a bit exposed being in your company 24/7 – often exhibiting very worrying behavioral problems.

Here is a quick list of the three main signs that your dog may want to pee or poop – this is the key to potty training a rescue dog in the first week or so.

Restlessness

When a child needs to pee, they may do the pee-pee dance and be a little agitated. It is the same for your dog. They tend to pace and rebuff any affection when they are trying to take a toilet break.

Sniffing the ground

Your rescue dog will try and find the best spot to pee or poop. It is often somewhere where they or another pet have peed or pooped before. They sniff out the perfect area and make themselves comfortable.

Circling

Once the target has been acquired, they will circle the area a few times. You will have about 30 seconds to take action here; circling means they are ready to assume the position.

2. Create a routine

The cornerstone of house training a rescue dog is routine. They are used to having a set routine at the animal shelter or their previous home, so you must be persistent to adapt their internal clock to your rhythms.

To create a bathroom routine for your rescue dog, you need to establish mealtimes. You also need to recognize the key points of the day when your dog needs to pee or poop.

Without fail, your dog will want to relieve themselves first thing in the morning, so make a habit of letting your dog out to pee when you wake up. You can also expect bowel movements 15 to 30 minutes after your dog has eaten.

You’ll want to let your dog out before bedtime too to reduce the risk of accidents overnight.

If you have a rescue puppy, your trips outside will need to be more frequent. Take them outside at least every two hours.

3. Use a crate when you can’t supervise

Crate training is extremely effective for puppies, but you can also use them for adult dogs.

As part of your routine building, you’ll be supervising your dog most of the time. If you’re several hours away from home, however, you won’t be able to keep a watchful eye on your rescue dog when potty training them.

Generally, adult dogs can hold their bladders and bowels for much longer than senior dogs or puppies, so crate training doesn’t need to be done for too long – if at all. You might want to consider this pee training mat on Amazon.

A dog should only be kept in a crate for 6 to 8 hours maximum. Make sure the crate is comfortable, clean, and inviting. You want it to be a place of refuge for them, not a place of punishment.

Please note, if your rescue dog has bad memories of cages, crates, or feeling trapped then this form of training is not going to be effective.

Crate training will distress them more, inducing accidents in the crate, which defeats the purpose entirely. Be mindful of your dog’s mental state whilst using the crate.

4. Reward your dog for good behavior

A great dog owner is warm and open with their rescue dog when potty training. Though house training a rescue dog can have many mishaps along the way, it is always best to keep that positive energy throughout the process.

Like with all training, rewarding your rescue dog is key. They want to make you proud after all!

You can reward your dog in a number of ways. Some rescue dog owners opt for treats which is incredibly effective. I would use treats sparingly though as overfeeding your dog is a problem in itself.

Puppies can pee around 8 to 10 times a day depending on their feeding schedule and how active they are. That’s plenty of treats!

For me, praise worked just fine. Cheerful encouragement let my dog know that she was doing the right thing.

On the other hand, does that mean you punish your dog if they have an accident in the house?

In a word: no.

There are many archaic practices around house training rescue dogs.

In the old days, people used to push their dog’s nose into their messes to “teach them a lesson”. Not only is this inhumane, but it is also a complete waste of time. Your dog doesn’t understand what they have done wrong.

If they have left a mess, the act has already passed for them. You are not correcting any behavior here.

If you catch your dog attempting to squat or circling in the house, you can say a firm “no” and show them to the nearest exit where they can relieve themselves.

This only works in the act. They need to associate the instruction with the act of what is happening, not the mess they leave behind.

5. Train your rescue dog to ask to go outside

This sounds a little more complicated than it actually is. If you are on a set routine and you notice the signs your rescue dog needs to potty, you need to be lightning speed in taking them outside to do their thing.

Dogs are smart and will soon catch on where the bathroom is for them.

That said, you can do certain habits to help with the overall process of potty training your rescue dog. For example, it is good practice to take your dog out of the same door every time.

They’ll soon learn that the backdoor is their unique portal to their toilet. Contrast this with the front gate which may be associated with going for walks.

Blue, my obedient Flatty, takes it a step further and kicks the back door when she needs to pee. That’s an instant signal to me that time is ticking before she squats. Some dogs may bark at the back door or whine.

An important part of this training is not ignoring the call. Your dog has been very intelligent to actually ask you to go outside. That is expert level rescue dog potty training!

If you ignore your rescue dog when they ask in their own way, you’ll confuse them into thinking that maybe that wasn’t the bathroom door after all. This will inevitably lead to more accidents inside your home.

Conclusion

Having rescued three dogs, I’ve had wildly different experiences when it comes to potty training. My Retriever came to us as an energetic 8-week-old eager to please. It took roughly a week for her to understand where the pee pad was located.

Through consistent obedience training, we had very few accidents around the house.

Contrast that with our Podengo, who came to us as a 1 year old and took over a month to housetrain! Every day I would wake up to a mess on the rug, regardless of leaving the back door open at night or not.

You might also like…

There’s more content about adapting to life with rescue dogs including:

• Socialization training for rescue dogs
• Bonding with a rescue dog
• How long it takes for a puppy to develop bladder control

Image in header via https://pixabay.com/photos/tree-dog-pee-outdoors-5193247/

The post How to Potty Train a Rescue Dog in 5 Steps appeared first on DoggySaurus.

My rescue dog was a shadow of what she would later become. Taking her home was a day of mixed emotions – for me and the dog. She was inquisitive and energetic, but also shy and standoffish at times. It was a complex few months of behavioral problems  as she adjusted to life in a new environment.

Any new home is an adjustment. I’m sure when you moved into your first apartment or house outside of the family home, you spent a good few months settling into new routines.

Your rescue dog needs the same grace and will exhibit some common behaviors as they adapt. From shyness to loss of appetite, adopted dogs can act up in many ways in those early days.

Here is a guide to help you navigate these early rescue dog behavior problems, and tips on what to do if they appear to be getting worse.

Normal rescue dog behavior problems to expect

1. Loss of appetite

Dogs love to eat! My rescue dog loves food too, but on the first day, I could not get her to eat for love nor money.

It could well have been her overwhelm at the situation. She had just had an hour-long drive, followed by an introduction to a new space. So many things to see and smell!

That overwhelming and bubbling excitement distracted her from eating.

In some rescue dogs, it’s more of a protest.

They feel unfamiliar with this food, this bowl, this human. Who are you and what are you feeding me?

This is very common behavior problem in rescue dogs when you first bring them home so try not to panic too much. There are few tricks you can try to get them to eat such as:

• Mix in some wet food with their dry food
• Add a little onion-free and garlic-free gravy to their bowl
• Add chicken or bacon morsels to their food

If they are still hunger-striking after 24 hours, contact your veterinarian for help.

Handy Hint: Here are my tips on how you can get your rescue dog to start eating if they appear to have a loss of appetite.

2. Shyness

It is completely natural for your rescue dog to be a little more reserved at home than they were when you first met them. This is a survival mechanism. I’m sure you’re wary of strangers too!

You and your family need to gain their trust over time by showing them that you are friendly, welcoming, and in control.

