Tips on settling in a rescue golden retriever

[PermaShattered]

Some mumsnetters on here will remember i lost my little golden puppy Cassie last August as she had a serious liver problem. Well! Tomorrow we take possession of a 2 yr old golden girl (who we are calling Juno) from the wonderful charity, Happy Paws Puppy Rescue! She is currently on her long journey across from Turkey and will reach us either late tomorrow or early Wed.

We know she needs a bland diet to begin with, and time to settle - but any tips on helping her to settle in would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[Noitsnotteatimeyet]

This is a very useful read

Basically, take things slowly and give her plenty of time to adjust

Good luck and I hope you have a long and happy time together

[PermaShattered]

This is really useful, thank so much. :)

[honeyroar]

Hope it's going well!

We've had a few rescues. Just give her time. Be kind, let her settle, but also be gently firm right from the start with training. And with a two year old big dog, exercise is the key! But keep her on the lead until you know her and she knows you, and that your recall works.

[honeyroar]

Posted too soon! Also wanted to say that some rescues settle in immediately, like they've lived with you forever, others are nervous and take longer. But exercise is 60% of the answer, I've found!

[squeak10]

Has she arrived? If so picture please keep things calm for her, lot's of fuss, show her where her food and water bowl are and definitely her bed. Sure you know all that.Updates please

[CMOTDibbler]

I agree with keeping it calm - you might want everyone to come and see the new arrival, but they need to settle in with you and feel secure. Lots of praise and treats when they do the right thing (and treat toileting as you would a puppy initially) and no demands past whats essential.

[PermaShattered]

Thanks so much, all that's so helpful. She's been with us since late Tuesday and she's very much at home with us. She's wonderful. As her foster 'mum' said, she's a gentle soul with a mischievous streak. Playful, gentle, submissive - she really is a pleasure. She certainly needs some training, though she's not totally mad. She walks so well when we take for a walk.

Thanks again! Here she is :)

[Rednailsandnaeknickers]

Omg she's gorgeous!! Congrats OP hope you all have a wonderful time together.

[honeyroar]

Gorgeous, what a happy face!

[MaynJune]

She's really lovely! I hope you have many happy years with her.

You may find her mischievous streak increases once she's been with you a few weeks and she feels more confident. It's normal, but if it happens it can feel like a setback. Just be consistent and calm with her training.