When you rescue a dog, it’s likely that you don’t know its history. They may have had a traumatic past, or had a lack of training and socialization. It’s super important to take things slowly. Some animal behavior experts recommend what’s called the 2-week Shut Down – a good length of time where you limit the dog’s exposure to the world beyond their new home. It’s tempting to want to bring your new dog everywhere, you might be excited to introduce them to friends and show them all the new things they have to look forward to in their new life with their forever family, but it’s really important that you give the dog plenty of time, patience, and gentle understanding that their world has been rocked. Time is always helpful for your new friend to adjust to their new home. It’s also a good idea to talk with a veterinarian and a qualified trainer to help the dog learn how to trust and bond with their new family.
1. Give Them Space: When you first bring your new dog home, it’s important to give them the space and understanding that they need to adjust to their new environment. Let them explore and sniff around the house at their own pace.
2. Take It Slow: Don’t rush into physical contact with your new dog. Start by offering treats and toys, and gradually move on to petting and cuddles. Pay attention to the dog’s body language. Ears back, a closed tight mouth or a wide look in their eyes, (often called “whale eye”) are signs of stress, which may mean they’re not ready for you to give the cuddles just yet. Let the dog chose to come to you, when they’re feeling up for it!
3. Establish Rules and create Routines: Dogs do well with structure and clear boundaries. Establishing basic rules and routines (such as meal times, potty breaks, and bedtimes) will help your dog feel secure and comfortable. When things are unpredictable, they can get overwhelmed. Be patient with them while you show them what is expected – use lots of treats and verbal praise when they get it right! Avoid using a harsh tone of voice when they do something you don’t want them to – just show them the right thing and trust that there will be a few mistakes while they learn.
4. Provide Mental Stimulation: Shelter dogs often come from a background of boredom and neglect. It’s important to give your dog plenty of mentally stimulating things to do, such as puzzle toys, interactive toys, and training games. While you’re taking it slow introducing them to their new life, there’s downtime to fill with interactive training games, like teaching them their new name by playing the Name Game, and showing them it’s fun to come to you by training them to Touch! Remember to play these games in little snippets, taking breaks when they seem distracted or bored, then come back to them later. Keep a light tone and make it fun!
5. Be Patient: Above all else, be patient with your new dog. Understand that it will take time for them to adjust and bond with you. With enough love and patience, you can create a strong bond with your new pup, and have a loyal friend and companion that trusts you have their backs.
