Tips For Adopting A New Dog (Rescue)
Working with the Boxer Rescue is very rewarding, but at times so frustrating. We tell the adopters how to slowly integrate their new pet into the home, but few listen and then the poor dog comes back and the process starts all over again. This is very distressing to the dog and creates a very bad environment.
We had a doggie brought back yesterday after only being adopted for one day. The new owner took the dog to work where it got into a fight with another dog. This went against everything we told the new owner to do. But, of course, it was the dog's fault.
Here are some tips for adopting a new dog into your home:
Give the dog a few weeks to get acclimated to their new surroundings. Remember that the dog you adopted may have been abused, lived in a kennel, was lost, etc. Dogs are creatures of habit and familiarity. They need comfort and security. Do not immediately take your new dog to the Dog Park, or to your friend's house. Let the dog learn that their new home is safe and secure. Show them a lot of love. Once they learn that everything is okay. slowly introduce new items into their life.
If you already have a dog in your home, always feed the new dog separate in the beginning. You do not want to introduce jealousy or fear to either dog. I suggest feeding in separate rooms at first. Then slowly introduce feeding in the same room. Hopefully you will be able to feed them together after a few weeks.
Pick up any toys or bones for at least two weeks if you already have a dog at home. You do not want to introduce fighting and possessiveness. Take away anything that could cause a conflict in the beginning.
If you do sense jealousy in the home from your current dog when the new dog comes into the home, do your best to curb this behavior. When one dog comes to you when your are sitting down, stand up and walk away. Do what it takes to put an end to the jealous behavior. Show both dogs that they are loved and one is not favored over the other.
Walk your dog A LOT. This helps to burn off any energy they could have built up and gives them great pleasure. If you already had a dog in the home, walk them together. This helps to build the Pack mentality. Walking your dogs together will go a long way with building harmony in the home.
Do not be afraid to crate your new dog. Many times a crate is a secure place for them to sleep and feel safe. After a period of time you can leave the crate door open and your new dog may still go in there to sleep. Do not use the crate as punishment.
I hope your find these tips helpful if you are interested in adopting a new dog!
Please visit a local shelter and bring home a new dog! Rescue dogs are the best!