Encourage open interaction with your newly adopted rescue dog, with a cheerful but gentle tone of voice, will make your adopted pup feel like part of the family. As they come of out their shell more, introduce play to strengthen that bond between you.

The “in control” part is often missed by first-time rescue dog owners.

Dogs need structure, so being too loose with your rules will only serve to confuse your dog.

They want to know what your boundaries are and that you are consistent with those boundaries. Being an authority in their life makes them feel safer in your home.

Handy Hint: If you are still struggling to socialize your rescue dog, please try out these tips I’ve put together.

3. Possessiveness

When we took my rescue dog home, we soon discovered she did not share. It was the rescue dog behavior problem that was getting worse over time – and the one that took us the longest to resolve with her.

We got to the playing stage but every tennis ball she caught would now be belong to her forever. Aggressive growling would start if we went to retrieve the ball from her.

Quite ironic behavior from a Retriever!

This is very normal behavior in rescue dogs. It’s a sense of control over their environment that they don’t really have yet. They haven’t established themselves as part of your home and family yet, so they hold onto items that feel theirs for dear life.

Shelter dogs have ingrained that they must compete for resources after being around so many dogs at the rescue center.

This could also result in not sharing with other pets or being protective over food.

You can train this away though.

It takes a calm, accessible disposition to combat the habit. The most effective course of action is to reward your dog when they give you the item they are feeling possessive over. You are essentially teaching the dog that it’s okay to share. Giving their prized possession to you is a good thing.

Practice the routine multiple times, and they’ll soon grow out of any aggression over food or toys.

If your efforts don’t seem to work, it is worth consulting a professional trainer to help you with this particular rescue dog behavioral problem.

4. Separation anxiety

Even the most aloof, shy dogs would rather not be left alone. Loneliness in dogs is extremely common. In rescue dogs, I would argue even more so since they had so many friends and visitors at the animal shelter.

Separation anxiety can then be a real issue.

It manifests most often in these ways. When left alone they:

• Destroy furniture
• Dig up the garden
• Pee in the house
• Poop in the house
• Try running away
• Pace
• Howl
• Whine
• Barking lots (plus at night)

Separation anxiety in rescue dogs can be quite difficult to defeat. The family history of the dog could make them more susceptible to feeling so uneasy when a trusted guardian isn’t nearby.

There are two schools of thought around this: Absence suspension and counterconditioning.

1. Absence suspension works by figuring out how long your dog can cope with being alone and then making sure you don’t exceed that time.
2. Counterconditioning is when you train your dog associate being left alone with positive things. This could be leaving them with games to play or treats whilst you are away.

Both methods take a lot of time, patience, and consistency.

5. Marking territory or accidents

Your adopted dog may or may not be housetrained, but accidents are expected when you first take them home.

Firstly, they won’t know where the nearest exit is to go to the bathroom, so they can be forgiven for not know the rules yet. It’s a new house for them to navigate after all.

In some cases, the heightened anxiety of being in unfamiliar surroundings causes the dog to have more mishaps than usual. Adult dogs can also take to scent marking areas of your home with their pee to make themselves known.

Housetraining a rescue dog is relatively simple albeit time-consuming.

Start by establishing a strict routine for meals and potty breaks. It helps to always let them out from the same door in your house, so they associate that door with potty time. If you have an apartment and you have adopted a puppy or elderly dog, you may want to consider getting a pee-mat for when they just can’t hold it.

Handy Hint: Read this guide which teaches a 5 step process for potty training a rescue dog.

When you see your dog circling, scoop them up and place them on the pee mat to relieve themselves. A few repetitions here will teach them exactly where to pee in the house.

As for scent-marking, spaying or neutering your dog really helps in this regard. If they are already spayed or neutered, a firm “no” when you catch them in the act will soon deter them from doing it.

Show that this is disobedience and you are not happy with them cocking their leg on the couch. If they do get away with this once or twice when you aren’t looking, make sure you clean the scene of the crime thoroughly so there is no pee smell left. Even a hint of leftover scent will encourage them to do it again or get your other dogs to join in!

Conclusion

The rescue dog adjustment period is not a linear journey. Some report seeing the honeymoon period in which their dog is quite well behaved when they first arrive, only to let out their demons a few weeks later.

This is where the common issue of a rescue dogs behavior getting worse will spring from. But as with all behavioral problems, they can be resolved!

Sometimes the dog will start out badly behaved, reform for a time, and then show those bad behaviors again. Adjusting is not an upward curve. It is a rollercoaster.

With this in mind, be sensitive and mindful of your dog during this delicate time. Yes, you want to train them and instill discipline but allow your dog the leeway to get things wrong from time to time. It is all new to them.

They’ll eventually adjust and be the perfect companion once they are settled.

You might also like…

There are lots of tips on the blog about rescue dogs, with real life experiences. Check out the following guides.

• Why some people choose to rename their rescue and others not
• The guilt of returning a problem rescue dog
• Tips for bonding with your rescue dog

Image in header licensed via Storyblocks.com.

The post 5 Common Rescue Dog Behaviors: Can Get Worse Before Better! appeared first on DoggySaurus.

What questions should you ask when adopting a dog

Adopting a rescue dog is a mammoth responsibility that not enough people take seriously. As rates of dog adoption have skyrocketed in recent times, it’s all the more important that we know exactly what we’re getting into when we adopt a dog.

Careful consideration must be taken by asking the right questions to the rescue dog shelter and exploring some questions yourself.

When you first go to a rescue center, they will likely ask you all the leading questions to get to know you and your situation. This interrogation is just to ensure they introduce you to dogs that will fit perfectly in your home life… this is why it can be so hard to adopt a rescue dog.

A key part of having a smooth family life with a new dog is to discover as much about them as possible beforehand.

Here are 10 questions to ask when adopting a rescue dog to help ensure you make the right choice for you and the dog.

1. What is the dog’s personality?

Dogs are much like humans! Well…like human toddlers at least. They can be stubborn, happy-go-lucky, sulky, affectionate, cheeky, quick-tempered, dozy, and curious.

One dog could even encompass all of those traits in a beautiful bundle of fur and drool.

To an extent, you’ll learn most of your dog’s quirks during the long years of knowing them, but the rescue center will definitely have some insight on the broad strokes of your potential dog’s nature.

They’ll know enough to confidently recommend them to you or not.

2. What is the dog’s history?

Your history shapes who you are; the same goes for rescue dogs. Depending on their situation and age, a dog’s prior situation can be traumatizing to them or instil some hardcore habits.

For every dog that runs and hides at the sight of a mop due to a violent past, there is a dog that will jump on that mop for fun because their former owner used to play tug of war with them often.

• Why were they put up for adoption?
• Are there any deep-seated behavioral issues you need to be aware of?
• What kind of environments did they grow up in?
• What was their former family like?
• Do they know the dog’s name? (Here’s why you might want to rename)

It’s true that sometimes the rescue center will have limited information, like in the case of stray dogs.

Find out as much as you possibly can so you are well prepared.

Handy Hint: Here are some more things you should be looking for before you choose a rescue dog.

