1. Allow the dog to inspect your home. Dogs will sniff and inspect the new
surroundings. Some dogs may even mark their new territory. This is
very normal. However, supervision is suggested to keep an eye on the
pet as it checks out its new surroundings.
2. Walk your dog around the neighborhood as often as possible and as
immediately as possible. Walking will familiarize your dog with its new
environment and promote your relationship with your pet.
3. Minimize overwhelming interactions with new people at first. Too much
stimulation too soon could cause anxiety. Give your new pet a few days
to decompress and settle in. Introduce your pet to new people slowly.
Many rescue animals may feel overwhelmed with all of the new changes
to its life. When you do socialize your dog, use treats and a lot of positive
reinforcement to ensure your pet makes positive associations with new
people.
4. Crating your new rescue dog is suggested. Although many adult dogs
may already be housebroken, it is safer for the dog to be crated when
unsupervised. Destructive or chewing behaviors could also be present.
Crating keeps your dog safe and your house destruction-free.
5. Begin daily training with your new pet immediately. See Jeff
Coltenback’s leadership tips for more information.
6. Establish rules and boundaries for your new dog. Setting rules initially
is ideal. Waiitng to do so could allow the dog to develop unwanted
habits.
7. Abandon the word “empathy” from your vocabulary as it pertains to your
new dog. Do not feel bad for his past. If you want the dog to have a
great future, forget about his past. Dogs live here and now. Focusing on
the moment is best for your new pet!
8. Love your new dog; at the right time. Try not to reward excited behaviors
or states of mind. Always offer love and affection when your dog is calm
and relaxed!
Jeff Coltenback
Bloomfield, NJ
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