The best way to help a rescued dog adjust to life in your home is to be prepared. You’ll want your new friend to feel safe and comfortable when they first arrive, so be sure you have suitable accommodations ready for them. You can also take steps now to make sure they feel welcome.
Plan for your rescue dog’s arrival.
If you’re already a dog owner and have decided to add another furry friend to your pack, then you probably know the basics about how to make them feel welcome. But if this is your first time adopting a rescue dog, it’s crucial that you consider everything from space requirements to food options—and that’s why we’ve created this article!
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- Consider how much room will be needed for the dog. The more active and playful dogs need at least as much space as they had in their previous homes (if not more). If you live in an apartment with only one room for a bed, consider getting one of those big portable ones for now.
- Plan on spending plenty of time with your new pup once they move in! You’ll want to spend some time getting used to each other before taking any significant walks or trips outside together; otherwise, it could lead towards confusion or even aggression later down the line when trying something new together after spending so much time apart beforehand.
Provide a safe place for your new dog to stay.
At the point when you initially bring back another dog, ensure a safe place for them to stay. When you put your new pet in its crate, be sure it is not located in an area where other pets are allowed (including other dogs), as this can cause stress for your new friend. A crate is ideal since it can help with potty training and provide a familiar place for the dog to feel safe. The same goes for children: don’t let them play with or bother the dog while trying to decompress after being taken away from their previous family.
There are also some areas of your house where you should avoid keeping your new rescue pup at all costs—namely, the kitchen! If possible, keep them separate from any appliances that might pose safety risks (like water faucets). It might sound like overkill, but if there’s one thing we’ve learned while working at Unleashed Pet Rescue Society, it’s this: nothing good comes from dogs chewing on electric cords because they smell something delicious cooking nearby!
Give the dog time to adjust.
You may get a dog that’s been in the shelter for a while, or you may adopt one that was in a home before it was surrendered. Either way, it will need time to adjust to its new home.
- Give the dog time to adjust. The best thing you can do for your new rescue is give them time to relax and feel comfortable with their surroundings. Don’t expect your new family member to look happy immediately; they’ve just been through a lot! It could take weeks or even months before your rescue dog feels comfortable and relaxed around people and other animals.
- Don’t force anything on them—including love (or affection). Your rescued pet might seem reluctant at first when interacting with humans but don’t push them too hard; when they’re ready, they’ll come over with no prompting! It’s crucial not to pressure them into being affectionate if they aren’t ready yet; trust me when I say most dogs will eventually warm up once they know who all these noisy creatures are around them 24/7 😉 But please don’t leave food unattended because it could attract unwanted attention from rodents like mice, making things worse.
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Take steps to reduce stress.
The first few days at home will be the most stressful for your dog. He might have anxiety from being in a new environment or trying to adjust to his new life as a dog. To help him with this, ensure he is comfortable in all areas of your home.
- Give him a safe place to hide or sleep—a crate can be great! You can also provide him with his bed if you prefer not to use crates (but note: many rescues don’t know how old their dogs are and, therefore, won’t have any information about whether they’ve ever been crate trained). If possible, get two beds so one can always be available while the other is being washed. This will give your dog room to move freely without feeling cramped instead of trapped in an uncomfortable space like a crate would make them feel!
- Make sure there are enough places where your dog can move freely without feeling crowded by furniture or other people who may accidentally bump into them while trying not to fall over themselves!”
Give him CBD oil to reduce stress.
CBD oil can help with a variety of things that your rescued dog may need. It can reduce stress, anxiety, and pain. CBD oil can also help treat inflammation in dogs, and it’s also great for sleep!
In addition to CBD oil, you should also get him some quality food made specifically for his breed. This will help him build muscle mass and strength and keep him healthier overall.
The dog will love you when it’s ready.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing your dog is happier with you than his previous owner, but this isn’t always true. He may be highly grateful for having been rescued and taken in by someone who cares about him, but he may also have been very happy where he was before. After all, dogs are like children: they need time and space to adjust to any new situation. During this adjustment period of several weeks or months (or even years), it’s crucial that you do not pressure your dog into bonding with you before he is ready. For example:
- Don’t push him to play when he doesn’t want to;
- Don’t force attention on him when he wants some space;
- Make sure that his routine remains as consistent as possible while introducing changes gradually over time;
- A happy dog will take away all your stress and you will be happier than ever.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a new dog, consider adopting from your local shelter or rescue. Many beautiful dogs need homes, and you can make a difference in their lives by giving them one.
