Helping a rescue dog to settle
Adopting a dog is a big decision and one that not enough people really plan very carefully. So many of us will adopt a dog because we fall in love with the way they look, feel sorry for them or even because we believe it is the responsible thing to do if the dog is in a rescue centre.
There are so many dogs available for adoption who have lost their homes for multiple reasons, not necessarily for behavioural problems. Their owner may have passed away, they might have been caught up in a divorce, they may have had to be given up for financial reasons, been found wandering on the streets or even have been born in a rescue centre. Regardless of their age or the reason a dog is available, it is really important to do your research and to consider whether that particular dog will fit into your lifestyle.
Being aware of breed specific traits is a good starting point in choosing a dog, but by no means a guarantee of behaviour. While breed-specific traits can provide valuable insights, a dog's behaviour is so much more complex than that. If you believe that all dogs of a particular breed will behave in the same way, you are ignoring the influences, not only of varying genetic inheritance, but also early experiences, socialisation, training methods and other environmental factors. If the dog you are considering is a mixed breed, several breeds may influence their behaviour, but appreciating the unique personality of each dog is crucial for understanding and nurturing their individual needs.
Do your research. Don’t rely on sweeping, uninformed breed descriptions on the internet – ask someone who is familiar with the breed, like a trainer, vet or a behaviourist like me.
Once you have chosen your new companion, remember that rescue dogs can take a long time to settle. Changing homes and spending even a short time in a rescue centre can be traumatic for any dog, let alone long-term stays or learning to live in a home for the first time. We need to be sensitive to this when settling them into their new life. Be prepared for unexpected issues and consider professional help sooner rather than later if your dog experiences problems.
Here are a few tips to help your new dog to settle in.
What your rescue dog needs most of all is security, especially if they have been moved from place to place. A comfortable bed in a corner of a room, preferably inside a crate or pen that gives the dog the feeling of a den, is the best introduction you can offer your new housemate.
Be patient and allow your dog to come to you and explore, if and when they feel able. Cajoling, picking up and being overly-affectionate, will only confuse them. Dogs need to understand the routines and habits of their new life and to learn the role that they are expected to play. We have bred dogs for generations to do jobs for us, and they are dependent on us to guide them. Your anxious, rescued dog needs time to find the confidence to come forwards and then gentle guidance as to the rules and boundaries you want them to respect.
Ideally, a daily routine shouldn’t be a strict timetable but more a flexible flow of daily activities. Dogs love routine but can become clock-watchers and push their owners to conform to strict timings for meals and walks if give the wrong messages and this is not good for your relationship.
Introduce new people, other pets and different environments slowly and calmly, doing what you can not to overwhelm your pet.
Support your dog to settle in with you by offering them activities that help them to activate their canine ‘seeking system’. Sniffing, licking, foraging, chewing, playing, and training are all activities that help dogs to build confidence, focus and resilience and encourage them to feel happy and fulfilled
Above all, be patient, only ever use positive reinforcement for good behaviour, and focus on building trust before focusing on training.
