Slow introduction is key to easing your new rescue dog into your family.
If you're looking to add a new canine companion to your home, your local animal shelter is full of rescued dogs ready for new lives. Many rescued dogs are happy, healthy pooches that may be euthanized if they're not adopted, so adopting not only rounds out your family, it also saves lives. Taking home your new rescue dog may be a little stressful, but a bit of time and a lot of love will have your new pooch acting like a family member in just a few days.
Instructions
1. Secure your new dog with a buckle collar and leash. Adjust the collar to the largest length and slip it over the dog's head. Buckle it and pull on the slider to take up extra slack and tighten the collar. Snap the leash to the collar to keep the dog close and prevent it from wandering away as you finish up the adoption paperwork.
2. Lock the dog inside a large dog crate for the ride home. Soften the bottom of the crate with an old blanket and lead the dog inside. Shut and lock the door, and place the crate in the back of your vehicle.
3. Stop by your veterinarian's office before heading home. Ask your vet to look over the dog and administer wormer and vaccinations. The vet may draw blood to rule out transmittable diseases, and will microchip the dog to identify you as his owner in the unfortunate event of an escape.
4. Place the crate in a secure, dog-proof room. Set up a clean dog bed and place food and water dishes in the room, as well as a few potty training pads if the dog is not fully housebroken. Open the door slowly and give the dog a chance to come out when comfortable. Kneel down on the floor and softly call the dog's name to encourage it to exit the kennel and explore its new home.
5. Leave the dog isolated for a day or two, frequently visiting the dog and giving it a few toys to stave off boredom. Slowly introduce the dog to the remainder of your home, working room by room to keep from overloading the dog. Ask family members and visiting friends to leave the dog alone so it can explore new people when it feels ready.
Tags: home your, rescued dogs, your family, your home, your rescue