When bringing a new rescue dog into your home, it is important to remember that the dog may be experiencing stress, anxiety, and uncertainty due to their change in environment. Here are some tips on how to help your new rescue dog decompress and adjust to their new home.
10 Tips for Decompressing a Rescue Dog
Create a Quiet Space
Set up a designated area in your home where your dog can retreat to when they need some alone time. This space should be quiet and free of distractions, with a comfortable bed or crate for the dog to relax in. By giving your new dog a quiet, comfortable space of their own, they can feel safe and secure and withdraw to whenever they want. This could be a crate, a designated room, or a cozy bed. If you have children make sure they are aware of this rule and that the dog is not to be disturbed during this ‘time out’.
Give them Time and Space
Allow your dog time and space to explore their new environment at their own pace. Don’t overwhelm them with too much attention or stimulation at first, and let them come to you on their own terms. I know how hard this can be when you are ready to love them hard and waited for them to come to yours.
Be Patient and Calm
Remember that your dog may be experiencing stress and anxiety, and it may take some time for them to fully trust and bond with you. Give your new rescue dog time to adjust to their new surroundings. It’s normal for dogs to be anxious or fearful when they first come to a new home. Be patient and calm and don’t expect them to immediately feel comfortable. Avoid punishing or scolding them for any anxious or fearful behaviors.
Take it Slow
Don’t push your dog too hard or too fast. Gradually introduce them to new experiences and environments, and give them time to adjust.
If you adopted a street dog, then take it even slower. If you think you are taking it slow already – take it one step slower. It’s easier to build up trust and confidence first rather than taking it too fast and you’ll have to then undo the ‘damage’.
Gradually Introduce New People and Animals
It’s important to introduce new people and animals gradually, in a controlled and supervised manner. This will help your dog feel more comfortable and prevent them from feeling overwhelmed. Also, give your dog the opportunity to withdraw to their secure space.
Establish a Routine
Establishing a consistent routine can help your dog feel more comfortable and secure. This includes regular feeding times, exercise, and playtime. Again, take it slow and keep in mind that your dog decides what’s scary to them! If walks are too scary and overwhelming stick to short loo breaks and add decompression options like a Lick Mat.
Use force-free training
Positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, can be effective in training your dog and building a strong bond. Be consistent with your training and reward your dog for good behavior. Games-based Concept Dog Training is what I use and recommend – where you also work on the way your dog thinks.
Related Blog Post: Do No Harm Dog Training® by Linda Michaels: A Compassionate Approach to Training Your Furry Friend
Also, working on calmness – by adding enough active rest, passive calming activities and rewarding calmness is super important. You can find all about it here:
Provide Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Regular exercise and mental stimulation can help reduce stress and anxiety in dogs. Take your dog for walks (if this is something your dog enjoys! If it fill’s their stress bucket, then avoid trigger stacking), play games with them (if they are ready for this) and provide puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys for them to work on. Again, take it slow and make the toys and puzzles easy to solve for quick wins. You will want to avoid a build up of frustration and rather build value in the toy | activity. If you are looking for interactive dog toys or puzzles toys – you can find plenty of information and reviews on my Blog and YouTube Channel under Dog Toy Reviews.
You might also like this post: How to use a Lickimat and Prevent Chewing on Them!
Consider Crate Training or Gated Communities
Crate training can provide your dog with a sense of security and help them feel more comfortable in their new environment. However, it is important to introduce the crate slowly and gradually, and never use it as a form of punishment. Alternatively you can use Baby Gates etc to create gated communities and regulate ‘access’ – so your dog doesn’t get overwhelmed. You can remove the gates over time or keep them. I find them actually pretty handy in our multi-dog household even if they are open most of the time.
Consult a Professional
If you’re having trouble decompressing your new rescue dog, consider consulting a professional dog trainer or behaviourist. They can provide guidance and support to help your dog feel more comfortable and confident.
Overall, it is important to remember that each dog is unique and may require different approaches to decompress and adjust to their new home. Be observant of your dog’s behaviour and give you both time to find the approach that works best for your new rescue dog. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement | games-based concept dog training, you can help your dog feel safe, secure, and happy in their new home.
You might also find this video helpful:
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