Hi there my friends! I am so happy to welcome back Samantha from Top Dog Tips! Those of you that are regulars here at The Cottage Market know that Pet Adoption is truly one of my deep passions in life. Supporting Rescue…being there for Local Shelters…Promoting Adoption and much more is so terribly important. I wish for a world where each pet has a home …is loved and cared for. So when Samantha wanted to share this article How to Help Adopted Dogs Adjust and Relax in Their New Home of course I jumped at it. Sure hope it helps many as they settle in with their new furry friend and my dream is that it encourages you to “Adopt Don’t Shop”. Let’s save them all…one at a time or adopt in pairs like we do ; ) Thank you so much Samantha!
Adopting a dog is a wonderful experience, but it’s also a huge commitment. And as any significant life change, adoption requires a fair bit of preparation. A lot of new dog owners are left unpleasantly surprised by the efforts and problems that come with an adopted dog or any doggie and as a result many canines get returned to the shelter or are being left on the streets…that is something that we want to avoid at ALL COSTS. It’s no wonder that there are over 3 million dogs in the U.S. that find themselves in shelters every year. Adopted Dogs are simply a gift for our souls! They breathe all new life into us and our families…they deserve our patience and love to make their new lease on life wonderful! So today’s article will help you get ready for the BIG Adoption Day and days to come!
The way to prevent this from happening to you and your dog is by being prepared and adjusting your expectations. Here are several tips on how to help your adopted dog adjust and relax in the new environment.
1. Start slow.
Just as you’d find it stressful to move into a new space, so do dogs. It’s even more stressful for them considering that they are also moving in to a new family, and they don’t know what’s happening. Rescue dogs in particular usually don’t have the most positive sounding history and past experiences.
The first key thing to remember is that you shouldn’t pressure the dog – don’t throw a party with friends on the very next day to celebrate the new pup, don’t overwhelm with new and challenging games when he doesn’t initiate them, and don’t throw a bunch of new rules, commands and demands at the pet. Take it slow and allow the pet to gradually fit within the new environment.
2. Give the dog enough personal space.
Dogs may be very friendly and social, but even they need their own personal space, especially when they’ve just went through all the stress of moving into a new place. It could be a corner of the living room, or just a big couch, but you should leave your new pup a place in the house where he can sleep, rest and stay unbothered by anyone and anything. Dogs will usually find their own preferred space when they are exploring their new home, and if you bought a dog crate ahead of time, it’s likely your pet will choose that. Simply follow their preference – as long as the dog knows where the water and the crate are everything should be fine.
3. Be patient.
Remember that the dog is a living animal with his own emotions and thoughts. It’s perfectly normal that your dog will need time to adjust, to calm down and to eventually start learning obedience, the house rules, and other important things. Impatience is the main reason why a lot of new dog owners give up and return their dogs to the shelter or on the street, so keep that in mind. Just as you would be patient with an adopted child, so you should be patient with an adopted pup.
4. Be prepared for stress-related physical problems.
Regardless of how well you are taking care of your newly adopted pup, the whole experience will often be stressful for the dog and there are signs of stress in dogs you must watch out for. You can relive that stress with proper care but every dog experiences new environments differently. So, it’s perfectly possible that your dog will be stressed at first despite your best efforts and with stress come some potential physical problems and symptoms like diarrhea, colitis, and others.
5. Be prepared for feeding troubles.
One of the more common stress-related problem that you might face is a refusal to eat. We’re used to viewing dogs as these insatiable food munchers, but a stressed-out dog can easily refuse to eat for a really long time. It’s important to remember that the cause of this is usually stress and forcing the dog to eat will only increase that stress. Instead, try to further help the dog relax, as well as to tempt the dog with some delicious treats or different foods.
6. Be prepared for house training issues.
Both younger and older dogs can have trouble being house trained. It often depends on the breed, but the personal history of the particular dog can play a huge part as well. Regardless, if you want to crate train your dog or to train him in general – keep in mind that it may take quite a bit of time.
7. Be prepared for escape attempts.
There are different reasons why a dog would escape their home, and when it comes to newly adopted dogs the list is even longer. The dog may be scared and look for a way back to the shelter or he can just as easily be so relaxed that he may decide to go exploring through an open window and get lost. Regardless, it’s important to be prepared for escape attempts. There are plenty of things you can do to puppy-proof and escape-proof your home.
8. Start establishing a routine on the first day.
Routines are built over time and it’s best to start as soon as possible. The more time your dog spends in home without a set in stone food schedule or a walking schedule, the more trouble it will be to get him used to a schedule later on. Plus, creating a fixed schedule is one of the easier ways to help your dog relax as routines calm dogs by giving them the reassurance that things are going as they should be.
9. Start creating habits and establishing rules.
The fact that you should be patient with your dog and that you should start training him slowly so that you don’t overwhelm him doesn’t mean that you should postpone training. To train your dog doesn’t mean just teaching him commands and tricks – it means to establish yourself as the alpha of the home through your behavior, to set up some basic ground rules like “no barking”, “no running/jumping in the house”, “no eating human food”, etc. Establishing those rules shouldn’t happen through yelling at the dog, but by upholding them calmly and firmly from Day 1.
If you are a hugs Dog and Animal Lover…please join us every Saturday on Down The Rabbit Hole. Each week we help another small Rescue or Shelter with a donation and exposure and give you a chance to increase the donation by simply leaving a comment…plus we share some fun links that you will all enjoy.
OPT to ADOPT!
