Bringing home a rescue dog
Bringing home your rescue dog will be exciting, but it can also be challenging and stressful. Your adopted dog will need time to adjust to being in a new home and, in some cases, learn to trust again if they have been victims of cruelty or neglect or have not been properly socialised with people.
Helping a rescue dog to settle in
It can help your dog to feel more at home if they have with them a blanket or toy that smells familiar to them. A few days before you bring your dog home, take a toy or a blanket to your dog’s existing home or rescue centre and then bring this with you when you collect your dog.
First day with your new dog
Designate an area of your house as your dog’s safe space – many dogs feel safe in an enclosed space so a dog crate or a baby gate on the door of the utility room works quite well for this. This should be in a warm, draft-free and quiet area of your home where your dog can retreat to undisturbed.
Toilet training a rescue dog
As soon as you bring your rescue dog home and before you go indoors, let them go to the toilet and give them lots of praise when they do. Accidents in the house are quite common with rescue dogs – so take your dog outside lots so they quickly learn where they need to go and make sure you respond quickly and positively if they whine to go out.
Feeding your dog
Maintain the same feeding regime and type of food that your dog has been used to. It’s OK to change your dog’s diet, but this should be done gradually.
How to get a dog to settle at night
You may prefer for your adopted dog to sleep in the same room as you or near your bedroom for the first few nights. If you are using a dog crate you can move this to your bedroom and then gradually move them to another area of the house as they become more settled. It’s a good idea to establish a bedtime routine with your dog from day one.
What to do if you experience problems
It may take time for your new dog to settle in. Rescue dogs are more likely to experience separation anxiety. This means they feel anxious when they are left alone. You can teach your dog to be alone but if your dog is experiencing extreme anxiety you may need to get help from a professional animal behaviourist. It’s best to prevent problems from occurring in the first place, so make sure you are fully prepared for taking on rescue dog that may need lots of your time and patience.
Find the Perfect Puppy Class Near You
Discover small, friendly classes across the UK led by our expert, professional Puppy School Tutors. Get hands-on advice and support, to ensure your puppy gets the best start with positive, reward-based training.
Find a Puppy Class Today
Testimonials
What Clients say
about Puppy School
-
“Storm really enjoyed coming to puppy class each week and we have all learnt so much together! Yvonne was very informative and so friendly and welcoming and a great teacher! The whole experience from start to finish was very positive and highly would recommend to anybody to join the classes as you gain so much from them! We will most definitely be coming back for super pups classes when they start! Thank you so much for everything! :) ”— Mark
-
“The training was invaluable in helping me to ensure Toby developed new skills as he grew into the confident, well behaved pup that he is. The training taught me how to be a successful puppy parent, and we are both looking forward to starting puppy college. ”— Mary
-
“Really enjoyable course, puppy , myself and my children loved attending . We found it really beneficial and helpful”— Colin
-
“Tammy was a great tutor, so much so that we have already booked onto SuperPup. She always had time after class if we had any questions or to discuss things not covered in class.”— Melanie
-
“It was a good experience for both us and Reuben. I think puppy training is valuable for all dogs and owners!”— David