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New rescue dog - advice please

8 replies

reikizen · 30/12/2017 20:20

Hello, just looking for advice and experience about settling your new rescue dog in. We picked up our 6 month old golden yesterday and apart from some barking last night and general unsettled pacing around the house he has coped really well. We think he has had two owners before us, and has also spent time in kennels waiting to be re-homed. He has some resource guarding issues due to being previously underfed and mistreated but I’m confident we can work on that. I was planning to take him to a puppy training class next week - but don’t want to move too fast. What helped your dog to settle? Anything you would have done differently? I have owned several dogs before but all from puppies, no rescue dogs. Smile

OP posts:
monkeywithacowface · 30/12/2017 20:55

If you are on facebook this would be a good group to join and post for advice

www.facebook.com/groups/374160792599484/

My rescue pup was 3 months when we got him and was generally terrified of everything outside the house. We had to take every new experience very slowly.

reikizen · 30/12/2017 21:20

Thank you, I have sent them a request to join.

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justnippingin · 31/12/2017 07:36

My two rescues were totally different. One very nervous and timid, obviously suffered in life, the other was calm and fairly happy.

Both really found routine, a quiet house, patience and kindness very settling. Plenty of praise. Oh, also an area to call their own, where they can get away from everyone and everything if necessary.
Small, slow steps.
Enjoy each other!

Anxious123 · 31/12/2017 07:55

My current dog is a rescue with a long history of abuse/neglect. He was supposed to be in supportive foster with me but never left opps.

He needed firm boundaries, stability, a lot of time, gentle encouragement, quiet and his own space whilst slowly showing him that not all people are hideous.

Baby steps were definitely the key with him. He spent a lot of the early days hiding when I wasn't having to feed him - his stomach was absolutely shot so he needed a huge amount of supportive care. It was just a case of doing what I had to (feeding, changing his bandages) then just letting him know I was there. I spent a lot of time reading whatever I was reading aloud so he got used to my voice.

His bed was in the corner of the dining room with the adjoining doors to the living room open. He loved his space and didn't really want to come into mine.

Noise really bothered him so very slowly I started making more of it, he now doesn't care when I drop my hairbrush onto laminated flooring or one of the internal doors slams. He just gives me the "mother your an idiot" look.

3.5 years later he still loves his bed but is much happier with human company than without it. He still occasionally turns into scared dog but very rare. He now openly asks for people's affection.

Think time, patience, boundaries and rountine with any dog is key but more so with a rescue.

Bubble2bubble · 31/12/2017 09:08

Routine seems to be the most important in making them feel secure. If the pup has come from an unsettled background he will calm down once he realises there are regular nice walks and meals.
It may be hard, ( and sound harsh) but it's actually important to not shower him with attention in the first few days, but keep things very normal and low key. Let him observe you and just hang out with you doing normal stuff around the house, with regular trips to the garden to make sure he is housetrained.

Maggiewashere · 31/12/2017 10:35

I agree with all the above advice and particularly not overdoing the affection and attention in the early days; it's easy to feel sorry for the dog, but kindness, calmness and a good routine rather than smothering with cuddles are what's needed.

He's very young and has been moved about a lot, so be prepared for possibly more challenging behaviour after a few days, weeks or months, once he feels more confident!

I hope it works out really well.

reikizen · 31/12/2017 21:54

Thank you, I think the hardest thing is not just falling into thinking he is our old dog, we all need to adjust! There is no substitute for time and patience I guess!

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honeyroar · 31/12/2017 23:49

Give him normality. Let him settle, learn about where he is and you. Lots of walks. I've had rescues that walked in like they had always meant to be there, some cocky, some very timid. Time, exercise and kindness always work.

I'd give him another week or so before puppy classes.

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