ADOPTED DOGS ROCK! (all dogs rock : )
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Thea Peck says
Wonderful article! I’m wondering if we could receive permission to reprint it on our website (with due credit, of course)
Andrea says
Hello Thea…of course you can! Anything to help. Take care and thank you for all the wonderful work you do for our furry friends. Take care…tons of hugs…andrea
pam smith says
Thanks for sharing all these great tips! I volunteer at an animal shelter and have 4 shelter dogs of my own. Patience is the most important thing. Each dog reacts differently and will take different amounts of time to get adjusted. Give them lots of love and attention and they will be your best friend in no time!
Andrea says
Hi there Pam. I am so glad you enjoyed the tips. You are so right…I too volunteer and have 2 rescues now (have had many and have fostered many : ). Each dog is unique and needs different levels of care…it’s all about giving them the attention they need and all is good! Anyone that adopts or purchases needs to know that these sweet little ones require time and deserve all the love in the world! Sending wishes for a wonderful day! Hugs to you and your 4 cuties!
ellen says
I saw this at the perfect time. We just adopted our boy Tenney yesterday. We have had dogs but he is our first rescue. He does love his crate.. Also noticed when he feels a little anxious he goes in his crate and sucks on his blanket. Doesn’t chew it. Just sucks it. It’s pretty cute.
Debbie says
Wonderful ideas! Thanks for sharing.
Celeste Thompson says
Hi
We have adopted a dog about a week ago. She is a year old this month and it seems that all of her potty training flew out the window. She is also crying constantly during the day while we are at work. My neighbours is not impressed. I really hope that things will get better.
Andrea says
Congratulations on the new adoption! You have made a real difference in your new pups life. Every dog is different and it can take awhile for them to adjust. It sounds like your pup is having separation anxiety … I highly recommend reading: https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=fixing+zipper+with+a+fork+hack As far as Potty Training… sometimes they need to be retaught. They are in a new situation and it truly takes time and a WHOLE lot of patience. Consistency is also KEY in potty training… the same thing each and every day. Feed at the same time each day and walk the pup at the same time every day… they love consistency. Also…leave a piece of clothing with the dog that has your scent on it… that can help along with a Kong filled… it might keep him/her occupied a little bit more… leaving TV on is also a good thing. I will try to get your some more ideas… but these are good to start with. Remind your neighbors it is only temporary and that you saved this pups life 🙂 Hang in there… it is so worth it… it is so worth it!!! You can always write me at thecottagemarket@gmail.com! Sending hugs to you and your pup and I hope you have a productive week!!!
Andrea says
Hi there again! On other thing I was thinking of was to ask your Vet if he/she recommends a natural calming source like Rescue Remedy. Sometimes it just takes the edge off. It is used a lot in rescue so I thought it might be an option for you and your precious pup. Sending hugs and wishes for all things good!
Pamela F says
Hello, we adopted a 6 month old mix breed, lab/german shepard. He came from a home where he had 5 other siblings and free roam of the yard and slept under a trailer, had to eat what he could with 5 other pups eating from dog food just poured out on a porch. He never had been inside the home, never had any real petting and being loved, We are getting ready to have him fixed and chipped. My concern is that he does not want to play, he just wants to lay on his doggie bed, he will go out when we tell him it’s time to go out, but he comes right back in and goes right back to his place which is in the living room where he can be with us throught the day or evening when we are home. My son takes him to his bothers home to play with his dog and he does good there, he plays and has a good time, but when he comes back home he goes right back to his place. He was sleeping with my son who is the one that wanted to get him away from that life style. Could he be doing this cause he misses his siblings. What do you think it could be and how do we handle this? Thank you for listening.
Andrea says
Hi there Pamela… first CONGRATS and THANK YOU for Opting to Adopt… you have no idea how much that makes my heart happy!!! Sounds like he just kind of lived a life with his siblings that was not good at all in those conditions. It truly breaks my heart. But… hwe was used to his pack so most probably is missing them but with a lot of love and patience this will pass. I think the visits with the other dog is a good idea. It is nice for him to be with others and it will raise his spirits. If you are every comfortable with the thought of two dogs… that might be something that would raise his spirits also. It is not the only way however. It sounds like he feels very comfortable with you and that he feels safe probably for the first time in his life. Being relaxed and comfortable is really a good thing. You have a nice size doggie there and they do need exercise. Have you tried some nice long walks? Playtime in the yard?? Once you get his chip and he is neutered… you might consider a dog park so he gets to play more and sees other dogs… but sill has the safety,., love and the assurance of care at your home. I think you are handling things the responsible way, starting with chipping and neutering… shots…etc… he has a comfortable place to sleep… he loves being where you are and he has food he does not have to fight for in any way. He also has a peace about him because he is safe and loved. I have to be honest with you… sometimes things take a lot of time to change… but you are well on your way. Love… caring… perseverance …hugs… exercise and more love can do miracles! Encourage him to come sit by you when you are in the room… give him little rewards when he does what he is asked… just keep making him feel loved. He probably has chosen your son as “HIS PERSON”… they all seem to do that lol… they love everyone… but then there is that special one and that is a good thing! It sounds like he is doing well… sleeping… not crying… playing on his play dates… eating and doing all the other things a doggie does… that is more than many newly adopted dogs do, Some take years. I am going to look for more information that might help you… but soldier on my friend. You and your family have done a wonderful thing. I really hope that his other siblings get to enjoy a real home too at some point. If you need to talk with someone… you can write me anytime at thecottagemarket@gmail.com and if you need someone to actually talk to… just tell me in your email and I will call you and we can chat. I am not a specialist… but I have done my share of rescuing… fostering and of course adopting! I am always happy to share and help! Sending hugs to you… your new pup and your whole family! Have a wonderful evening.