3. Is the dog good with children?

I know what you’re thinking.

“Why wouldn’t this be part of the history or personality questions?”

You would be right to a degree. The fondness of kids is down to socialization and temperament. That said, a happy, bubbly, and energetic dog might be terrible with young children because of their boisterousness.

Equally, a dog socialized with older children may hate the non-stop poking of babies. Every case is different.

Ask your rescue center what the dog’s experience is with children. If there is no tracked history of interactions with kids but the dog seems friendly, introduce them to your children before taking them home.

4. Does the dog have any health issues?

Many first-time dog owners underestimate the cost of vet fees at the best of times. Vaccinations and check-ups aside, prior health issues can make the care of your dog more emotionally taxing and expensive.

That is not to say that you shouldn’t adopt a dog with prior health conditions. These unfortunate pups deserve to be loved too.

Just be sure you are equipped to make their life as healthy and happy as possible, regardless of how many medications or physiotherapeutic practices they need.

5. Has the dog been spayed or neutered?

A very simple question with a very simple solution. This could be another potential cost to you if spaying or neutering has not been done. Spaying is usually more costly than neutering due to the complexity of the surgery.

Some rescue centers offer that their veterinarian does the surgery as part of the adoption fee. If that is the case, you’ll need to know how to care for your dog as their stitches heal.

6. What is the adoption process?

Speaking of adoption fees, what is the adoption process anyway?

Each rescue center has its own rules and guidelines for this. Generally, you’ll have an adoption fee as a donation to the service.

Many rescue centers process documentation, administer the first vaccinations and worming tablets. They may also give you a starter pack of food.

You rarely take your dog home on the same day you meet them. It’s more common to take them home the second or third visit.

Questions to ask yourself before adopting a rescue dog

Adopting a rescue dog is a noble thing to do, but you have got to make the right decision for you and your family. This starts with some introspection before you even step out to find your ideal rescue dog. Here are some questions to ask yourself before you choose a rescue or shelter dog.

7. What kind of dog would suit our lifestyle and personalities?

I find that as a nation of dog owners, we get so hung up on breeds. The Labradoodle, French Bulldog, and Miniature Dachshund all spring to mind when considering the fashionable dogs of the 2010s.

I don’t think concentrating on breed is particularly helpful as it narrows your possibilities.

What I do advocate for, however, is understanding yourselves, your lives, and the kind of dog that would fit perfectly.

• Do you live in an apartment?
• Or do you have a huge yard?
• Do you want your dog to be your running partner?
• Or can you barely squeeze in a daily walk?
• Are you a neat freak who needs a hairless or non-shedding dog?

All of these factors will help you in choosing the right rescue dog for you.

8. Are we confident in training a rescue dog?

Training any dog takes confidence. Rescue dogs and bred dogs alike need consistent, kind, encouraging training.

Handy Hint: Here are some training tips you can use to help your rescue dog get socialized.

Many owners assume that rescue dogs will be more complicated to train, but this is not necessarily the case.

Some dogs had wonderful owners who have unfortunately fallen ill or passed away (yes, I believe that dogs do understand death. Those former owners trained their dogs lovingly so the adult dog you adopt will just need to adjust to their new environment.

On the other hand, you do have some rescue dogs with more challenging behavioral habits.

Whatever the case may be, ask yourself if you are able to train your dog.

• Have you trained dogs before?
• What is your capacity for a controlling or dominating dog?

It is good practice to know your capabilities before beginning your search.

9. Can we afford to adopt a dog?

Dog ownership is not cheap. It is estimated that annual dog expenses can cost you anywhere between $400 to $1,200 (far more with Great Danes and larger breeds).

You have to be clever about your finances, as unexpected vet surgeries can leave your destitute if you have not accounted for them.

On top of that, you’ll also have the initial adoption fees and the many items you need to buy to equip your house for your new dog’s arrival.

I’m talking about dog bowls, dog food, leads, beds, toys, and carriers.

It is best to ensure you are in a financially comfortable position before adopting any pet, but especially a dog.

10. Are we ready to adopt a dog?

I would say this question could be split in two. One is if rescuing a dog is right for you. I am a strong believer in rescuing dogs as opposed to buying them. If you really want a puppy, there are plenty of puppies that are abandoned or even born in animal shelters.

That said, if you want a specific breed, be sure to buy a puppy from an ethical, humane dog breeder.

The second part of this is are you ready for a dog at all?

This is a big question. In my fictional opening to this very article, I painted a picture of someone who is clearly not ready.

Just waking up one day and deciding you want to adopt a dog is not a good basis for responsible dog ownership. A puppy is not for Christmas. A puppy is for life.

Handy Hint: People who rush into adopting rescue dogs will often talk about the honeymoon period. Click the link to try and avoid this happening to you.

You owe it to your new pooch to be well researched about dog behavior, habits, training, necessities, and health issues.

Lucky for you, reading this article was a great first step!

Conclusion

It was decided. After waking up one morning in want of a furry friend, I was destined to adopt a dog. With no awareness of dog behavior or dog ownership, I waltzed into the nearest animal shelter to choose my rescue dog.

Choosing my rescue dog would be a breeze.

The rowdy bulldog had a certain twinkle in his eye and I just knew he was the right one for me. No information or formal adoption process was required, so I strolled out of the rescue center with my new dog that very afternoon.

We lived happily ever after. The end…

.. said no one ever!

Don’t make a mistake like the story above and make sure you ask all the right questions before adopting a rescue dog.

You might also like…

• The guilt of returning a rescue dog
• How to bond with a rescue dog

Image in header licensed via StoryBlocks.com

The post Questions to Ask When Adopting a Rescue Dog appeared first on DoggySaurus.

If you don’t know what to look for and how to evaluate the shelter dogs you will be seeing, these tips will help, and let you avoid any red flags.

Tips for choosing a rescue dog

You have made the wise decision to rescue a dog – I applaud you! There are so many dogs and puppies of all breeds, sizes, and backgrounds ready to settle into a new life. In fact, the ASPCA estimates that 3.3 million dogs enter U.S dog shelters every year.

Choosing the right rescue dog for you is paramount to establishing a beautiful long-term friendship from the beginning.

The right rescue dog aligns with your lifestyle, comes from a supportive professional shelter, and loves your whole family.

But what to look for when adopting a dog from a shelter is one of the things people often get confused with, so I want to help you today.

Finding your perfect dog is easily done in these 5 steps.

1. Review your lifestyle

Before you even begin the hunt for to choose a rescue dog, you need to fully analyze your life.

How would a dog fit into your routine? What can they expect when they come to live with you?

Let’s say you are a single millennial in a high-rise apartment. You have convinced your property manager to let you keep a dog on the condition that they don’t destroy furniture and you can control the fur. You have a nearby dog park for exercise but no garden.

In this case you would ideally be looking for a small dog with minimal shedding and relatively low-energy levels. An older dog is better as they are less likely to destroy your apartment.

In terms of breeds a Bichon Frise, Miniature Schnauzer or Shih Tzu could be the perfect rescue dog for you to choose.

