Adopting a dog can be an exciting milestone in your life. Your pet can quickly become a beloved member of the family, but the transition from the shelter to home can be stressful. You want to set your dog up for success and create a welcoming, safe environment. Remember that it can take a few weeks for them to fully adjust and start showing their true personality.
Get Ready
Prepare your home in advance. You don’t want to bring your dog home but have nothing set up for them. Pick out a soft bed or blanket, food dishes, a collar and leash, and some toys. Decide where to put all of these items as well. You don’t want to be constantly rearranging and confuse your dog as to where to find their food or bed.
Make sure you pet-proof your home as well. Remove or lock up any potentially hazardous items. Tuck cords out of the way so your dog doesn’t get tangled up and so they don’t chew them as well. Pick up small items off the floor you don’t want them to eat or have in their mouth either.
Introduce Your Dog to Your Home
Don’t just set your pet free to wander and roam as soon as they get to your house. Keep them on their leash and guide them around to the different rooms and areas where they are allowed to be. Take a tour of the backyard and let them sniff things out and use the bathroom. They’ll probably be nervous, so a little time outside can help reduce accidents.
If there are certain areas where you don’t want your dog to be, keep the door closed or put up a gate. Don’t introduce those spots during your tour. Keep walking by.
Start a Routine
You may not know much about your rescue dog’s past, so you’ll want to start a routine for how you will do things moving forward. Try to stick to a consistent schedule for when you feed them, go on walks, or crate them for the night. They may already know some basic commands, so continue practicing and reinforcing them. Use small treats, petting, and kind words to praise positive behaviors.
Create a Safe Space
Give your new dog a space all of their own. This could be a blanket on the floor or a crate. Guide them there and get them settled, then leave them be. Make sure your kids or other pets aren’t laying in your dog’s bed or bothering them while they are there. When your dog feels comfortable, then they’ll come find you and you can give them plenty of love and attention.
Be Patient and Go Slowly
Pay attention to your pet’s behavior and demeanor. If they have their head down, are shaking or panting, or pull their tail between their legs, they’re probably nervous and scared. Don’t make them feel threatened by being in their personal space. Give them some room, get down on their level, and be patient. Let them slowly get a feel for your home, your family, and their new life. Let yourself get a feel for what your dog likes or dislikes.
Wait for a few weeks before you bring other family members or friends over to your home to meet your rescue dog. It can be tempting to start showing them off because you’re excited, but you want your dog to be comfortable with your family first and get settled in.
If you’re headed out of town, don’t leave your new pet home alone. Board them at Lake Wylie Pet Resort so you know they’re safe, secure, and receiving plenty of care and attention. While they’re there, they can also get groomed so they’re looking and feeling their best. Contact us today to schedule your pet’s stay!