So, you’re considering getting a dog. First off, congrats! Pups provide you with years of love and companionship that you simply can’t find anywhere else. However, if you’re not fully prepared, it can be a traumatic experience for both you and the dog. Luckily, there are several steps you can take to avoid that. At Dogology University, we spend a lot of time working with people who have found their new best friend. Here’s some of our top tips for adopting a rescue dog.
7 Tips For Adopting A Rescue Dog From Trusted Trainers
Get a Vet Checkup
This first tip for adopting a rescue dog should always come first. Take your dog to the vet. Bring all the paperwork along so the office can get them caught up on any vaccines. And don’t be afraid to call a few practices before you settle. Your vet should be someone you feel confident calling whenever your pup digs through the trash or starts acting a little off. Find someone you feel confident with!
Establish a Routine Quickly After Adopting A Rescue Dog
Routines are just as important for animals as they are for us. By establishing a routine early on, you can help them with the transition into a new environment. It gives them something steady in the midst of this huge change.
Gradually Introduce Them to Other Dogs or Animals
Forcing an introduction between new and resident animals can cause stress on everyone involved including when adopting a rescue dog. If you can, let them meet each other with a barrier such as a fence. Let them take it slow on their own terms. Watch for any tense body language and let them take breaks as needed.
Walk Your Home and Allow Them to Explore
I always suggest taking your new pup on a nice, guided tour around the house before letting them loose. Keep them on a leash and walk them around so they can get familiar with their settings.
Play and Exercise
Your dog is going to need lots of play and exercise. So be sure you are fully prepared. Out main tip here is to read up on the breeds you are looking at adopting so you know what to expect from your rescue dog. Play can be especially helpful for anxious puppies who need an outlet for all that energy!
Understand the 3/3/3 Rule and Have Patience
Knowing the 3/3/3 Rule is going to be crucial when adopting a rescue dog. Essentially, you can expect 3 days of your pup feeling overwhelmed, 3 weeks for them to settle in, and 3 months to build your trust. Give them all the time they need, so they can have a home where they know they belong.
Hire a Positive Reinforcement Trainer
Lastly, you are going to want to hire a trainer who will curb any bad behaviors and help your puppy with the adjustment period. Having a dog is all about having patience, and it can be tempting to turn to quick fixes that might seem effective in the short term but actually lead to lifelong issues. At Dogology University, we get this frustration. That’s why we’ve created training programs that will give you long-term results using positive reinforcement. We use a compassionate approach that lets you build up your bond with your dog. We also make it as convenient as possible by offering at-home lessons you can do on your own turf. We know how rewarding it is to have a pup, and we want to be there to make sure you have a positive experience!
I Hope These Tips For Adopting A Rescue Dog Help You And Your Growing Family Adjust Seamlessly
All these tips for adopting a rescue dog together can help ease the transition for your new friend. Remember that although you intend to love them and spoil them, they may still start off scared. So, by helping them in these ways, you can build the trust needed to create a bond like nothing else. If you think we might be the team for you, let’s have a conversation so you can decide for yourself. Either give us a call or complete a contact form so we can get started as soon as possible!
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