Watch Out for These Behaviors in Rescue Dogs
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Dogs are truly special creatures. They can bring so much to our lives in more ways than even possible to mention. They become a part of the family. They protect your home when you are gone, provide you with comfort when you are feeling down, and give you a reason to care for an animal like they are your own child. That is why so many people who love dogs are drawn to rescue these special animals when they have been abandoned, lost, or otherwise mistreated. Rescue dogs deserve the same love that a puppy born in a loving home receives. At the same time, there are certain behaviors that need to be watched for in order to keep everyone safe and to provide the animal with the love and care that he or she needs.
What To Do When the Dog Arrives In Your Home
Your home may be your castle, but it is also about to be the place that your new dog calls home as a while. The dog will need to learn the rules and they will adjust at their own pace. You have to remember that this is going to take some time for them as well. Be patient with them. You do not know what the dog has been through in the past. Something as simple as turning on the vacuum cleaner might be too much for them to handle. Raising the broom handle might bring back reminders of past abuse. The list goes on. Be patient with them. Learn what is going on in their mind and why they are acting as they do in certain situations. You might notice that they have toiler accidents, act out when left alone, or otherwise have a hard time adjusting. Do not give up. Just learn over time how to live together under the same roof.
Toilet Training Takes Time
You might have certain expectations about how your new pet is to use the toilet, but he or she will almost certainly have other ideas. The moment your rescue dog arrives home is the time to start the toilet training process. You will want to take the dog out to go to the bathroom every hour or so. Be diligent in this. Develop a routine. That will begin to teach the dog that the inside of the home is off limits for this activity. You will also begin to notice that there are certain times of the day, or after certain activities, when your dog is more likely to need to go to the bathroom. Identify those times, such as after playing for a while, and make sure to provide him or her the time needed to do their thing.
A Safe Space is Necessary
Rescue dogs are often quite timid. This is to be understood given the abuse or neglect that they may have gone through. Recognize this and demonstrate love and patience at all time. Give them the space that they need to adjust. You need to provide them with the space and area that is their own. Allow them to go there when they need to – similar to a timeout area for children. Do not try to get them to move from that space, as they need to feel comfortable in their surroundings. You can provide some comfort toys, food, and other items that will make the dog feel safe in this space. Also, when you are gone from home, this is especially important. You do not want your rescue dog to feel as if you are abandoning them. This is particularly important in the first few weeks after you bring them home. Since you cannot be home with them all the time, it is advisable to force yourself to leave the home for an hour or so at a time during those initial days just to get them used to the reality that you will always return to them. Over time, the negative behaviors that you might notice at first will begin to dissipate and replaced lace by positive behaviors that you can reward them for.
Play Time Is Important
All dogs need to play. Engage your pet and work hard to involve them in various activities. This might take some time to get used to at first. In fact, your rescue may seem uninterested. Some may have never been given the opportunity to play like this in the past. It is a new behavior that they will need to learn. Be patient and continue to provide the opportunities. Make time for them just like you would your own children. Your dog needs to feel loved and that you value them and the role that they play in your family. One of the best ways to do this is to take the time necessary to get outside and run around for awhile. You will notice their affect begin to change over time and they will become much more active and happy in the end.
