RESCUE DOG
 
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM AN ADOPTED DOG
   
Adjustment
Your new dog may have been abandoned, abused or surrendered by a previous family, most probably having been in a shelter or a foster home if they were lucky. The dog now has to adjust to a new home, going to an unfamiliar place with strangers. Pretty scary when you think about it! Being exceptionally gentle, considerate, kind and patient will help ease your new dog into a new family. Some may be very friendly while others may be reserved. No dog is going to be "perfect" and depending on their past history, rescued dogs require special consideration. Rescue dogs have a higher chance of being submissive due to their past experience. Allow your adopted dog several weeks to adapt to its new surroundings and up to four months to fully adjust (older dogs may take longer than young ones).
   
Where am I?
  Your dog might be afraid and unsure of his new surroundings. If he appears to be scared, take it slow. Don't allow children or strangers to 'bother' the dog if it is afraid; fear could possibly result in nipping. Instead, give your dog plenty of time to adjust to his new surroundings, taking it one step at a time. Don't give up! Don't leave your other pets or small children unsupervised with the new dog until they are used to each other.
   
OOPS! I'm sorry
  Even a house trained dog can make mistakes in a new home. He doesn't know which door to go to or how to ask his new family what he wants. Keep a very watchful eye on your new friend and confine them when you can't watch them. The worst thing you can do is to physically reprimand it. This teaches the dog it must go someplace you can't see them to eliminate. A firm "no" when you catch him in the act and placing them outside or on papers will teach them where it is appropriate to go. Some experts say not to place the dog exactly where you want them to go when you take him outside, rather nearby, calling them to that place. The important thing is to reward good behavior and use firm verbal cues for bad behavior. It is not advised that you give the new member of your household free reign of the house when you are away for long periods of time.
   
New rules
  Your new dog had a whole different set of rules in it's previous home. They may have been allowed to sleep in bed or beg at the table. It's up to you to teach them your rules. Teaching proper behavior takes time and patience.
   
While you are gone
  Many pet owners have to leave their dogs at some point during the day. One way to ease the tension your dog feels when you go out is to avoid making a scene. Many pet owners pick up, hug their dog and act out an emotional scene. This is a signal that they are about to be left alone. The pet may respond in kind by barking, whining and acting out. To avoid this, just leave. By not creating a scene, you help your pet to avoid becoming upset or feeling abandoned. You can also give the dog a treat before you leave so it learns to associate your leaving without a crisis. Another way to help is to keep the dog confined in a room containing food, water, a bed, and toys. While the dog adjusts, keeping your dog confined in this way while you are out or busy will protect them from household hazards and mischief.
 
 
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