Have you just or are you thinking about adopting a rescue dog? Congratulations on your decision to open your home to furry friend who will love you unconditionally and add tons of happiness to your life! Here are some tips to make the transition from shelter to home as smooth as possible for both of you.

 

How to Choose the Right Rescue Dog for Your Family

Just as you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, we should approach dogs with an open mind and try our best to understand the dog in front of us. While breed may play some small role in characteristics like biddability, vocalness, and friendliness--the truth is that each pup has their own set personality despite any breed they belong to!

 

Because millions of dogs are surrendered each year, finding a great compatible companion is possible.  First decide if training and exercising your rescue dog will be a priority.  If no, then a chill dog will be a better fit than a “smart dog”.

If home life includes other furry creatures –whether it be a dog or a cat, then consider what their reactions might to a potential permanent pet resident.  Hard truth, sometimes it may be best for your resident pet not to share their space.

 

What is the 3-3-3 Rule for Rescue Dogs?

Whether or not the situation your dog came from was pleasant or not, after being surrendered to a shelter or rescue group most dogs are confused by their new environment.  After arriving at your home, your rescue dog will need time to decompress and adjust.  The 3-3-3 rule can be a helpful framework for pet guardians who are adopting rescue pets.

 

It's important to understand that while the milestones outlined may appear to be goals, when it comes to your furry friend’s rate of progress and level of trust-- BE PATIENT!  Some dogs take longer to let their guard down and others will move through milestones faster. 

 

Ginger, our rescue dog, took significantly longer to let her guard down and show her personality. The very quiet, independent dog that only came around at mealtimes during her first 3 months with our family is no longer.  Ginger has evolved into a happy dog that solicits our affection, plays with enrichment toys and comes when called (well, 85% of the time, lol).

 

The First 3 Days

What is happening? Where am I? And who are these strange people?  Those questions sum up your dog’s first 3 days in their new home. Even if your pup is exploring, and wiggling around, deep down they are probably feeling somewhat scared and overwhelmed with many new things to smell and unfamiliar voices. Regardless of whether your new dog is a puppy, an old dog or something in between they will need to sleep a lot, so let them rest.  Today is not the time to have a family gathering, invite all your friends over for a meet and greet, or go to the dog park. 

 

The First 3 Weeks

Before long, everyone will be comfortable with one another - all the movements and sounds of your household. At this point in time, you should start to see whether you have a well-behaved dog or one that is need of training. You’ll have a good understanding of what rewards the dogs likes, how they react to strangers approaching while they are on leash, and how comfortable they are with other canines.

 

Conversely, your pup has also had time to observe your routine and learn more about their new house rules.  Your dog has probably figured out, for example, that you wake up by 7am every day, leave by 7:45am and return by 5:30pm.  They can also predict that upon returning from their morning potty break they are treated to a dental chew, without fail.  Dogs are good at predicting things, after all they are masters in observation.

 

After the first week, introduce training and enrichment sessions into your dog’s routine.  Both formal cues and enrichment activities are excellent ways to build a better bond. Should you have any behavioral concerns, there is no better time than the present to chat with a certified dog trainer or behaviorist.

 

The First 3 Months

Seeing a dog come out of their shell and start to enjoy life is truly special. For many adoptive families, month 3 marks that point in the relationship where you are a bonded crew! Your dog has learned to trust their new family and feel comfortable in their new environment.  You find yourself telling your dog how much you love them, and when asked what breed your dog is you proudly say ‘rescue’. 

 

Tips to Ease Your Rescue Dog’s Transition Into Their Forever Home

Set everyone up for success. Follow our recommended do’s and don’ts for integrating your new dog into your household.  Adjust accordingly, but only after your rescue pup is settled and feels comfortable.

DO

✅ Educate yourself on dog body language.  Ask yourself, “does my dog seem like they are enjoying this or do they need a break?”  

✅ Prep your home in advance of your new dog’s arrival:  stock up on food, a selection of treats, a few chew toys and bedding; relocate fragile items that are kept at your dog’s height.

✅ Support your rescue dog by not doing anything too intense right off-the bat.  Let them rest.

✅ Create a designated “safe space” for relaxation, naps and bedtime. Set up the crate, or x-pen with a bed and some chew toys. 

✅ Reward all the polite behaviors the dog offers i.e., sitting at the door, laying calmly at your feet.

✅ Supervise all interactions between your pet and anyone under 9 and all household pets.

✅ Carve out separate bonding time for both the new rescue dog and any existing household dogs or pets.

DO NOT

❌ Stick your face in the dog’s face, hug all over them and touch the dog’s head.  Give them space.  Your dog is already under enough stress. 

❌ Expect your existing pets to be as excited as you are about the new dog. 

❌ Feed your new dog near the existing household dog(s).  Separate feeding quarters is the best. If not possible, feed the dogs on opposite ends of the room, supervise the entire time and pick up the bowls when finished.

❌ Attempt to train household dogs together.  Dogs can only be trained together once they have reached the point of learning where distractions can be added.

 

It's normal to feel overwhelmed, even doubt that your new dog likes you but with a little patience and time, your new dog will return that love ten-fold.

  

Rescue Dog Adoption is Rewarding

Each rescue dog has their own unique story.  The real reason why the pet is no longer in a home is generally unknown but the why is inconsequential.  What matters is you are giving that dog a second chance at happiness. In return, they will fill your life with joy like nothing else can!

 

We hope that by following our tips, both you and your pup will have a smooth transition into life together. We wish you the best of luck on your pet ownership journey.   If you have ever rescued a dog, please share your best tip below so other readers can benefit from them too :)

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