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10 Steps to a Successful Dog Adoption
Adopting rescue dogs is becoming a wonderful trend in this country. Adopters
of mixed and pure breeds are heroes not only to the dog, but to the adoption organization
who rescued the dog. Every time an organization successfully places a dog they save a life and free up space to rescue another.
However, no one wins if the dog does not succeed in his or her new home. In many cases, a failed adoption can be prevented. The following are 12 steps to help you progress positively in your quest to adopt and bond with a rescue dog. Whether you have rescued before, or if you are just starting, keeping these things in mind will help you on your way.
1. Do not be afraid to set boundaries. All dogs need boundaries and consistency. While it is tempting to allow the rescue to get away with everything, this will only be detrimental in the long run.
2. Start slowly and gradually build. Boundaries do not need to be complicated. For instance, the new rescue dog is likely to be overwhelmed with having the whole house to run around and play. He/she will most likely get into some sort of trouble. Instead, close off rooms with doors and baby gates.
3. Give him time to adjust. Don't rush into any big project with the new rescue. Enrolling in classes, going to the park or the local dog day care is most likely not a good idea. Get to know your new companion at home and in your own back yard for the first few weeks.
4. Family bonding time is important. The time you spend with the dog needs
to be quality time, not necessarily quantity. For instance, spend 5 or 10
minutes gently petting and grooming your dog. Take it slow and provide lots
of soft praise and treats for good behavior. If the dog is scared or
nervous, spend less time. Start taking short walks on lead around the yard
and then go out into the neighborhood. Slow and steady increases will
smooth the adjustment.
5. Be prepared for issues. Dogs in rescue almost always have behavior
issues. Some will take longer than others to manifest themselves. Some will
be evident from the start. Begin working on issues one at a time and again,
don't rush.
6. Don't add more issues by spoiling the dog. Spending every minute with the dog will only make him feel entitled to attention at all times.
7. Make sure the new dog learns to spend time alone. Utilize crate training,
baby gates and other tools to make sure your new friend spends time alone.
Stuff Kongs and hollow bones with liver, cheese and/or peanut butter and
other treats and leave the dog for 5 to 10 minutes and more depending on
his/her anxiety levels. Increase the times gradually.
8. Add training that is appropriate for the dog. For instance, an extremely
fearful dog will not tolerate huge obedience classes filled with dogs and
people. Instead, consider a few private lessons with a well-versed behavior
trainer. This way you can work on the fear issues in a new place and help the
dog gain confidence first. As the dog becomes less fearful, consider a small
class. Again, go slow.
9. Let your dog know it can trust you. Many rescues, if not all of them, have
trust issues. Having been abandoned, abused, and neglected, they do not
necessarily have the best outlook on people. Use gentle, kind, and firm
training, but never force the dog to do anything scary. If you see the dog
is scared, remove him from the situation and try again another time.
10. Be patient. The older your rescue, the more time it will take him to adjust to
your home and family. Don't give up. It can take up to a year to gain trust
and to bond with some dogs.
Bonus Step! Pat yourself on the back for taking the time and patience to rescue. It is a win (the dog), win (you), win (rescue organization), situation!
Barbara L. McNinch Author: Training Your Rottweiler Loved and owned by: Esmond's Go For Broke, CD, CGC, Brisco Von Der Konigsbrucke, CD, CGC Fondly remembering: Shirwin's Cody In Command, CDX
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