Contrast this with the stay-at-home mom in a detached house in the suburbs with two young children. You have a yard and plenty of space for your new dog to roam. A puppy of any breed could work for you.

If you would like an older dog, you are looking for known people pleasers. You want them to be naturally friendly, energetic, and gentle. Some breeds that fit this profile could be Labrador retrievers, Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Newfoundlands, and, of course, the friendly neighborhood mutt.

Focus more on what your current lifestyle is like and the type of dog that would thrive in that environment.

Searching for the dog you find cute before considering your way of life is a recipe for disaster.

2. Choose the right dog shelter

Now you have a clear view of your lifestyle and the qualities you are looking for in a dog, you need to find a shelter. You may be spoilt for choice with many local shelters. This is great as it widens your pool of potential pups.

Visit each one to review their processes and living conditions.

Here are some important questions you should you ask when adopting a dog and deciding which rescue center or shelter to adopt from:

• Are the dogs regularly walked and socialized?
• Do they euthanize strays when they are above capacity or do they have a network of capable foster parents in the area?
• Are the living conditions for the rescue dogs clean?
• Do they keep good records of the dogs’ family and medical history?
• What support do they give after you have completed your adoption?
• Does the rescue shelter have any adoption fees? Is this within budget for you?
• Is there an option to purchase food or toys from the shelter?

Handy Hint: I’ve put together a more detailed guide on what questions you should be asking before you adopt a rescue dog. Read those before you even considering getting a shelter dog.

The best animal shelters go beyond simply abiding by animal welfare laws.

They get to know their dogs as individuals. They take great care to match their adoptees with capable owners. They will also keep fully detailed records and are organized.

Be sure to support and choose a rescue or dog shelter that supports the animals in their care.

3. Meet several types of dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds

In step one, I encouraged you to review your lifestyle and gave some example breeds that could work in your unique situation. You’ve probably done a few online quizzes to match you with your perfect dog breed, right?

Yep, I did that too before my first rescue.

I had my heart set on the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. A ginger-haired, medium coat, blue-eyed beauty from Nova Scotia, Canada. Surely the perfect dog for me and my way of life at the time.

The problem was, I lived on the rural West Coast of Ireland. Finding this oh-so-perfect dog in the local shelter would be like finding Kim Kardashian in a K-Mart in Kentucky.

Technically possible.

Highly unlikely.

You must keep an open mind when it comes to choosing your perfect rescue dog.

Tell your chosen shelter the temperament, age, and size of dog you are looking for. The breed is not nearly as important as you may think. There are gentle, loving Dobermans. There are grumpy, lazy Jack Russell Terriers.

It all depends on their experiences, health, and individual personality.

Meet lots of dogs. Take them for a walk. Play with them. Give them cuddles. Choosing the right rescue dog is a surprising journey.

It will often be the one you least expect.

4. Ensure that your entire family meets your chosen rescue dog

You know what to look for when adopting a dog from a shelter, and have now found a dog that ticks all, or most of your boxes.

You get on like a house on fire. That’s great. Now you need to introduce them to the rest of your house, so things don’t catch on fire!

If you are single, you have less of an obligation here. I would still recommend bringing a close friend that visits your home often to meet your potential new pet.

Things can get very awkward if your best friend and your new rescue dog become sworn enemies. House parties will never be the same.

Handy Hint: I’ve written a guide to help new owners help socialize their rescue dog in situations like this with new people, children, and other animals.

If you have housemates, a partner, and/or children, it is extremely important that all members of your household meet your new rescue dog. You want to eliminate the chance of any nasty surprises when taking them home.

When choosing a relatively shy shelter dog, the best way to get to know them in a group setting is to play a game or go for a walk together. A quick game of fetch can loosen things up, allowing your potential rescue dog to relax around you.

It’s good practice for the family members you invite to bring treats with them so they can make friends from the very beginning.

5. Make the transition as smooth as possible

You find the perfect rescue dog for you. A shaggy mixed-breed mutt with floppy ears and a heart of gold. You and your loved ones then brainstorm names you could call them (yes, you can rename rescue dogs depending on their age and mental faculties).

Your local delivery person has never visited so often because you are ordering so many toys, treats, and trinkets for your dog to enjoy.

Here is a quick checklist of what you need to do when preparing to take your rescue dog home:

1. Make sure you have any documentation you need from the shelter.
2. Check with your shelter that all vaccinations are up to date.
3. Sign up to a local veterinarian. Have your rescue dog checked by your chosen veterinarian before taking them home.
4. Consider buying pet insurance.
5. Discover the safest dog walking routes in your neighborhood.
6. Order a supply of food – you may be able to get this from the shelter to keep things consistent. Ask the shelter about their eating habits.
7. Confirm any adoption fees with the rescue center.
8. Make sure you are fully stocked with basic equipment e.g. walking lead, dog bed, poop bags, grooming kit, puppy crate, dog carrier, water bowl and food bowls, etc.
9. Prepare your house to avoid accidents. For example, don’t leave dangerous wires or clutter around. Install baby gates in areas of the house you don’t want your dog to access.
10. Shop around for professionals who will support your dog long-term. This could be dog groomers, dog walkers, dog trainers, overnight kennels, etc.

Once you are fully prepared, set a move in date with your rescue center to take your new pooch home.

Welcome to the world of adopted parenthood!

Conclusion

I hope this guest content and tips have helped you understand better what to look for when adopting a dog from a shelter. It really is not a decision you should take lightly.

If you do decide to go ahead, you might also find the following guides useful.

You might also like…

• How to quickly bond with a rescue dog for a lifelong companionship
• The guilt you will feel when returning a rescue dog
• Why people find it so hard to adopt dogs from rescues

Image in header licensed via StoryBlocks.com.

The post What to Look for When Adopting a Dog from a Shelter (Choosing a Rescue Dog) appeared first on DoggySaurus.

“It wasn’t his fault. Through an extremely dark cloud of poor mental health, and even worse decision-making, I had convinced myself that adopting a dog would make me feel better somehow.” 

“His name was Archie. He was truly adorable, kind, and understanding. That didn’t make me a better owner though. I struggled on a daily basis to care for him well with my complete lack of preparation.” 

“In the end, I decided it was best for the shelter to find him a better home. That guilt sat in the pit of my stomach for years.”

Though this is relatively rare, returning a rescue dog does happen and it can make you feel terrible and wracked with guilt.

Is it bad to return your rescue dog?

What do you do if your rescue dog is not working out? Is there a way of avoiding returning your rescue dog to the shelter?

Whether it’s bad to return a rescue dog or not will depend on many factors. The primary driver here needs to be around the welfare of the dog though.

In this detailed guide I wanted to share my opinions on this topic, and how returning a rescue dog can leave you feeling guilty for years, with so many “what ifs”.

A brief word about choosing the right rescue dog for you

This can be an entire topic unto itself, but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention it here.

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Getting to the stage where you are looking to return your rescue dog can be completely avoided at the selection stage.

Both you and the shelter need to be honest and thorough in the adoption process, so that you are matched with the dog that best suits your lifestyle and personality. A lot of this will come down to you knowing what to look for when choosing a rescue dog – here are my tips to help you do that.

