Congratulations on Choosing to Adopt a Rescue Dog! The first-week with your new furry friend is of utmost importance , as it lays the groundwork for a strong bond and aids them in settling into their new home . This guide will walk you through your first seven days with a rescue dog, offering advice and tips to help your pup adjust.
Adopting a Rescue Dog The First Seven Days
- Day 1: When You Bring Home Your Rescue Dog
- Day 2: CreatingTrust & Comfort
- Day 3: Inside and Out Of the Home
- Day 4: Building Workouts
- Day 5: Meet the New Kids on the Block
- Day 6: Tackling Behavioral Issues
- Day 7 — Reflections And Looking Ahead
Day 1: When You Bring Home Your Rescue Dog
Well, you know what they say—today is THE day ! It can also be overwhelming for your rescue dog on their first day, so keep that in mind when you start this venture of rescuing a dog. Remember, it’s normal for them to be a bit anxious at first. Ease the Transition with These Tips
- 1. Establish relaxation zone: Before purchasing your doggie, create a cosy site comprehensive with base sheets, drinking water, bow
- 2. Calm the waters: Only introduce close family and do it in a quiet place.
- 3. Set a schedule: Introduce feeding and potty times from the beginning.
- 4. Space: Let your rescue dog roam their new area in peace.
Day 2: CreatingTrust & Comfort
Day 2: Start working on trust; let the dog adapt to his new environment and be comfortable.
- 1. Follow on with rhythm: Continue to follow the feeding and potty schedule you set up on day one.
- 2. Bond: Sit near a quiet dog and give treats and kind words for bonding.
- 3. Basic Commands: Begin with a simple “sit” or a “come here” using positive rewards.
- 4. Keep Your Dog Mentally Stimulated — Give your dog puzzle toys or stuffed ones.
Day 3: Inside and Out Of the Home
Once your rescue dog begins to settle in, get them a little more space by:
- 1. Supervised exploration: You can also start supervised exploration, in which your dog is allowed access to a more significant part of the house while you observe.
- 2. Yard introduction: If you have a fenced yard, bring your dog outside on a leash for an exploratory tour.
- 3. Bond further: Have soft play or sit together and do so some bonding.
- 4. Reward calm behaviour and following commands.
Day 4: Building Workouts
Day 4: Exercise Day four with your rescue dog: It’s back to a routine, and it’s time to start giving your dog regular exercise!
- 1. Get on your feet: To start, go for a casual stroll around the block.
- 2. Play in the backyard: Have peaceful playtime in your fenced yard .
- 3. Keeping energy levels in check: Puppies and even dogs need more exercise, but be sure to gauge this accordingly.
- 4. Mini indoor activities: Keep their mind busy with toys and little training sessions.
Day 5: Meet the New Kids on the Block
Day five should be the day you finally bring in another family member or pet (if you still need to do so).
- 1. Slow introductions: If you have other animals or family members, make sure to introduce your new pet slowly and in a controlled circumstance
- 2. Monitor interactions:- Supervise all interactions between your rescue dog, children, or other animals.
- 3. Boundaries: Teach your children to respect the space of the dog and not crowd them.
- 4. Constructive Associations — Create positive associations with new introductions by using treats and praise. For example, when your dog meets a new family member or pet, give them a treat and praise them for their excellent behaviour. This will help your Dog associate new experiences with positive outcomes .
Day 6: Tackling Behavioral Issues
While you are in the process, of course, of adopting a rescue dog, some behavioural problems, such as
- 1. Discover your triggers: People watch for anything that makes them worry or that does not make them desire or feel more comfortable than you.
- 2. Seek help: If you notice more severe behaviour problems, consult a professional dog trainer.
- 3. Expect the best, not the worst, and work with what you are given. Keep in mind that your rescue pup is still getting over some things and might require some time.
- 4. Regular training- Keep on the positive reinforcement training to work on behavior.
Day 7 — Reflections And Looking Ahead
On the last day of the first week, you bring your rescue dog home, stop and consider the headway you have made:
- 1. Small wins: Take a moment to acknowledge the progress you’ve made . Reflect on what would have been happening a week ago and celebrate the small victories.
- 2. Evaluate: Consider whether your dog may need extra help in any areas of training.
- 3. Future Vision: Obedience or vet visits.
- 4. A Load of Love—Keep on adding love between play, training together at home, and spending quality time with your dog.
Vegan Dog Adopting FAQs
1. How Long Does it Take for a Rescue Dog to Feel At Home?
While all dogs are different, most rescue dogs begin to adapt to their new lifestyle within weeks or months with their new family.
2. Does my new rescue dog need to be “crate trained”?
Crate training is often helpful in providing a safe space for your dog, as well as housebreaking them, but be sure to do so very gradually.
3. My Rescue Dog Won’t Eat!
It is normal for a rescue dog to not want to eat the first time due to fear . If this does not happen for more than a few days, do not hesitate to contact your vet.
4. How to help a rescue dog with fear/anxiety
Build A Routine, Use Positive Reinforcement, & Work With A Professional Trainer
5. When do I start training my rescue dog?
Please start with the basic commands and positive reinforcement from day one, but keep it fun and short.
Getting a rescue dog is a great deal of work, and if you do it appropriately, you are bound to get your labor’s worth. This way, the bond you create with your new furry will be as solid and long-lasting built in those first seven days. Every dog is different, so you may need to tweak the process along the way. But, given the time and effort from both you and the rescue dog, love in a relationship based on trust will follow.
