Kudos to you for giving a second chance to man's best friend! It's great that you are getting a rescue dog, but are you prepared for the task? Rescue dogs are a bit different from regular dogs and need a different approach to make them feel safe and comfortable.
That's why we thought of giving you some helpful tips to make the job easy!
What Should You Expect?
A rescue dog means you don't have much chance of knowing its history. They may also be traumatized and generally afraid of people. So you should be gentle, patient and kind with your rescue dog.
Also, you should take the time to learn about your dog's behaviour and what he likes and dislikes. Be wary that a rescue dog might behave differently in the shelter and home. That's why you should be ready to give your time, attention and effort to know your dog and make him feel at home.
Preparing Your Home for Welcoming Your Rescue Dog
Get the basics: Arrange all the stuff you need for your dog before you bring it home. We are talking about things like a collar, leash, food bowl, food, bed, water bowl, toys, grooming supplies and so on. Also, don't forget the ID tag.
Dog-proof your home: Make your home safe for your dog just like you would do it for a baby. Get wires, cables and anything else off the ground that the dog might chew. Remove other hazardous and dangerous items that your dog might damage.
The First Few Days at Home
● Bring your dog directly to your home. Don't spend time elsewhere like running errands.
● Give a house tour to your dog. Keep him on a leash and allow him to sniff around.
● Introduce the dog to family members, one at a time. Be patient and don't overwhelm the dog with kisses or hugs. This might seem threatening if the dog is not used to getting such affection.
● Bond with your dog. Spend ample time with it showing love and care. You can use treats to generate positive associations.
● Establish a daily routine for your rescue dog (eating, walking sleeping). Don't make your dog sleep in uninhabited areas like basements or garages.
Addressing Behavioural Problems
A rescue dog may exhibit various behavioural problems like-
● Separation-related anxiety
● Reactive/fearful behaviour towards people and other pets
● Excessive barking/biting
● Destructive behaviour
Focus on your dog's behavioural issue and try to curb it right away. You can try the following-
● Give the dog positive attention
● Don't overwhelm the dog by introducing him to too many pets or other people
● Look for signs of stress
● Don't leave your dog alone for long times
● Consult a vet for prescription anxiety products
Apply for Training
Sometimes, it may be difficult to handle a rescue dog, no matter how hard you try. In such cases, it's best to go for professional help and sign up for training. Be sure to choose the best dog care Toronto, as you pooch deserves the best in love and care.
Taking them Out for A Walk
There is nothing like a good walk out for your pet. Let them enjoy the outdoors. With the best dog care Toronto services, you have nothing to worry about. The dog walking Toronto experts will help take out your four-legged friend for a walk every day, so that even if you aren’t around, your pet doesn’t have to worry.
You can choose from flexible packages that suit your needs, and get a higher package to get more discounts.