That German Shepherd with a violent, traumatic past should not be matched with a first-time owner. An elderly Cockapoo with a distaste for young, poking children should not be matched with an expecting couple.

These seem basic but the process needs to be thorough and slow to truly identify that you are right for each other in the first place.

If you are reading this, however, you are likely past this point, so let’s do our best to solve this tough situation – it could save you having a case of “returning a rescue dog guilt” which is a real thing, believe me.

Handy Hint: Here are the best questions to ask before you even consider adopting a dog, which might help you not make a mistake in the first place.

How to prevent returning your rescue dog

Before you take the leap and decide to return your new furry friend, first follow these steps.

1. Allow your rescue dog time to adjust

A common question is how long does it take for a rescue dog to adjust? What can you do to speed up that process? The truth is the adjustment period wholly depends on your dog’s personality and history. It could be days, weeks, or even months.

The Animal Humane Society has a 60 day adjustment period clause with their adoptions, which should give you a good indication of the average amount of time you should allow your dog to settle.

Naturally, if the situation becomes dangerous to family members or other animals in your household with no signs of improvement, you should take action more swiftly.

2. Set clear boundaries and training practices from the beginning

Instilling structure and calm discipline from the beginning of your adoption is so very important. The first few weeks that a rescue dog is rehomed are crucial to determining their trajectory with their new family.

Don’t allow your dog to steal food in week 1 and then flag it as an issue in week 4. You can’t blame your dog for breaking the rules if you haven’t set any to begin with!

3. Work closely with your vet and shelter to solve problem behavior

According to the ASPCA’s National Rehoming Survey, 46% of owners rehome their dogs due to problem behavior. Therefore, your shelter should have a good record of their past.

It is rare that a dog very suddenly turns aggressive when rehomed if they were the most delicate, docile little thing beforehand.

Of course, the rehoming process is a big change for your rescue. Some bad habits like howling, digging, or chewing can present themselves during the adjustment period, simply because they are nervous.

Think of it like an adopted child bedwetting in their first few months in a new home.

Whatever the case may be, most problem behaviors in rescue dogs are entirely solvable with calm, consistent training.

Speak to your vet and the rescue center for personalized advice as this could mean you don’t need to return your rescue dog and have to deal with the guilty feelings that come with that.

How to deal with the guilt of returning your rescue dog

After all is said and done, things between you and your rescue dog just aren’t working out. It is perfectly normal to regret buying a puppy.

If the above steps are not working for you and there is a fundamental mismatch in personality and behavior, could you be forgiven for returning your adopted dog to the shelter?

I think there is a lot of nuance to be discussed here. Two things can be true at the same time. We can acknowledge that this could be out of your control, but also acknowledge that the vetting process should have been done better.

We can recognize that in the long run, the dog should be with owners that can fully support and love them.

We can also recognize that the displacement of moving from home to home is distressing for the dog and could have some impact on their long-term wellbeing.

To process that conflicting guilt, here is what I would recommend.

Acknowledge your role

In order to write this piece, I have thought about it from multiple different perspectives. Sadly, I cannot think of a single version of this story where the new owner is wholly absolved of any part in it going awry.

For example, even if you weren’t to know that your new rescue dog dislikes children, it is still up to you to be as investigative as possible at the outset about your potential pup’s history and personality traits – these are all reasons why you can’t cope with the dog, but will need to be researched first.

Better yet, it should be on the criteria that your future dog must have a known history of being happy with young children. You should also introduce your children to the rescue dog whilst at the shelter before bringing them home. This is a safe environment for them to meet each other, eliminating any nasty surprises later.

Now please don’t take this as me demonizing you because that’s not true at all. I fully recognize that we make mistakes when we are excited to adopt a dog. The shelter has a part to play in this too.

You are not the first to feel the guilt in returning a rescue dog this way and you won’t be the last.

You should take full responsibility that you just weren’t prepared and you possibly adopted the dog for entirely the wrong reasons.

Acknowledging your role is not about beating yourself up. It is about fully seeing the situation for what it is so that you can learn the lessons.

Learn the lessons

Interestingly, Inga Fricke from Animal Sheltering Magazine, believes that the stigma should be removed from returning rescue dogs because of this very reason. It is an excellent opportunity to learn what is best for the dog and the owner long term.

It all starts with a critical analysis of what went wrong.

Next time, could you do more research on different breeds, life stages, and behaviors of dogs to be more fully prepared?

Could you volunteer at a local dog shelter to get to know potential dogs for a longer period of time before committing?

Could you be more adamant about learning your potential rescue dog’s behavioral and family history?

If you have lost faith in the dog shelter you were working with, then visit other local shelters to review their processes and support structure.

You can and will do better next time!

Don’t give up on adopting a dog

But is there going to be a next time? 

I hear you. This can all be quite heart-breaking. Traumatic even depending on the circumstances.

Please know that you are not a bad person for having a mismatch with your rescue dog. Some things just weren’t meant to be.

Conclusion

I know people who have returned a rescue dog because they simply were not ready and prepared. Those people still have some guilt but have gone on to rescue three beautiful dogs of different sizes, ages and breeds that have brought so much joy to their life.

You are capable of being a great owner to the right rescue dog. Don’t give up on trying to find them!

You might also like…

There’s a lot of content on Doggysaurus to help rescue dog owners, and some of this could support you before you return the dog and have to deal with any guilt.

• How long the rescue dog honeymoon period lasts
• How to get your rescue dog to be more sociable
• How to better bond with your new rescue dog

Image in header licensed via storyblocks.com.

The post Returning a Rescue Dog: The Guilt When it Doesn’t Work Out appeared first on DoggySaurus.

Overall their behavior might seem almost angelic, but this could well be the rescue dog honeymoon period that people often talk about! It could last for a couple of days to a few weeks.

I knew my rescue dog’s honeymoon period was over when I found the cover of “Train Your Dog Positively” in pieces strewn across the lawn. The book itself had been perfectly buried amongst the rose bushes.

I found it by following the muddy paw prints passed the patio to the flowerbeds, where a mound of fresh dog poop was also waiting. The message from our new rescue dog, Pip, was received loud and clear: “I’m home!”

The rescue dog adjustment period has been written about many times, but the honeymoon period is a fascinating stage that you need to be well equipped for. A mix of calm, consistent training, and reframing this phase in your mind will see you through its aftermath.

Dealing with your rescue dog’s honeymoon period

Here are 5 tips to set you on the right path to helping your rescue dog adjust.

1. Realize that your rescue dog is always being themselves

Many rescue dog owners refer to the post-honeymoon personality of their dog to be “the real dog”. I think this is the wrong way to look at it.

Whilst you may be overcompensating a little to make your dog feel comfortable (which we’ll talk about next), your new rescue dog does not have the level of foresight to “trick” you by being an angel in the early days. Dogs are smart but inauthentic? Rarely – particularly not over long periods of time.

You likely saw them in small doses at the shelter and now you see them in their full glory.

