Welcoming a rescue dog into your home is a transformative experience, but building trust and a solid bond takes time and patience. In this guide, we’ll explore actionable tips to navigate the early days, steps to build trust with your new rescue dog and fostering a deep connection that will last a lifetime.
Actionable Tips to Build Trust and a Relationship with Your New Rescue Dog
1. Patience is Key: Rescue dogs may come with past experiences, so be patient as they acclimate. Allow them to explore their new environment at their own pace, providing reassurance through gentle interactions.
Related Resources for You:
Rescue Dog Adoption Rules and Red Flags for Puppy Shopping
Adopting a Dog: Things to Consider for a Lifelong Companion
How to Respectfully Greet a Dog
8 Signs of Stress in Dogs to look out for
10 Decompression Tips for New Dogs
Why Decompression Walks for Dogs are essential and How to do it
2. Establish Routine and Consistency: Dogs thrive on routine. Establish a consistent schedule for feeding, walks, and playtime. Predictability helps build a sense of security, promoting trust in their new surroundings.
3. Positive Reinforcement Training: Use positive reinforcement techniques (see: do no harm dog training) to encourage desired behaviours. Reward your dog with treats, praise, and affection when they exhibit positive actions. This helps build trust and a positive association with you.
4. Respect Their Space: Every dog has its comfort zone. Respect your rescue dog’s personal space, allowing them to retreat when needed. Gradually introduce new people, environments, and experiences to avoid overwhelming them.
Related Resources for You:
Reactivity to Movement: Joggers, Scooters, and More
10 Signs of Boredom in Dogs
The Risks of Dog Chasing Laser Pointers
Innate Foraging Behaviours in Dogs | Enrich Your Dog’s Life
8 Signs of Stress in Dogs to look out for
Level Up Your Dog Walks: Why Sniffing Is Essential
5. Engage in Interactive Play: Bonding through play is a powerful tool. Interactive games, fetch, and puzzle toys not only provide mental stimulation but also strengthen your connection. Use playtime to learn more about their preferences and quirks.
Related Resources for You:
FREE Online Course “The Power of Play” from Tug-E-Nuff
7 easy ways to teach your rescue dog to play
Rescue Dog Approved Tug-E-Nuff Tug Toys – Their toys are amazing and I use them regularly with my own dogs and my clients. If you’d like to see the toys in ‘action’ and my thoughts of them, click here and if you’d like to buy a toy, you can use my code BULLYCO for a cheeky discount (I’ll earn a small commission in return at no extra cost for you of course!).
6. Be Mindful of Body Language: Pay close attention to your dog’s body language. Understanding their cues helps you respond appropriately to their needs and builds a foundation of trust. A wagging tail may signal excitement, while cowering may indicate fear. However, a wagging tail is not always a sign of excitement or happiness. How the tail wags is important too. Each dog is unique and you will (if you listen to your dog) learn to understand your dog very well and all their tell tale signs. Until then, here are some ‘general’ body language clues for you:
8 Signs of Stress in Dogs to look out for
The Art of Canine Comfort: Unveiling the Secrets and Joys of Dog Cuddles
Tips for Approaching an Anxious Dog
Body Language of a Scared or Anxious Dog
Body Language of a Relaxed Dog
Body Language in Dogs
7. Regular Grooming Sessions: Grooming is an intimate activity that fosters trust. Brushing, nail trims, and gentle cleaning create positive associations and strengthen the bond between you and your rescue dog. This might be scary at the beginning for your dog – especially if they have never either had these, are not comfortable with handling or don’t have positive associations with grooming. Again, take it slow and please look into force/fear free grooming and and cooperative, consent based cared. You can also find force free groomers, please make sure they are indeed fear free ones!
8. Gradual Exposure to New Experiences: Expose your dog gradually to new environments, people, and situations. Positive experiences build confidence and trust. Monitor their reactions and provide support when needed. Top tip: Take it slow! It’s better to take it slow and avoid negative experiences rather than rushing things and having to ‘un do’ it. But also, please keep in mind that none of us is pawfect and things happen, so no matter how careful you maybe plan things out, you might still encounter unpleasant experiences that can be scary of negative for your dog, like an unleashed dog running up to you or a loud car or whatever it might be. That’s OK. It happens. Go back to these resources: Your Dog’s Stress Bucket, understanding when a dog is ‘over-threshold’
What’s Decompression and how to provide it to your dog? and also really understand what your dog tells you (body language), what your dog is comfortable and what not. Please also be super honest with yourself where you are comfortable and confident with handling and managing a situation and where you could benefit from help! Than please find someone professional (with rescue dog experience) to help you, so you don’t stress and feel better equipped.
9. Practice Obedience Training (and make it fun): Basic obedience commands like sit, stay, and come not only enhance safety and can be easy wins. Consistent, positive training sessions contribute to a sense of security and trust. I’d add in fun games to play with your dog rather than strict ‘obedience’ training, to make it more fun, build your bond and your dog’s confidence with quick wins.
Here’s an example on how I train Panda, my Omani Wadi Dog and I explain all the games, so you can implement them at home with your own dog.
10. Vet Visits and Health Care: Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for your dog’s well-being. While we might think that establishing a routine for health care builds trust and reassures your dog that you’re looking out for their best interests, reality might be that vet visits are scary for your dog and could have an opposite effect. So, in order to keep it positive, train your dog for vet visits and handling! Find a fear free vet, who understands rescue dogs, has patience and is respectful and understanding of your dog’s needs.
Building a strong relationship with your new rescue dog is a rewarding journey that requires time, understanding, and a genuine commitment to their well-being. By incorporating these tips into your daily interactions, you’ll create a foundation of trust and love that will flourish over time. Remember, every small step forward is a milestone in your shared adventure.
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