Tips for New Adopters

 

Newly rescued

 Rescuing a pet is an incredible thing and it would be safe to say that all dog rescues are deeply thankful for those who do.

It's tempting for all of us new adopters to rush our new family member into a lifestyle of opulence to make up for what we think they've lost out on (me included).   But the truth is that it's important to let the dog "be" in his or her new space.  The rescue's director Malise suggests that "all dogs are different and some recover faster than others" but that it's important to "let them be and just exist for a while".  The dogs are most likely coming from stressful situations and then add the pressure of a changing routine from what they've known into the unknown, rescue dogs need a chance to "decompress".  A great article by KD Mathews (2017) from Dog Lifestyle Training can be accessed here.

 Mathews writes that "decompression" gives the dog a chance to "take some time getting back to a balanced state of mind."  A well-known trainer and author, Mathews adds that "although you will want to do what makes you feel good it is more important to do what is best for the dog".   Mathews also suggests reading up on anything that will educate us on the needs of rescue dogs.  Luckily for us adopters, it will just be a matter of time (designated by the dog) before we can commence with the dog spoiling!