Rescue Dogs & What To Expect
So you have decided to get a dog, and made the choice that getting a rescue is the right option for you - so where do you start?
Rescuing isn't for everyone, it can be emotional and there will be ups and down, but it is so rewarding seeing your rescue dog start to blossom in their new life.
We all know of the big rescue organisations such as the RSPCA, Dogs Trust & Battersea Dogs Home, but there are so many smaller independent rescues out there. Whether you opt to go for a breed specific rescue, Romanian street dogs, Chinese meat market dogs, there is, unfortunately, a huge amount of choice.
Many will be Heinz 52's cross breeds, others you might get a purebred dog.
It's always good to meet your potential new addition before committing - just to make sure you are a good fit, Some people expect an instant connection with their rescue dog, and this very rarely happens. Many of these dogs have been through awful experiences and will need time, love and patience to come around - but when they do it's the most amazing feeling.
Once you've picked up your new dog, it's important to remember that they will take a long time to settle. There is a rule 3 we generally go by for rescue dogs going into a new home;
3 Days
- Feeling overwhelmed
- May be scared/unsure
- Not comfortable enough to be him/herself
- May not eat/drink much
- Shut down and ignoring you
- Testing Boundaries
3 Weeks
- Starting to settle in
- Feeling more comfortable
- Realising this could be their home
- Figured out the new environment
- Getting into a routine
- True personality may be starting to come through
- Behaviour issues may start to appear
3 Months
- Finally comfortable
- Building trust and a bond
- Gained a sense of security with the new family
- Set in a routine
For some dogs, this can be shorter, others it can take much longer but it's important to remember to give your new dog time.
Most rescues will offer support and advice for most issues - so it's always worth checking with them first before reaching out to a professional.
I myself have 2 beautiful rescue dogs, who are my world. I also volunteer for a Nationwide breed specific rescue, covering the whole of the South West, as well as Roaming Dogs Rescue!
In Line Canine UK can help you with your rescue dogs, either prior to the dog arriving to help you prepare and understand, or once the dog has arrived to help with settling in, routines and common behaviour problems