What is happening is simply the natural adjustment period that some, not all, dogs go through when they are taken to a new home. Typically, this period lasts 1-3 weeks where their behavior is more…measured, let’s say.

Handy Hint: Here are 5 problem behaviors most rescue dogs will have, but they will get better with patience and understanding.

They rarely exhibit any problem behaviors so early for one simple reason: they don’t know you.

Think about when you move into a new house. During those first few weeks, I bet your place is sparkling clean. You haven’t quite gotten into the habit of leaving your pants on the back of the desk chair or your coffee pods on the kitchen counter.

And why is that? Well, it’s all so new to you!

The spinning desk chair and marble countertops aren’t familiar enough to you yet.

It takes time to settle into being your full self in that house. Allow the same grace to your new furry friend.

Handy Hint: I’ve compiled a list of the 10 most useful questions people should ask themselves and the shelter before adopting a rescue dog.

2. Stop overcompensating with your new rescue dog

Are you guilty of adding fresh steak to your new rescue dog’s evening meal for no reason?

Are you giving your dog way too many treats throughout the day? Have you turned into a saccharine Santa Claus type, full of constant praise, when you are more of a sarcastic Grinch at heart?

Well, you have fallen into the honeymoon period trap that so many of us rescue dog owners fall into, particularly if this is your first adoption.

This is totally normal and expected!

You want to help your rescue dog settle in after all. You want to show your dog that you are the kind, loving companion that they have always wanted. These things are all very admirable, but they have got to be sustainable.

Overfeeding with treats during your rescue dog’s honeymoon period is not a good vehicle for adjustment. Nor is constant praise which is ultimately overwhelming and confusing to your dog.

You are just setting a standard that you cannot (and should not) continue long-term.

Naturally, you want to be welcoming to your rescue dog, but don’t spoil them. The fact that you’ll be introducing your dog to new experiences, environments, and smells is exciting enough.

3. Set boundaries with your rescue dog

Usually overcompensating and lack of boundary setting are symptoms of the same “new owner” syndrome, but not always. Oddly enough, I have known owners to be strict with treats and not alter their personality much, but still be a little loose with their rules.

You may say to yourself that allowing your rescue dog to sleep with you as they are adjusting is completely fine. You are sorely mistaken.

Unless you want that furry, twitchy, bundle of joy tucked up tight with you every night, don’t let them do it in the early days either.

After the rescue dog honeymoon phase is over, bad behaviors can present themselves as your dog tests the waters of your leadership once they feel more at home.

For example, your rescue dog may take to peeing in the house when they didn’t before, or, like Pip, destroying furniture and stealing items. You need to maintain authority as your dog attempts to push your boundaries.

Consistency and clarity are important for training any dog but especially rescues. Get this discipline right early on as it’ll be much harder to correct later.

Handy Hint: Sadly it’s not unusual for people to adopt a dog and then end up returning the animal to the rescue home.

4. Learn to bond with your rescue dog in a healthy way

During your rescue dog’s honeymoon period, you are likely doing a bit too much. You feel like your new pup is a kindred spirit because they are gladly accepting every cuddle, treat, and affirmation you send their way.

The new walks you take together are explorative and memorable. Your dog sees you as a trusted all-knowing guardian that leads them through these novel environments.

All good things.

Once that period has ended and you are both acting normally again, does it feel like you have regressed somehow?

I want to reframe your mindset around this. Often new owners feel that it is a step backward for your dog to not be as clingy or dependent on you as they were in the beginning. This feels even more jarring than with rescue dogs who start out shy or problematic.

Handy Hint: Some dogs will suddenly develop clingy behavior. Here’s what it could mean.

At least with dogs that exhibit those more undesirable behaviors, the bonding process seems more like an upward curve.

Actually, the opposite is true. Your dog is now so comfortable in your home and settled into the routines you’ve established, that the novelty has worn off. They are relaxing into their new life. This is a good thing. Now, the real bonding can begin.

Sustainable bonding tips include:

• Playing games.
• Learning new tricks.
• Being a soothing presence when they are scared.
• Recall training.
• Walking training.
• Discovering their body language signals.
• Traveling to new places together.

Handy Hint: You can find a more detailed guide on how to bond with your new rescue dog elsewhere on Doggysaurus.

5. Don’t rush the adjustment period

This could be the most important tip. A common question is how long it should take for a rescue dog to adjust to their new home. Though there are averages, it varies widely.

Our first rescue puppy took mere days to settle in as a naturally confident and inquisitive young pup. Pip, on the other hand, was very subdued for a couple of weeks before he started to tear up the bookshelf and make it known, very loudly, he was home.

After that, it took another couple of weeks to iron out those behaviors, with consistent, positive training.

Don’t rush this step. Adapting to a new home takes time. Your dog will appreciate your calm patience and sustained consistency. After all, you are in this for the long hall. This too shall pass!

Conclusion

With all rescue dogs they are challenges once the buzz of getting them home is over. As long as you are prepared, your adopted dog (and you) should be able to adjust. Here are some guides that will help you to do that:

• How to choose the perfect rescue dog to suit you
• How to get your rescue dog to start eating
• 7 ways you can help your rescue dog socialize better

Image in header via https://pixabay.com/photos/dog-australian-shepherd-naughty-2090313/

The post The Rescue Dog Honeymoon Period: 5 Essential Tips appeared first on DoggySaurus.

You won’t always know the history of your rescue dog, but it is normal for a dog to not eat after being adopted.

I recently spoke to a person I know who has adopted rescue dogs in the past, and recently gave her friend advice on what to do. She’s agreed to share her knowledge on getting newly adopted dogs to eat here today. I hope you find it helpful.

How to get a rescue dog to eat?

My friend was apoplectic. She had just taken home a middle-aged miniature dachshund from her local ASPCA called Millie. Millie was playful and spritely at the shelter. Now she was at her home, she seemed hesitant, withdrawn and she didn’t eat for one whole day. The blood drained from my friends’ face as she pleaded to me on Facetime:

“Why won’t my rescue dog eat?!”

By identifying the reasons for her hunger strike, being attentive to her needs, crafting an actionable feeding routine, and spicing up her meals, my friend succeeded in getting Millie the rescue dog to eat well consistently.

Here is what she did.

1. Identify the reasons why

When you take your rescue dog home, they have quite a steep adjustment hill to climb. Not only are you new to them, but so are your family members, the household smells, and all of the dog furniture you’ve spent the past 6 months buying online.

Everything takes some getting used to and this can send your rescue dog into a bit of a crisis of confidence. That nervousness can manifest in a lower appetite which is completely normal and expected, to a degree.

Handy Hint: One of the biggest problems with rescue dogs is getting them adjusted and socialized at your home. Here are 7 tips for socializing your newly adopted dog.

If you fill your rescue dogs’ bowl and they barely take a sniff in the first 6 hours of bringing them home, don’t panic. Leave the food out as they may come back to it later when they feel more comfortable.

If by the 18-24-hour point, they haven’t eaten anything at all (not the dog food, nor any treats) then it may be worth investigating further.

Give your vet a call and have your newly adopted dog checked out. There is a good chance that nothing is wrong by them not eating, it’s just them adjusting, but it is better to be safe than sorry.

