A rescue dog settlement is different from a conventional dog adoption, requiring you to acclimatize your pet to its new surroundings and train them any way you see fit.
It’s a more serious project that requires sincerity and care. You must consider the kind of settlement your new pet is comfortable with, including food, water, shelter, and exercise.
Plus, how you’ll introduce him to your family and what kind of training they can tolerate.
These things can make your rescue dog’s life significantly better. But there are some additional factors to take into account as well, such as,
1. Understand the 3-3-3 Rule and Act Accordingly
It’s no secret that rescue dogs come with a lot of emotional baggage. They may have been neglected, abandoned, or worse, abused by their previous owners. As a result, they may be skittish, anxious, or even aggressive.
That’s why it’s essential to understand the 3-3-3 rule when adopting a rescue dog. According to the experts at We love doodles, this rule simply states that it will take three days for your rescue dog to feel comfortable in their new home, three weeks to adjust and settle in, and three months for the two of you to bond.
Of course, this is just a general guideline, and every dog is different.
For example, doodles are much more delicate than other dog breeds, taking longer to adjust and bond with their owners.
Likewise, other dog breeds might take longer to adapt to and become comfortable in their new environment.
But if you’re patient and understanding, chances are good that your rescue dog will eventually become a beloved family member.
2. Give Your Pet Enough Space and Time
When you first settle a rescue dog into your home, giving them enough space and time to adjust is crucial.
Because if you try to force too much interaction too soon, it may trigger your dog to exert more aggressiveness. They may become scared or even aggressive.
So take things slow, give them space when they need it, and let them come to you on their own terms.
Allow them time to become acquainted with their new environment’s surroundings, sounds, and scents. Once they’re settled, they’ll accept your love without any hesitation.
3. Supervise Your New Dog
Another best way to help your rescue dog settlement is to supervise them closely. Here are some tips on how to do so,
- Establish a routine from the start. This means regular mealtimes, walks, and playtimes.
- Provide them with a safe and comfortable space. This could be a crate or bed in a quiet corner of your house where they can go to relax.
- Keep them on a leash or in a fenced-in area when they’re outside, and never leave them unsupervised inside the house.
- Supervising your rescue dog around other people and animals is also essential until you’re sure they are comfortable and won’t lash out.
- Ask for expert assistance if necessary. Go to a veterinarian or animal behaviorist for advice if your rescue dog is having trouble adjusting. They can assist you in figuring out any underlying problems and creating a strategy to help your dog settle.
4. Don’t Leave Your Rescue Dog Alone
For a rescue dog settlement, one of the things you need to be aware of is that they may have some separation anxiety.
This isn’t necessarily bad – it just means they fear being alone because of their traumatic past.
So, don’t keep your pet unattended or alone for too long. They’ll feel safer as a result, and you will be able to engage and bond with them more easily.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you can never leave them alone – just that you should gradually increase the time they’re on their own, which will help them get used to being alone.
However, set up a safe space for them when leaving your rescue dog alone. It might be a crate or a space where they can be at ease and safe.
You should also ensure they have plenty of toys and chews to keep them occupied and a comfy bed.
5. Beware of Their Escape Attempts
Rescue dogs, like dachshunds, might be prone to running away due to their sinister experiences.
So, before adopting a rescue dog, take some time to research its background and personality type. This will help you get prepared for their potential escape attempts and know how to keep them best safe.
You may also take extra steps to keep them from running away. Here are some tips:
- The first step is to ensure that your yard is securely fenced. If your dog is particularly adept at escaping, you may need to invest in a more secure fence, such as an underground wire.
- You should also take your dog for walks on a leash, even if they’re well-behaved, to prevent them from getting away from you and getting lost.
- Also, if you catch your rescue dog escaping, you must remain calm and call them back in a soothing voice. Never chase after them, as this will only encourage them to keep running.
- Finally, ensure their ID tags are updated and firmly attached to their collar. This way, if they happen to get lost, this will help ensure you can locate them quickly or call for someone’s help to look for your dog.
6. Train Your Pet Gradually
There’s no need to be anxious about training your new rescue dog. Indeed, these dogs haven’t been exposed to proper obedience training, but taking things slowly at first can make everything right.
Simply start with the basics – sit, stay, come. Once your pet learns those commands, you can progress to more challenging tricks or activities.
Also, remember to praise them lavishly when they do something right; dogs love positive reinforcement just as much as we do!
However, rescue dogs typically need more training and compassion than other dogs. So, with a bit of love and attention, your rescue dog will soon adapt to the house rules and be a well-behaved family member.
7. Socialize Your Dog
It’s important to socialize your rescue dog slowly and carefully to help them be friendly and overcome their fears. Here are a few tips for socializing your rescue dog:
Meeting new people and other dogs can be overwhelming for rescue dogs. So take things slowly at first. Gradually introduce your dog to new faces and environments, and ensure positive experiences.
Ensure that each member of the family is conscious of the circumstances. Everyone in your home has to know the proper socialization techniques for a rescue dog. This means being patient, gentle, and consistent with all interactions.
Praise and reward your dog whenever they behave properly among unfamiliar people or animals. It will help them correlate pleasant memories with the experience of forming new relations.
Expecting your dog to become a party animal overnight is unrealistic since socialization takes time. Thus, keep up with the short, positive experiences; eventually, they’ll become more comfortable around others.
8. Pay Attention to Diet
Some rescue dogs come from situations where they aren’t well-fed and may be underweight. Others may have been fed a poor-quality diet that didn’t give them the nutrition they needed.
In either case, it’s crucial to discuss with a veterinarian the ideal diet for your new dog and how much it needs to eat daily.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when feeding a rescue dog:
- First, they may be allergic to certain ingredients;
- Second, they may require more or fewer meals depending on how active they are;
- And third, they may need special supplements to make up for any nutrients they lacked in their previous diet.
Be aware of these certain factors to avoid any health issues that may form in your dog.
9. Don’t Punish Your Dog
Rescue dogs often come from difficult situations while not knowing their parents’ existence and may not be used to loving homes. That’s why it’s important not to punish them too often for their wrong moves.
It can further damage their already fragile emotional state and make it difficult for them to trust humans. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement, and help your rescue dog settle into a happy, loving home.
Conclusion
Giving a home to a rescue dog in need is arguably the most rewarding thing one can do. But it’s also crucial to remember that these canines might face specific difficulties.
So, this post has touched on a few factors that can help you deal with a rescue dog settlement more smoothly.
And with patience and understanding, you can provide a loving home for a rescue dog and help them start a new life.