5 Essential Tips for Welcoming a Rescue Dog Into Your Home | Journey Dog Training
At Oh Vienna, we are passionate about giving rescue dogs a new chance at life. Our own Vienna is a rescue, and to show our commitment, we donate $1 from every collar sold to the Saving Hope Foundation, helping other dogs find their forever homes.
Rescuing a dog or puppy is always an exciting new adventure, but it can come with new
challenges and sometimes stress you don’t realise. We spoke with Sarah from Journey Dog Training to get her 5 top tips for welcoming a new dog into your home.
Tip 1: Take Your Time
When you first bring your new rescue dog home, it’s tempting to jump into all the fun activities and introduce them to everyone at once. You might want to start adventures right away and engage in every human-dog activity you’ve seen online. However, it’s important to consider things from your new dog’s perspective. They’ve just moved into a completely new environment, with unfamiliar smells and routines. Give them time to decompress, adjust to their new surroundings, and get comfortable with you.
A helpful guideline to follow when welcoming a rescue dog is the "Rule of 3":
- 3 Days to Decompress
- 3 Weeks to Learn the Routine
- 3 Months to Feel at Home
While every dog is different, this rule provides a useful framework for easing the transition. Remember, in the beginning, less is more, and patience is key to helping your rescue dog settle in and feel secure in their new home.
2. Build Your Relationship
In the first few months of living with your rescue dog, building a strong, trusting relationship is more important than perfect leash walking or long sit-stays. While obedience training is valuable, the key focus should be on creating a bond where your dog feels safe, supported, and looks to you for guidance in this unfamiliar world.
To strengthen this bond, meet your dog's physical and mental needs through activities like play, enrichment games, and positive reinforcement training. However, avoid the pressure to make them an obedience champion right away. Instead, train with the goal of keeping their mind engaged and helping them understand your expectations clearly.
Clarity, consistency, and positivity in your training approach ensure your dog doesn't feel confused, but knows exactly what to expect. Each time your dog gets something right and receives praise or rewards, it reinforces trust and deepens the bond between you. This strong relationship is the foundation for a well-adjusted, happy dog.
3. Don’t Try to ‘Fix’ Them with Love
Many people assume that once a dog is rescued, all it needs is love, care, and attention to thrive. While it’s true that some rescue dogs come from difficult backgrounds, it’s important to understand that rescue dogs don’t need pity or over-protection to succeed in their new homes.
Just like any dog, a rescue dog needs to learn about the world around them. This involves the same process as raising a puppy, including socialisation, training, and consistency. No matter the dog's past, you can’t skip these crucial steps just because you’ve "saved" them from a shelter or difficult situation. Training and proper socialisation are essential for helping your rescue dog adjust and succeed in their new life. Which leads us to the next point...
4. Seek Support
Dog training can be complex, regardless of your experience level. Whether you're a new dog owner or adopting a rescue dog, there’s a lot to learn, and training is rarely as straightforward as you'd like it to be. With so much information available, it can quickly become overwhelming. If you find yourself struggling, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Connecting with other dog owners can be useful, but investing in professional dog training is often the most effective way to accelerate your dog's learning. Professional dog trainers have the experience and expertise to provide clear, actionable instructions, making training more efficient and rewarding for both you and your dog.
When choosing a dog trainer, make sure to thoroughly research their credentials, ethical approach, and reputation. Look for professionals with credible training backgrounds and a focus on putting your dog’s well-being first. Ask plenty of questions and seek trusted referrals to ensure you're working with a qualified expert who can guide you through the training process effectively.
5. Enjoy the Process
Life with a rescue dog isn't always sunshine and rainbows, there will be challenges like chewed furniture, soiled carpets, and your dog not responding to their name the first (or tenth) time you call them in the park. These are normal parts of adopting a rescue dog, so it’s important to enjoy the journey and embrace the learning process. On tough days, when you question if rescuing a dog was the right choice, remember the joy and companionship your new dog brings to your life. These ups and downs highlight why adopting a rescue dog is one of the best decisions you can make.
Adopting a rescue dog offers endless opportunities to grow as both a teacher and a learner. Be patient, have fun, and cherish the bond you’re building. As your dog leaves paw prints on your heart, your life will be filled with happiness, love, and unforgettable memories. Through dog training and positive reinforcement, your relationship will only strengthen over time, creating a lifetime of joy.
Welcoming a rescue dog into your home is a rewarding journey, filled with moments of joy, growth, and connection. While the process may come with challenges, remember that patience, consistency, and a strong bond are key to helping your dog thrive. By following these tips from Journey Dog Training and committing to your dog’s well-being, you’re setting the foundation for a lifetime of happiness together. At Oh Vienna, we’re proud to support rescue dogs, and we hope this guide helps you navigate the beautiful experience of adopting a rescue. Enjoy every step of the way, and know that with love and dedication, you’re giving your new best friend the life they deserve.
About Journey Dog Training
Journey Dog Training was founded by Sarah in 2020, but her love for dog training started long before that—when she was 13 years old, training her Border Collie in agility. The love for learning alongside dogs has always been her passion and it’s her absolute joy to share that love with those who join the Journey Dog Training adventure with her.