2. Learn your newly adopted dog’s food habits

Once any illnesses are ruled out, the next step of investigation needs to center on the food itself and your rescue dogs’ average appetite. Ask your shelter if your dog has exhibited any withdrawal when it comes to food before.

• What is your rescue pup’s favorite thing to eat?
• What time of day did they typically eat at the shelter?
• Are they picky eaters?

In the case of my friend, the shelter had neglected to mention that Millie had the most expensive of tastes – literally! She would turn her nose up as any cheap kibble, expecting royal treatment.

It’s good practice to buy a bag of dog food from your rescue center before you take them home, to keep their diet constant whilst you transition them to a new food brand (if that is what you intend to do).

If they are not a fan of what you have on the menu, then this consistency could help.

3. Make your rescue dog’s meals a little more exciting

This is where my friend cracked the code of how to get a rescue dog to eat. She couldn’t afford to feed Millie the expensive kibble over a long-term basis to keep her diet up. Instead she resorted to what we owners all know works when you want to get your dog to eat – bribery. Well… bribery of a certain kind.

Adding some extra flavour to their bowls can really help in convincing your rescue dog to eat.

What do you feed rescue dogs?

If you are going to add extra food to your dog’s bowl, you have to be smart about what you choose add in.

Yes, dogs can eat vegetables (even Brussel sprouts) but adding raw carrots to your dogs’ bowl as if they are a common rabbit, is not going to have them jumping for joy.

On the other hand, your dog will probably love a thick slice of fatty bacon or pancetta, but that’s not good for their overall health. A balance must be struck. Here are some ideas:

• Ground beef
• Small chicken pieces (no bones!)
• Turkey slices
• Rice
• Pasta
• Sweet potato

How much human food can you give your rescue dog?

The secret is, surprisingly little! Millie the rescue dog got eating with just a few morsels of chicken sprinkled into her food. More often than not, a few pieces are enough to convince them to eat the whole plate.

If your dog only eats the chicken and leaves the kibble, it is still progress. At least they ate something. Another good trick is to combine the dry food with a spoonful of low-sodium, onion, and garlic free broth or gravy to make their meal more enticing.

4. Set a feeding routine for your dog

So now that you have bribed your new rescue dog into eating their first full meal, you have a little more work to do to make this a regular thing. According to the American Kennel Club, the recommended feeding schedule is twice per day.

How you integrate this into your routine is up to you but feeding a rescue dog around breakfast and again late afternoon works well.

If your rescue dog is a picky eater, like Millie, a once a day feeding schedule could be fine for them. You don’t want to increase the mealtimes and put them off further.

The most important thing is that you are striking a balance between their recommended food intake every day and the frequency of meals. Two meals per day is perfect. Only rescue puppies under 6 months should be fed 3 times per day.

Handy Hint: Some rescue dogs will be recovering from parvo. Here’s what you should be feeding a puppy with parvovirus to get their strength back up.

5. Monitor them for 72 hours

As with all things when it comes to rescue dogs, patience and consistency are key. Monitor their eating habits over the next three days to see if any hunger-striking presents itself again.

Usually, after the first full meal, it becomes progressively easier for your dog to eat regularly. You may still need to bribe a little bit, but you can transition this out over the next week.

Save the extra delicious meals for treat days.

Should you take your rescue dog to the vets?

If you have gone through the entire process and your rescue will still not eat, then you may have a bigger problem on your hands. It’s worth going back to the vet just to rule out any more serious complications and seek advice.

If you have adopted a rescue puppy that won’t eat, their hunger striking is far more dangerous than with adults and should be called to attention within 48 hours.

Here are clear signs that something is wrong:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Manic episodes of hyperactivity
• Blood in their stool or urine

Feeding problems you may face with your rescue dog

Why is my rescue dog obsessed with food?

Food obsession in dogs is complex as it could come from a variety of sources. Rescue dogs will be obsessed with food as a behavioral problem, which could just be a symptom of your dog’s adjustment period to your home. It could also be due to overfeeding in their past.

Staying consistent with your feeding schedule is the best course of action.

Sometimes overeating is a symptom of illness, such as a parasite, diabetes or gastrointestinal issues. Consult your vet for expert advice.

Why does my rescue dog eat so fast?

Another possibility for food obsession is if the rescue dog was on the streets where food was scarce or was underfed by a previous owner. They will obsess over food, as in their mind they can’t be sure another meal will be coming their way.

Imagine what their life was like if they were a street dog? If they were lucky enough to be given food they would have to eat is as quickly as possible before any other dogs got to it.

Why is my rescue dog begging?

Say you have worked out a two-meal system in your household, but your rescue dog is begging between meals. If you are eating human food around them, begging is a natural behavior so there is nothing to be hugely concerned about.

It is more concerning if they are kicking their bowl or whining by their dining area.

In this case, first, make sure you are feeding your dog enough at each feeding as recommended by your vet. Then try introducing a small snack in the middle of the day. Millie gets a dog cookie at midday to quell her hunger until her main evening meal. It can make a huge difference.

Why is my rescue dog stealing food?

Stealing food is a behavioral hiccup that can be ironed out with steady, persistent training.

For starters, never leave food out on the counters or within reach. “No” and “off” are two commands that you’ll want to master with them.

Once they have dependable recall skills, spend time on “no” and “off” to keep their paws off your food.

Conclusion

Adopting rescue dogs comes with many challenge, but once you’ve managed to get them settled, eating, and at ease, you can start to work on bonding with them. It’s an amazing experience, and you might value these tips on bonding with a new rescue dog if it’s not been easy for you. Good luck!

You might also like…

On the topic of feeding, once you’ve got your rescue dog to eat in regular and healthy patterns, here are some other guides to get them into a proper routine.

• Why it can be bad to feed a dog late at night
• How long you need to wait before walking your dog after their meal

Image in header via https://pixabay.com/photos/dog-eat-fressnapf-dog-food-food-2210717/

The post How to Get a Rescue Dog to Eat: 5 Simple Steps appeared first on DoggySaurus.

If you’ve got a timid and shy rescue dog who is having trouble adjusting, you will find this real-life account of how to socialize a rescue dog really helpful. It’s been written by one of our guest writers who adopted a rescue dog from a shelter and had to go through the same challenges of getting them properly socialized.

How to best socialize a rescue dog with other dogs and people

The vacuum cleaner is on. It’s one of those space-age ones – large, with flashing lights and an otherworldly whirring noise. I truly think in the right conditions, it could whisk you away to another dimension.

I turn the corner of the hallway, and there is our 4-month-old rescue puppy, Blue. The whirring had woken her up and she was crying. To the neighbors, it must’ve sounded like we were terrorizing her!

Fast forward to years later, we still have the same vacuum cleaner (yep it’s a good one!) and Blue is completely composed, eerily unruffled by the noise.

Indeed, almost nothing ruffles Blue the rescue dog anymore. The delivery guy, school children with sticky hands, and poking babies are all met with a calm, friendly nonchalance. Loud noises are met with slightly cocked ears.

