Settling in a rehomed dog - any tips please?

[BigBoobiedBertha]

Hello, not posted on this topic before but we are going to take my PIL's westie for them and I wanted to know if anybody has any tips on how best we can settle her in.

Just a bit of background, Donna is an 8 yr old Westie. She has been living with my PIL for the last 5 years but they are getting to the point where they are struggling to cope with the daily walks and looking after her. The dogs they have had over the years have been the responsibility of FIL more than anyone but he is increasingly infirm and MIL doesn't want to have sole responsibility. They used to take walks together every afternoon, it was their 'thing', and now she does it alone and has to cope with FIL's disability too and it is too much.

DS2 (10) and DH have wanted a dog forever and so couldn't let Donna go to strangers and I have been persuaded that we should take her on. They are going to get her on Wednesday. DS1 and I are happy to have her as she is lovely but she is primarily the responsibility of DS2 and DH.

We have had lots of chats with MIL about what needs to be done and when - grooming, teeth brushing, feeding and washing, all that stuff but they live 260 mls from us and I am worried about how we are going to settle Donna in, especially as they are so far away and it will be a clean break. She won't see them again for a long time.

Does anybody have any tips about getting all of us through the first few days? Will she be pining for her old home? She seems to love DS2 in particular but is she still likely to be upset and what can we do to make it easier?

TIA

Bump.

Dogs are generally very resilient. If she has had a good happy contented life then she will just assume that this is what will happen in your house.

I would not over pamper her, not ask too much of her at first. A few days at home getting used to your house, not loads of friends round to visit etc.

Start as you mean to go on so if she is to settle in a bed at mealtimes, not go upstairs etc do this from day one.

She sounds like she is going to have fun

Thank you for your reply.

Start as you mean to go on seems like a good rule.

I think I might have to wear the sensible hat as DS2 will be playing with her all the time given half the chance! He is very good with her. He gives her space if she walks off, he is very gentle and he doesn't terrorise her or anything but this might be more about managing him than the dog!

I think most of all I am worried about the night time - I have heard stories of dogs that cry all night when they are in a new place and that would be hard. I suppose we know how she is until she gets here.

As above, keep her food type the same and meal times, routine etc. A peaceful few days to get used to your home.

We have two Cinnamon Trust lurchers who came to live with us when their owner passed away. They knew me well but had only visited my house for very short visits. They are not allowed on the furniture here which was a change but adjusted to that really well. The first night I expected them to howl when I put them to bed but they were good as gold! I stayed awake in case they needed me though! The older one was very clingy initially, but gradually relaxed and could let me out of his sight.

Good luck, hope all goes well. It will a great comfort to your PILs that you are taking on Donna. Love the name!

If she is used to sleeping on her own I doubt there will be a problem at night time - bring her old bed.

Find out where she sleeps at the moment

Don't go bananas if she has some stress poohs in the house for the first few days, she knows you so chances are she will be fine the first night is usually the worst after that I am sure she will settle especially with all the fun and walks

Funny you should say that, bellasuewow. When she came to stay here with my PIL about 3 yrs ago she did pooh in the kitchen so DS2 told me today, unprompted, that he thought he should follow her around everywhere for the 24 hours just in case she pooped again. He probably will as well!

I just want her to get here so it can stop being the only topic of conversation. On the other hand, PIL just emailed a pic of their last walk saying they have been doing that walk with westies for the last 34 yrs on and off. I am feeling sad for them - it is not fun getting old.

Ask for an old jumper of your FIL's that you can put in his basket so the dog can smell him for a bit of comfort

Also, put her bed somewhere quiet (e.g. utility/hall way) and make sure the kids and dog knows that this is the dogs quiet place where she can get away from things if she is finding it too stressful and not be disturbed

Hope this helps x