WHAT TO EXPECT
WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING
Your new dog will come with thoughts, opinions, feelings, habits, quirks you might not have thought about. You might think “What have I got myself into?” but don't lose hope, there is always an adjustment period for you and the dog. During this adjustment period you need to find a routine and structure that works for you and the dog. Your new dog needs to learn your habits, what’s allowed and not allowed, needs to develop the comfort and safety of knowing he/she is in their forever home and simply needs to build a trust and respectful relationship with you. Trust us when we say later these will become stories you will tell with a smile. It takes a lot of patience, work, consistency, time and love. Here are some tips to help make a smooth transition!
WHEN BRINGING YOUR NEW FUR BABY HOME
Before entering your home, it's a good idea to walk the dog around your property or apartment/townhome building so he/she can take in the smells and relieve themselves. Praise warmly once they do.
Enter home: Walk through every door first then invite your new dog in. Keep fido on leash when giving a tour of your home, try to avoid speaking and too much eye contact, chances are high that this is already overwhelming for your new friend, the less stimulation, the better. Introduce him/her on a leash to all members of the family. She/he may try to pee on the floor or he may lift his leg, give a quick leash correction to disrupt action and take your new dog outside immediately.
Dog proof your home. Many rescues, if given the chance, will dash out of any new home! It's important each family member is aware of this and is structured to keep all doors closed properly, (front, back, outside gates, screens, garage etc) and never left ajar.
Remove frayed electrical cords
Remove any hazardous liquids especially antifreeze, gasoline, chemical cleaning supplies, pesticides.
Ensure kitchen garbage is securely closed or away from fido’s reach.
Pick up children's toys
Move food/medications/vitamins/bags from counter
Move all breakable & precious items
Some plants & flowers are poisonous for our furry friends, if you have any that are, place them where your new dog can't reach them.
INTRO TO HOME WITH ANOTHER DOG(S)
It's important to do this properly and on neutral grounds. Walk your new dog first on leash outside then bring out other dog(s) on leash, make sure to be calm and relaxed. Have some treats, make the meeting fun, walk with them.
Keeping leash on indoors for the first couple weeks can help you correct fido immediately if they do unacceptable behaviours. Remember timing is everything when your dog is alone, make sure to remove leash for safety reasons. Remove leash indoors when you feel your dog is ready to have a free run of the house. When you are unable to supervise, confine your dog in a safe and cozy place, like a play pen, or baby gated area or crate. A dog should not be crated longer than 4 hour intervals during the day. Make sure the crate is the right size.
Routine: This may be the most important thing. Dogs thrive on routine. At the beginning your dog may be anxious, excited, scared, confused to be in their new home. Don't be surprised if he/she has accidents in the house, paces, pants, excessive chewing or drinking or even has an upset stomach. A consistent routine of waking up, feeding, potty time, exercise will help your new dog so much to acclimate faster to you and new home. Spend at least 10-15 mins of alone time with your pooch daily. Play, groom, massage, brain games etc.
Exercise plays a huge role in routine. Dogs are great when tired! No matter the size, dogs need at least one good long outdoor walk a day. Consider hiring a reputable dog walker if you cannot give this to your dog. Remember to do proper socialization and exposure under controlled environments with him/her.
Separation anxiety: It’s important to not spend the whole day with your new dog. We recommend crate training and crating your new dog. When you are home, give a safe chew toy/treat to your dog in the crate and step away, go to another room. Start this with short to longer periods, depending how your dog is reacting. Follow this by leaving the house and coming right back in. Gradually make outside trips for longer periods. Your dog will be less anxious when they will know you are returning. When you start leaving for extended periods, exercise your dog for a good amount of time, the goal is to have them tired! Leave the home without making an “event”, do it quietly.
THE DECOMPRESSION PERIOD
We often don’t see the dogs’ true personalities until they have gotten comfortable with you and their environment. This usually takes a few weeks, although, for some dogs, it could, easily, take many months.
As your dog newly arrives, they will be confused about where they are and what to expect from you. Who you are? Where am I? What are these new smells? What is that noise? Add in crowding, fast movements, high-pitch screams of excitement and it can easily send them in a state of high anxiety.
DOGS. NEED. TIME. TO. ADJUST.
Without proper decompression time, dogs often can express “unwanted behaviours” that most inexperienced families could have difficulty handling. They may start barking, growling, hiding, crying (especially in the middle of the night), urinating, have diarrhea, destroy things, be extremely excited, and the list goes on.
Allowing them to explore, feel their feelings, and setting up some clear structure with your family will be paramount in making as smooth a transition as possible.
This will test your patience… Breathe in and breathe out… and repeat!
By agreeing to take in a dog who has had a difficult past, you agreed to go through the process with them as well. The first few days (especially) are crucial when needing to demonstrate patience and understanding towards your new foster family member.
The decompression period is usually explained in rescue as the 3-3-3 rule.
However, we feel that having strict expectations as 3days/weeks/months can only set everyone up for failure as every dog is different. Some dogs adapt faster, others much much slower.
SUPPLIES NEEDED:
City/Municipality License and identification
New Id Tag with your contact information
Collar: We recommend a flat collar for everyday wear, it prevents the dog from slipping out should it get spooked or refuses to cooperate.
Leash: If your dog is a puller we recommend training with a slip lead. Avoid the retractable, bungee and stretchable leashes.
Food: We will provide you with some food that the dog is on. Please keep in mind that changing a dog’s food abruptly can cause them to have upset stomachs and diarrhea that can last over a week. This usually does not occur when you change from kibble to raw. If you are planning on changing foods please do so slowly. Mix the old with the new gradually. Instructions on switching to a new food, guidelines on how much to feed and how often is usually written on the bag or on the food brands website. We highly suggest keeping your dog on good quality food made in Canada or USA. You can contact us for our suggested brands for food and treats.
Food & Water Dishes: Pick a spot and leave them in the same place so your dog knows exactly where to go for water. Make sure the water bowl is clean and has fresh water at all times.
Crate: Crates will help make the adjustment period easier on the dog and you. Please remember the crate needs to be big enough for the dog to stand up, with his/her head up, be able to turn around and lie down completely. If the crate is too big your dog may have accidents. We recommend putting a proper crate mat/bed inside and removing collar when the dog is inside, especially martingale collars.
Toys: Have available safe toys during the adjustment period as they can help ease their stress. Always supervise your dog playing with toys.
A doggy bed
If you are having problems or have questions with a dog you adopted from us please don't hesitate to contact us!