We took great care to socialize our rescue dog Blue to this level of zen confidence.

By following the same 7 easy steps we did, you’ll discover how to socialize your adopted shelter or rescue dog too.

1. Know your rescue dog’s warning signs

You are probably well aware of these but if you are a first-time rescue dog owner, let’s run through some easy dog body language:

How dogs show anxiety

The common tell-tale sign (see what I did there?) is when your dog tucks their tail between their legs. It is a pretty universal symbol of fear and anxiousness, but to be honest, this depends on your dog’s personality.

Blue was always a confident, proud puppy that grew into a gentle, unflappable adult. You would rarely see her tail between her legs even if she was afraid. Other signs could be:

• Aggression.
• Shaking.
• Walking backward.
• Crouching down.
• Flattened ears.
• Pacing.
• Panting.

Aggression is, of course, the most serious and you should decide a solid course of action with your veterinarian. Try not to worry too much if the other signs present themselves in the beginning.

According to the American Kennel Club, desensitization is a valid training method. This means you slowly introduce the stressor to your dog until it becomes normal to them. This is what socialization is all about.

Handy Hint: If your rescue dog struggles at night, here are some ways you can calm a dog after dark.

How dogs use their voice

It may seem that dogs have very few things they want to tell us. Depending on your rescue dog’s personality and breed, however, they can have a whole lot to say.

Excessive barking can equally be a sign of anxiety or excitement. Shorter, lower-pitched barks are more likely to indicate fear or aggression. Whimpering also lets you know that your dog is feeling fragile.

2. Start with brief interactions with other dogs and humans

In the beginning, the trick is to keep it short. This is where we went wrong with Blue. As a pup, the neighbors loved Blue and her happy-go-lucky demeanor.

She brightened everyone’s day, but all that excitement was tiring. We would go back home; she would eat and then fall asleep for hours.

Handy Hint: If your rescue dog is refusing to eat, here are some tips to get them back interested in food again.

New experiences are overwhelming to everyone, including your new rescue dog. They are getting used to you whilst also getting used to their surroundings.

Therefore, it’s super important you keep the early interactions with dogs and humans relatively brief, and in a safe environment that you can leave quickly if need be.

Your adopted dog may love the attention, as Blue did, but trust me, it’s for their own good!

3. Take your rescue dog on daily walks

Daily walks can seem like one of the easiest ways to socialize your rescue dog, but in fact, you need to be fully prepared for mindful, attentive walking as an owner. The daily walk is not just about introducing your rescue to other sentient beings, but also cars, bicycles, motorbikes, lawnmowers, school buses, ice cream trucks, garden hoses, and fire hydrants.

If you have an adult rescue dog, they may be familiar with quite a few of these things or conversely have a fear of all of them.

My top tip for an effective daily walk with the intent of socializing is to vary your routes. Perhaps choose two walking routes that you alternate every other day. If they meet a person or dog, first identify if your dog is safe to approach (the person/owner will tell you) and reward your dog after the interaction is over with their favorite treat.

Become that calm, cool, collected owner, and your dog will soon feel at ease with you whilst exploring the spice of life.

Handy Hint: Walks are just one way you can bond with a rescue dog. Here are some more tips to help you and your adopted dog build a relationship.

4. Be wary of bad past experiences

Remember I said almost nothing ruffles Blue anymore. Yeah, well… this is the one thing.

When Blue was a puppy, she pulled me across the road via her lead and bounded up to a gate. A herd of cows had silently gathered to watch her with fascination. She pushed her tiny round nose to meet the wide, pink, moist one of the head cow, who had come to investigate.

In the process, she kicked a bucket accidentally, tripped, and sent the cows into a frightened mooing frenzy. She cowered between my legs in fear. Everyone involved was thoroughly traumatized. I managed to calm her down as we walked back home.

She has been terrified of cows ever since.

Now this story is much lighter than most traumatic experiences that your rescue dog or puppy may have been through. Your rescue center may have told you about your dog’s background before you adopted them, but some things you’ll discover during the socialization process.

They could be frightened of bearded men. They may shiver at the sight of a broom.

A dog’s history makes them who they are, so be particularly sensitive when it comes to humans, other animals, or objects that your rescue dog fears.

5. Join a puppy class or agility class

There are many great reasons to bring your rescue dog to a puppy or agility class. Puppy classes are excellent for first-time owners and their pups, to interact with other dogs in a safe, controlled setting.

It’s probably the best way you can socialize a rescue dog with other dogs.

You also have the benefit of having a professional on your side. The trainer will give you expert tips on your dog’s behavior and they’ll encourage interactions between the four-legged students.

Agility classes are great for adult dogs with a lot of energy. Blue, as a heavy-footed flat-coated retriever, with an affinity for sitting, was not made for agility. Your dog may love it though and make lots of friends in the process.

Please note that classes are not ideal if your dog or puppy is showing signs of aggression with other dogs. Shyness, however, may be helped by a professional trainer in a class setting.

6. Socialize your rescue dog to household items too

As I mentioned with the daily walks, the road to successfully socializing your rescue dog goes far beyond babies, businessfolk, and border collies. It involves more than the outside world too. Your home is also part of this.

Say your rescue dog’s former owner was a quiet, suburban grandma, who played her favorite radio soap every afternoon with a cup of tea.

How much of a contrast would this be to your millennial smoothie making lifestyle, with the constant buzz of your blender making your dog want to jump out of their skin?

You still need to live your life, so keep using the blender, but affirm your dog by talking to them to let them know everything is okay. It’s a safe environment – they just had a fright.

7. Stay consistent and positive

A common question is how long does it take to socialize your adopted rescue puppy or dog? It’s kind of like asking how long a piece of string is.

How long should you give a rescue dog to adjust?

A lot of factors go into this, such as your dog’s age, personality, personal history, and even their breed.

Normally puppies socialize quicker. Their young minds are like sponges, with inherent curiosity about the world. An adult rescue dog may take longer to adjust as they will be a little world-wearier at best or traumatized at worst.

It could take quite some time to fully socialize your rescue dog. The truth is, often, zen mastery isn’t completely achievable. There may be things that your dog never gets over, and that’s okay. The most important thing is that they can handle their everyday life without major upset, anxiety, or fear.

Consistency, positivity, and perseverance; that is how you’ll succeed in socializing your new rescue dog.

Handy Hint: If you are struggling to house train your rescue dog, read these 5 steps to successful potty training.

Conclusion

It’s never too late to socialize a dog but adopted shelter dogs do tend to be more challenging than most. Typically, they will be older and will have more experiences in their memory banks that will give you challenge to overcome with them.

But it’s not impossible as you can see from the tips given above!

You might also like…

There’s more content on DoggySaurus about rescue dogs which you might find helpful such as;

• What to do once your rescue dog’s honeymoon period is over
• How to get the best pet insurance for your rescue dog
• Why it’s so hard to adopt rescue dogs at the moment

Image in header via https://pixabay.com/photos/pet-dog-puppy-shy-cute-sleepy-423398/

The post How to Socialize a Rescue Dog: 7 Steps appeared first on DoggySaurus.