We understand what it takes to be a hero to a rescue dog.
Here, we make your new dog part of the family for life.
Tell us more about the issues you are having with your dog by booking a consultation or discovering program options and pricing.
Here, we make your new dog part of the family for life.
Tell us more about the issues you are having with your dog by booking a consultation or discovering program options and pricing.
New Rescue Dog Tips
We are strong advocates for matching a rescue and the right human hero, willing to help the dog succeed. It is not the easiest route, but with so many being abandoned or surrendered it is a sacrifice that will reward you for life. A rescue is a dog with a history. The history has set up belief systems that generally don't serve him well. But don't despair, because all canines are hardwired for human companionship, actively seeking it out. They are at their core, all about peace, love and cooperation, even if the first year seems challenging at times. You become their human hero, helping make their world understandable. A rescue needs to feel safe and learn to trust again. It is up to you to help your dog find new ways of thinking, feeling and living joyfully.
The First Few Hours.
In the first few hours the rescue's first thought is 'survive'. Their fight or flight may be in full gear. Many first time human rescuers are told, put the rescue into social situations right away. Professionally speaking, it is not a good idea. A rescue will have emotional baggage to be unpacked before it can cope with something as stressful as new dogs and people.
If you have an existing dog, you will have ideally had your rescue meet your best friend, several times. If so, a good romp outside would be beneficial before bringing everyone inside. An existing dog may feel it must protect family members, locations or objects. If you are completely confident both will be okay indoors together, take them from outside to inside, monitoring them closely. Any growling or snarling should indicate they are too close for comfort and human intervention is required. If you are not confident, set up separate indoor quarters . Not to worry, eventually they will eventually co-exist but for now keep everything simple . Also, no yelling or shouting or the dog will be set up poorly for successful integration into your home.
The First Night.
Depending on the history of a rescue, especially if it is feral and only partially tamed, indoors will be very frightening, and he may lie still finding comfort in staying low to the ground. A dog emotionally shut-down is hard to watch, but it is best to allow him to simply 'be' and not put any pressure on him. Provide meals and water close by, allowing him to move at will. Also, it is not uncommon for rescues, deeply troubled to urinate or defecate inside. Just clean it up and set your priorities for toilet training as soon as he is functioning better. Always, always move slowly, gentle, calmly with soft tones around a rescue, as they are taking in a lot of new information and have little foundational knowledge to help them cope.
Keep in mind, many rescues may not know about doors, stairs, electrical appliances we take for granted. Take time, as if the new friend was a wee puppy taking his first steps in his world. Show it new things and noises, kindly and compassionately. No overwhelming your new friend.
The First Week.
Your rescue will not want to leave your side in most cases. Plan to be home with him, helping him to adjust by teaching him being alone is okay. It is an important step in your first week together. Begin with this exercise. Place your new friend behind a baby gate, or someplace you can be seen. Take three steps away remaining where the dog can see you. Return calmly, provide treat and praise. Gradually increase how far move away while keeping in sight. Each time, return slowly, providing treat and praise. Once there is consistency in your rescue staying calm while you are in sight and quite a distance away, you move to slipping out of sight for a few seconds, repeating the treat and praise. Increase the time away very slowly. Providing a stuffed kong goes a long way to help your new friend manage his emotions.
If you are not seeing progress, you may want to engage us. We will ask you to take an online questionnaire for accurately diagnosing separation anxiety. If clinically diagnosed, we partner together, establishing new emotional coping toolkit for the dog to rely on when alone.
Want to know more about the first week, first month, first year?
There are so many things to learn with a new rescue, and depending on its past, or even if you know nothing about the dog, it can impact a rescue dog's success in your world. We're here to help. We recommend book inga phone consultation to speak with Sparky Smith. She will review your dog's case, identify the greatest challenges and suggested approaches, and identify any potential serious issues. Alternatively you can fill in our program evaluation questionnaire and we will send you over program options and pricing. The buttons to do either of these actions are at the top of the page.
The First Few Hours.
In the first few hours the rescue's first thought is 'survive'. Their fight or flight may be in full gear. Many first time human rescuers are told, put the rescue into social situations right away. Professionally speaking, it is not a good idea. A rescue will have emotional baggage to be unpacked before it can cope with something as stressful as new dogs and people.
If you have an existing dog, you will have ideally had your rescue meet your best friend, several times. If so, a good romp outside would be beneficial before bringing everyone inside. An existing dog may feel it must protect family members, locations or objects. If you are completely confident both will be okay indoors together, take them from outside to inside, monitoring them closely. Any growling or snarling should indicate they are too close for comfort and human intervention is required. If you are not confident, set up separate indoor quarters . Not to worry, eventually they will eventually co-exist but for now keep everything simple . Also, no yelling or shouting or the dog will be set up poorly for successful integration into your home.
The First Night.
Depending on the history of a rescue, especially if it is feral and only partially tamed, indoors will be very frightening, and he may lie still finding comfort in staying low to the ground. A dog emotionally shut-down is hard to watch, but it is best to allow him to simply 'be' and not put any pressure on him. Provide meals and water close by, allowing him to move at will. Also, it is not uncommon for rescues, deeply troubled to urinate or defecate inside. Just clean it up and set your priorities for toilet training as soon as he is functioning better. Always, always move slowly, gentle, calmly with soft tones around a rescue, as they are taking in a lot of new information and have little foundational knowledge to help them cope.
Keep in mind, many rescues may not know about doors, stairs, electrical appliances we take for granted. Take time, as if the new friend was a wee puppy taking his first steps in his world. Show it new things and noises, kindly and compassionately. No overwhelming your new friend.
The First Week.
Your rescue will not want to leave your side in most cases. Plan to be home with him, helping him to adjust by teaching him being alone is okay. It is an important step in your first week together. Begin with this exercise. Place your new friend behind a baby gate, or someplace you can be seen. Take three steps away remaining where the dog can see you. Return calmly, provide treat and praise. Gradually increase how far move away while keeping in sight. Each time, return slowly, providing treat and praise. Once there is consistency in your rescue staying calm while you are in sight and quite a distance away, you move to slipping out of sight for a few seconds, repeating the treat and praise. Increase the time away very slowly. Providing a stuffed kong goes a long way to help your new friend manage his emotions.
If you are not seeing progress, you may want to engage us. We will ask you to take an online questionnaire for accurately diagnosing separation anxiety. If clinically diagnosed, we partner together, establishing new emotional coping toolkit for the dog to rely on when alone.
Want to know more about the first week, first month, first year?
There are so many things to learn with a new rescue, and depending on its past, or even if you know nothing about the dog, it can impact a rescue dog's success in your world. We're here to help. We recommend book inga phone consultation to speak with Sparky Smith. She will review your dog's case, identify the greatest challenges and suggested approaches, and identify any potential serious issues. Alternatively you can fill in our program evaluation questionnaire and we will send you over program options and pricing. The buttons to do either of these actions are at the top of the page.
To book your meeting with Sparky, click on the button below. You will be redirected to our scheduling page, where you will choose your preferred meeting time, complete an assessment and pay for your appointment ($125 CDN). The cost of the meeting is deducted from the program costs on registration