ADVICE

Tips to successfully integrate your rescue dog

• Don’t rush things; although you may be keen to get going with everything, change only one small thing at a time

   

• If possible, take a few days off work so you can be at home with your dog for the first week or so; this aids a smooth transition, and helps you build a strong bond from the start

   

• Make sure they have a sanctuary: a place that they can retreat to it they feel overwhelmed where they are not approached by anyone and it’s quiet; they will explore out of their sanctuary in their own time

   

• Regardless of what their journey was like to you, they will be stressed and coping with adjusting to their new environment; even if their life was worse beforehand, it is still what is familiar to them and that has gone

   

• Remember the rule of three:

  • It roughly takes 3 days for a rescue dog to decompress after travelling to and experiencing their new environment; in this this time, they will also get used to you

  • It roughly takes 3 weeks to settle into a routine

  • And it roughly takes 3 months for your dog to realise they aren’t going to move on, and your home is their forever home

     

• Keep their world small at the beginning; introduce them slowly to new things

  • Your dog will be experiencing many things which are new to them, even regular household noises such as a kettle boiling and the TV playing

  • They may never have even been in a house before and done things such as climb stairs

     

• Although touching your dog may be necessary to get them to yours, once you are in the house, try letting them come to you rather than going into their space

  • It can be tempting to stroke and hug your dog but will be an invasion of their space at the start, particularly reaching over the top of their head can be scary for them

  • The best way to introduce yourself to any dog is to crouch down (so you are on their level) and let them sniff your hand

  • Them coming to you will indicate they are ready to be touched; not rushing this will build trust

  • It may be days, weeks or even months before your dog is happy to be touched (sadly, for some dogs, the only human touches they have experienced are negative ones)

  • Even if it is love at first sight for you, your dog may need time to trust you; you are a stranger to them and possibly seen as a threat at the start

     

• For the first few days, it is recommended to feed your dog chicken and rice to ease digestion after a stressful transition

  • Once they are ready, start mixing some of their new food in and gradually move to feeding them 100% of their new food

     

• It is recommended to not walk your dog in the first week; some dogs may not be ready to walk for a number of weeks or even months

  • Before you start walking them outside, let your dog get used to wearing their collar/harness; they may have not worn one before

  • When you do walk your dog for the first time, keep it short (5-10 mins); this is so not to overwhelm them, plus their fitness level may be very low

  • Scared dogs can easily slip collars so you may want to think about getting a harness for your dog which will keep them more secure

     

• Keep your dog secure in the house until they are settled; be mindful of open doors and accessible windows that your dog could potentially escape through

   

• It is recommended to not introduce them to anyone outside the family in the first 3 weeks; again, this is so not to overwhelm them, and they are only just building trust with you

  • When you start to introduce them to new people, this is best done one at a time and done outside or if your dog isn’t going outside yet, have guests in another room initially so your dog can feel safe

     

• A routine makes your dog feel safe; this will mean they know when to expect events such as meal times and walks

  • It is OK to change your routine but it is best to do this gradually

  • It is also OK to flex your routine (e.g. feed dinner half an hour later); your dog will know roughly what to expect but will also learn not to worry if it doesn’t happen exactly on time

     

• Be consistent; have a think before your dog arrives in terms of what boundaries you are setting such as whether they are allowed on the sofa, and stick to them. Although, reframe from telling your dog off, and rather gently encourage or discourage behaviours.

   

• Nurturing a strong bond is crucial for your dog’s well-being. You can strengthen this by engaging in positive training games and activities such as basic obedience training, treat hunts, interactive toys/puzzles, fetch, and gentle handling practice.

   

• Don’t hesitate to reach out to your dog’s rescue organisation for advice; they are usually very helpful at offering support to settle in your new dog

Remember, patience and consistency are key. Celebrate their successes, no matter how small, and always use positive reinforcement. With time and care, you will create a loving and lasting connection with your rescue dog.