4 Ways to Integrate a Rescue Dog Into Your Family
Rescue dogs are amazing. The idea of taking a dog that no one else wanted, maybe was mistreated or thrown away like trash and helping it become a member of the family is amazing. But it does not come without a lot of trial and error.
In this blog we will talk about:
· Introducing your Rescue to your other dogs
· The first night
· Feeding
· Bonding
Each of these topics were things that I had to struggle with when we brought Ruger home. It was not the most smooth transition but hopefully with these tips you will be able to help your new doggo feel right at home. Lets get started!
Introducing your Rescue to Your Other Dogs
If you are introducing your new fur baby to the other fur babies in the house, there are a couple different methods that can help make the meeting go well. First as a disclaimer I am not a dog trainer or a pet behavioral specialist. If you feel that you are going to have a lot of difficulty with getting your dogs to accept each other, consult with your trainer first.
Make sure that you start out on neutral territory. Have someone meet you outside, possibly at a dog park or some place where they can be together and get to know each other first before bringing them home. Dogs are naturally territorial of their space. Some dogs more then others. Having them on territory that neither of them thinks they own, will make the meeting go much easier.
Give them both equal attention and praise good behaviors. Speak to them in a high pitch praising voice. Do not involve treat or toys. Both of these items might encourage resource guarding that could lead to other bad behaviors. Try to stay in the general area that they are in while they are getting to know each other. This way you can be there to help stop any issues before they start.
The First Night
When I travel, I usually find that the first night in a new place can make it difficult to sleep. Imagine that you don’t know where you are and why you are there. The sights, sounds and smells are all wrong. This is how it is for a dog when they first go to a new home. There are a few quick tips that you can use to ease their anxiety.
First, have a space designated for them. I prefer a comfy dog bed in a crate so that they have their own cozy little den. I recommend this crate Here. Wherever you put your new fur baby, try to make it a constant location. Next try to put something that they came with in the sleep space. If it is a leash, put in on the bed, a toy, a blanket. Many times shelter dogs come with nothing so take a towel and rub them all over with it. Put it over the dog bed so that the bed has their scent on it.
If your pup is having a really hard time, you might want to turn on a radio or some low music near the bed so that they do not feel so alone. Adjusting to a new environment is difficult but with a little time and consideration, it can go well. I really like this bed and find my rescue dog sleeps great on it. Click here!
Feeding
Find out what your rescue dog ate at the shelter or rescue organization. Even if it is not the best quality of food, your dog will get sick if you change their diet quickly. Get some of that same food and mix it half and half with the food you want to give your dog. A few days later increase the amount of the new food in the mix. A few days later, increase it even more until finally you are feeding all the new food. Choose a high quality food. Some dog foods lack nutrition that your dog needs. Consult with your vet to see what they recommend.
Bonding
Spending time with your new dog is the best way to bond with them. Talk to them. Play with them. I would even recommend feeding them from your hand for the first few weeks. Some dogs are starving for affection and will jump at the chance to be close to you. They will wiggle into your lap and try to get as close as possible. Other dogs will take time and patience to get bonded with. Be patient. It will be worth it.
Spend some time working with your dog. Even if it is only 15 minutes a day working on obedience, spend time working with your dog. The very act of working together will help you bond with your dog. If you are not sure how to start with obedience, talk to a trainer. Look at the different methods and see which one will work best for you.
Conclusion
Your new rescue dog will be one of your best friends. You need to spend time with it to teach it how to be a part of the family. It will take at least 2 months for your new dog to fully settle in to a new household and to realize that they are not going anywhere. Be patient, be kind, be the one to make a true difference in their life.
