Tips on How to Take in and Care for Adult Dogs
Dog Care Information on Making a Rescue Dog Feel Comfortable
May 6, 2009
Making the committment to care for adult dogs in need is commendable. Shelters are overflowing with dogs that make ideal family pets. Even pure bred dogs that cost hundreds as puppies are available at a fraction of the price from shelters and rescues. With a little love, patience, the right dog care information, and dog obedience training, an adult dog can fit right into the family as if he’d been there since he was a puppy.
Dog Care Information on The First Weeks
A pet owner should get acquainted with the new dog indoors. Until the dog is coming reliably on command, he should always be on a lead when outside.
Before allowing the new dog into the backyard, a new owner should thoroughly inspect the fence for holes, or loose portions the dog might wriggle under. If a pet owner plans to let the new dog explore the fenced yard, it’s a good idea to supervise the first few outings to make sure the dog doesn’t find an overlooked escape rout.
Dog Care Information on Introducing the Dog to His New Home
When introducing the dog to his new home, a pet owner should start out slowly. First things first--the dog will want to know where he can find his food, water, and bed. After that, a pet owner can take one room at a time. The new owner probably won’t want to show the dog the whole house in one day.
It’s advisable to give the dog a few days to settle in before showing him off to an onslaught of family and friends. If there are a lot of family members in the new household, the new owner will experience best results by allowing the dog a day or two to adjust before introducing him to everyone.
Request a Trial Period for the New Dog
When a family meets the new dog at the shelter or rescue, he’s likely to be a little shell-shocked and confused by his surroundings. It’s very difficult to get an accurate picture of the dog’s personality until he’s had a few days to adjust to his new family and home. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to make sure a trial period is in place.
During this trial week or two, a dog will open up and share his true personality. This will allow a pet owner to determine if the dog is a good fit for the household. Just like people, dogs have a wide variety of personality traits. Some are silly and rambunctious. Some are laid back and calm. Some are social, while others are more aloof. Some need a lot of attention, while others are content to lie in the same room with their humans. If the dog is to be a family friend for the next decade, he needs to have a personality that’s a good fit for his owner and the family’s lifestyle.
A pet owner generously rescuing an adult dog is probably aware there may be obstacles that will need some time and dog obedience training to work through. Depending on his background, the dog may have house training issues or skittishness due to neglect or abuse. A trial period can give a prospective pet owner the chance to determine if he has the stamina to help the dog overcome these challenges.
Families who are considering adopting an adult dog from a nearby breeder or rescue agency should definitely stop over for a few visits. If the dog is comfortable in the foster home or with his breeder, a pet owner can have a chance to introduce himself and get acquainted before bringing the dog home. This will be a valuable sneak peak into the pooch’s personality. This will also offer a good chance to ask the dog’s current owner about some personalized dog care information such as his likes, dislikes, and how he has been trained.
Dog Care Information on When the Dog Will Settle In
Every dog is different. Some dogs walk right in and are at home, others take a couple weeks to warm up. Older dogs sometimes require a little longer adjustment period than pups.
When the new dog starts to get comfortable, he’s going to come to his owners more freely for attention. His tail will be up higher as opposed to tucked between his legs. The tail tucked between the legs is a sign a dog’s in some sort of distress, either mental or physical.
Another canine sign of distress is a lowered head. For this reason, the best way to pet a new dog is not on top of the head, but coming from the chest up to the chin and then rubbing him slowly. This action is raising the dog’s head rather than giving him an excuse to duck away. Later, as the dog shows he’s comfortable in his new home, owners can try giving him a nice ear rub.
Watching as a previously unwanted dog grows to become a secure part of the family is truly rewarding. Before taking the plunge, a prospective pet owner will also want to look into the essential dog care products to have on hand before the dog arrives, how to care for dogs by puppy proofing the home, and dog obedience training.
Information gained through phone conversation with Lynne Brinkley of Excalibur Farms on May 1, 2009.
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