Image Credit: Unsplash
Rescuing a dog is incredibly fulfilling. Just knowing that you are giving this pooch a second chance to be loved is a wonderful feeling. However, taking care of a pet who has a dark past can be quite challenging so before you bring your pup home, think carefully about how you are going to approach this transition.
When dogs are loved, they bring love to your household. Your kids will benefit from having a new furry friend and you can all benefit from a healthy lifestyle walking together. Here’s what you need to do to make sure that they settle in. Just remember, time and patience are key.
Take a Tour of Your Home
The first day is vital for laying down some ground rules but also for familiarizing your dog with your home. Keeping your pup on the leash for the time being, let them have a good sniff around the outside of your house first. Give them plenty of time to look around and don’t pull them around.
Taking a tour of the house is a good way to establish their territory but also to create some rules. If they start chewing or scratching, be firm but fair. Say no clearly and then supply an appropriate toy instead. Praise all good behaviour with a treat.
Make Them Feel Safe
Dogs who have been abused in the past can be quite aggressive when they feel threatened so avoiding this is absolutely vital. The last thing you want is an animal attack so keep in mind your dog’s history and be patient with your homemaking. If you are really worried about this, you can view more here.
Making a dog feel safe is actually quite easy from your perspective - you just need to create a space they can call their own. It might be a crate or a pillow, or even a full room. When your dog is here, you won’t disturb or try to pet them - this is their personal space.
Lots of pets will want to hide from you when they first get home. They might run behind a sofa or dive under a blanket but the most important thing is that you let them hide. Your pet will come out when they are ready and then you can shower them with praise.
Dogs are big fans of routine; it keeps them grounded and makes them feel more secure. Think about it this way, we humans like to know that we are going to have dinner at a certain time and dogs are very similar. Putting down food at the same time each day, going for regular walks and spending playtime together are all ways of establishing a good routine.
Training is also very important as this teaches your dog which behaviours are okay and what they should stop doing. Following instructions is also a vital part of training as this will ensure that everyone knows you are in charge.
Just take your time and you will all be getting along perfectly in no time at all.
Lots of pets will want to hide from you when they first get home. They might run behind a sofa or dive under a blanket but the most important thing is that you let them hide. Your pet will come out when they are ready and then you can shower them with praise.
Establish a Routine
Dogs are big fans of routine; it keeps them grounded and makes them feel more secure. Think about it this way, we humans like to know that we are going to have dinner at a certain time and dogs are very similar. Putting down food at the same time each day, going for regular walks and spending playtime together are all ways of establishing a good routine.
Training is also very important as this teaches your dog which behaviours are okay and what they should stop doing. Following instructions is also a vital part of training as this will ensure that everyone knows you are in charge.
Just take your time and you will all be getting along perfectly in no time at all.
