Anyone who has adopted or fostered a rescue dog knows just how daunting the first few weeks can be. The process of introducing and acclimating any new animal is complicated and requires extraordinary patience. And your new rescue will likely have unique circumstances that could complicate matters further. But if you keep a few simple tips in mind, you’ll be well on the road to rehabilitation and rescue success:
- Limit the excitement. This is critical during the first few days at home. Rough play, dog parks, loud noises and other extreme stimuli can stress your new dog severely. Try to keep things calm and quiet as s/he settles in.
- Be consistent. Try to maintain consistent times for waking up, eating meals, going for walks, going to the bathroom and settling in for bedtime. It’s also helpful to delay making any changes in diet or nutrition until your new arrival has started to settle in (usually after a few weeks).
- Be flexible. It’s almost certain your new foster/rescue has created simple (but sometimes powerful) associations that might not make much sense to you right away. Simple items like leashes, toys, car seats…nearly anything could represent a prior set of experiences for you new dog, and some of them might not be pleasant. Don’t try to force your own expectations on your new dog (“Why can’t I teach him to love this orange frisbee?!?!”). Learn to love some of the things s/he already loves, discover some new favorites together and enjoy the process of developing habits that will last a lifetime.
- Be understanding. Many experienced rescuers and foster parents say that it can take weeks for a dog’s true personality to begin showing. You’ve chosen to take on a remarkable pet with plenty of past experiences and stories. It will undoubtedly take time and understanding for you to bond.
- Be prepared for accidents. Your rescue has had his/her entire world turned upside down. Even the best-trained dogs can have accidents in completely new environments. Try to spend plenty of time with your dog in the area where s/he should potty…and provide plenty of rewards afterward. Remember that an accident is not the sign of a “bad-tempered” or poorly trained dog. It’s simply and indication of the stress and confusion your dog is experiencing on the road to recovery.
