Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

First night with adopted dog. Handhold needed.

41 replies

FlopsRevenge · 30/12/2020 00:46

My cat is scared to come in and it's freezing out (even though he's got access to a closed room, away from the dog). The dog can't seem to settle and is constantly looking for treats/to play. I don't have a crate yet, as the previous owner said she didn't like it, but I'm really wishing I did just to stop the roaming.

I know that this is part and parcel, and she is so gorgeous that I won't regret it. But I have to admit, I'm freaking out tonight.

And I also feel great sympathy for her not knowing where her previous home is.

Any tips for getting through the first night, or moral support gratefully received.

OP posts:
MuthaFunka61 · 30/12/2020 00:50

How old is the dog, where's it's bed and where did it sleep when at it's previous home?

Original poster
FlopsRevenge · 30/12/2020 00:51

18months. I've set up her bed in my room, same as it was in the previous owners place.

OP posts:
Original poster
FlopsRevenge · 30/12/2020 00:55

Poor thing has been constantly getting up onto my bed, nudging me up, whining at the door and panting.

So I've been taking her to get water, taking her outside to relieve herself. I'm hoping she'll tire of it soon.

OP posts:
Original poster
FlopsRevenge · 30/12/2020 00:57

I'm remembering back to when I had a newborn. Things always seem worse in the middle of the night don't they?

OP posts:
BringBackDoves · 30/12/2020 00:57

Oh I feel your pain! We are 3 months into getting our rescue dog and it was HARD at first. Still is really. Do you have kids? I felt like I was right back at baby stage! DDog’s first night here, DH slept in the hall with him (only place the dog would settle and even then only on the floor. He’s now a firm fan of cushions, sofas and laps...)

BringBackDoves · 30/12/2020 00:58

@FlopsRevenge

I'm remembering back to when I had a newborn. Things always seem worse in the middle of the night don't they?
This is 100% true. Everything is more manageable with sleep. I hope you get some!
MuthaFunka61 · 30/12/2020 00:59

The panting sounds like anxiety.

I'd try and calm yourself first (you mentioned you're freaking out) and try and talk calmly to her " (name) go to your bed,its sleep time".

Are lights off,do you object to her sleeping on your bed?

KarmaNoMore · 30/12/2020 01:00

Take her around the block for a last walk, get back to your bedroom, close the door and turn the lights off. She is just trying to tell you is time to get her home.

She may be restless for a night or two. Don’t feed her treats to reassure her as she may end up having an “accident” in your bedroom in the night.

BringBackDoves · 30/12/2020 01:00

Also our dog has the radio on low (he sleeps in the kitchen). Just relaxing stuff like Classic FM. He was never used to silence so needs some background noise.

MuthaFunka61 · 30/12/2020 01:01

I'm glad you're associating this experience with how it can be with young children. I'm not suggesting that you consider her as your baby, but many calming techniques are similar.

DozyDragon · 30/12/2020 01:03

Sounds a lot like my first night with our rescue dog (and very unimpressed cat). It’s can be a bit like having a stranger suddenly move in with you, can’t it? It’s very intense and while she’s adorable and generally well behaved I must admit I wanted to give her back a few times in the first month (especially as she didn’t get on with our cat).
It soon got better and after a few months, the cat recovered her nerve, gave the dog a dressing down and they now rub along fine together.
It’s such early days and your dog will be stressed and probably won’t be showing her true personality yet. Hang in there!

nancybotwinbloom · 30/12/2020 01:03

Can we see a pic of your new dog and what is his/her name

Original poster
FlopsRevenge · 30/12/2020 01:04

Panting definitely is anxiety. I'm calming myself with a cup of tea and ignoring her while I Mumsnet with the lights off. Seems to be working, she's started to relax on my bed.

I'm so worried about her having an accident! It's why I keep letting her in the garden, but it just seems to be keeping her on "alert"

OP posts:
Original poster
FlopsRevenge · 30/12/2020 01:05

@muthafunka61 no objections to her sleeping on my bed at all. Much like the newborn phase I'm going with whatever works!

OP posts:
Original poster
FlopsRevenge · 30/12/2020 01:08

@DozyDragon

Sounds a lot like my first night with our rescue dog (and very unimpressed cat). It’s can be a bit like having a stranger suddenly move in with you, can’t it? It’s very intense and while she’s adorable and generally well behaved I must admit I wanted to give her back a few times in the first month (especially as she didn’t get on with our cat). It soon got better and after a few months, the cat recovered her nerve, gave the dog a dressing down and they now rub along fine together. It’s such early days and your dog will be stressed and probably won’t be showing her true personality yet. Hang in there!
This is so reassuring, especially about your cat. My cat is such a sweetheart, I love him to bits, so really hoping he holds his nerve and reclaims his space soon.
OP posts:
MuthaFunka61 · 30/12/2020 01:14

It sounds like things're beginning to settle Smile

Like humans,dogs urine processing system slows down overnight so as long as she's not drinking gallons I'm pretty sure she'll be fine. Remember to listen out in the morning for her "I need a pee" sound though. I have a lab and he'll last until I've had my coffee for a pee,but he can't wait for his breakfast!

I agree with @nancybotwinbloom we need a photo.

Original poster
FlopsRevenge · 30/12/2020 01:16

Here she is :)

First night with adopted dog. Handhold needed.
OP posts:
Apileofballyhoo · 30/12/2020 01:22

She's beautiful. The poor thing must be wondering what's going on. Hope she settles down for you, OP.

friskybivalves · 30/12/2020 01:23

Oh bursting out of lurking because she's so beautiful! She looks calm but watchful all at the same time. We are two months in with our rescue and she settled very quickly after the first couple of nights. Yours will soon settle in. We let ours sleep on our bed at first but then moved her on to her own bed next to ours on the floor. She's now snuffling away...

nancybotwinbloom · 30/12/2020 01:26

Oh wow!

Nimera! Right there.

Original poster
FlopsRevenge · 30/12/2020 01:29

She's so well behaved and gentle. I know it really is just her need to "go home". She does seem to have quietened down now, so I'm going to try and sleep!

Thanks all so much for the tips and support. I do feel less petrified 🤣

OP posts:
Original poster
FlopsRevenge · 30/12/2020 01:30

@nancybotwinbloom

Oh wow!

Nimera! Right there.

Ooh, that's a lovely name!! I'm still deciding on her name/if I will rename 😊
OP posts:
SaladBowlsAndBasinsAndBuckets · 30/12/2020 01:31

What a beautiful dog you have! She's unsettled, understandably. Take the lead, she will want you to have a routine she can follow. Don't fuss her too much, let her be and let her learn from you. She'll be just fine, give her time and space to readjust.

nancybotwinbloom · 30/12/2020 02:24

Nigeria is the wolf off game of thrones if you don't watch it. Or haven't watched it it's finished now.

You dog is beautiful.

nancybotwinbloom · 30/12/2020 02:25

Sorry nimeria, goddam predictive text

Swipe left for the next trending thread