Bringing home a rescue dog is like starting a new chapter in a book you’ve never read, sure, it sounds weird, but it’s probably true. The excitement’s buzzing, the Instagram posts are ready, and yet there’s this little voice saying, “What now?” Well, rescue dogs don’t come with an instruction manual, some have anxiety, some are totally normal, but they do come with mystery backstories and a suitcase full of quirks.
There’s barking at hoovers, refusing to walk past wheelie bins, or staring into the abyss like they’ve just seen a ghost behind the sofa. It’s a lot. But it’s also what makes rescuing a dog such a wild, rewarding ride. Since you don’t know much about their past (or you do know their past and it’s incredibly sad), well, it all needs patience. There’s just so much patience that needs to be involved.
So, with that all said, here’s how to keep the nerves in check and actually enjoy the chaos that comes with welcoming a new four-legged family member.
Make their New World Feel a Bit Less Weird
So, just imagine waking up in a stranger’s house and having no clue what the rules are. Can you sit on the sofa? Where’s the toilet? Why does the big human keep making kissy noises at you?
Well, that’s basically how rescue dogs feel on day one. So, what’s the trick? Well, make their new home feel less like a confusing Airbnb and more like a safe little den. But a comfy bed in a quiet corner, regular mealtimes, and a chilled vibe go a long way. Some will flop down like they own the place by dinner, others will skulk around like undercover spies for a while. Both are normal.
Don’t Rush the Grand Tour
The instinct to parade the new dog around is strong, but here’s the thing, they’re not ready for centre stage just yet. Well, most of them aren’t. You have to keep in mind that rescue dogs often need time to warm up to the madness of daily life. That means holding off on introducing them to your 14 cousins, your mate’s over-enthusiastic Labrador, or the loudest toddler at the park.
Instead, keep things slow and low-key. The quiet park around the corner, a chilled walk past the bakery (grab a sausage roll for morale), or just a lazy potter around the garden works wonders for their confidence.
Be Ready for the Great Escape
Rescue dogs are absolute pros at vanishing acts. Well, all dogs can be like this, but just an anxious dog in general will. Basically, one open door and they’re halfway down the street. It’s stressful, right?
But what’s the key to keeping the heart rate steady? Well, a dog tracker. Okay, sure you’ll still need to go and get them, but a track is a lot like having eyes in the back of the head. If the little Houdini does make a break for it, there’s no frantic shouting into the wind or plastering lampposts with posters, instead, just a quick check on the phone to see exactly where they’re off exploring.
Trust that the Bond Will Happen
The internet’s full of stories about rescue dogs that settle in overnight, cuddle on the sofa by day two, and never put a paw wrong. Sometimes it happens. Other times, they’ll spend the first week giving you side-eye from under the table. No two rescue dogs are the same. Some are ready to trust immediately, others need to slowly unpack their emotional baggage before they let anyone scratch behind their ears. But you just need to give it time when bringing home your own rescue dog.
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