Adopting a rescue dog can be an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding experience. Not only are you providing a forever home to a deserving dog in need, but you are also gaining a loyal and loving companion.
However, bringing a new rescue dog into your home comes with its own set of challenges and adjustments. To help you navigate this exciting journey, we’ve put together the ultimate new rescue dog guide with everything you need to know for a smooth transition.
Prepare Your Home
Before bringing your new rescue dog home, it’s important to prepare your living space to ensure it’s safe and comfortable for your new furry friend.
Remove any hazardous items such as toxic plants, small objects, and electrical cords. Set up a designated area for your dog with a cozy bed, food and water bowls, and toys. For more, check out this blog post on How to Rescue Dog Proof your House.
Consider crate training as a safe space for your dog to retreat to when needed.
Stock up on food, treats, and any other supplies your dog will need, including a leash, collar, and identification tags. I also put together a handy New Rescue Dog Checklist for you.
Be Patient and Understanding
It’s important to remember that rescue dogs may have experienced trauma or neglect in their past, and it may take time for them to adjust to their new surroundings. Be patient and understanding as your dog acclimates to their new home. For more information on how to decompress your new rescue dog, check out this blog post: How to Decompress a New Rescue Dog
Give them space and time to explore and settle in at their own pace. Be prepared for potential behavioural challenges and provide positive reinforcement and rewards for desired behaviours. It’s important to set realistic expectations (for a rough time line, check out this post: The 3-3-3 Rule for New Rescue Dogs | The first 3 Days, 3 Weeks & 3 Months) and be patient as your dog adjusts to their new environment.
Establish a Routine
Dogs thrive on routine, so establishing a consistent daily routine can help your new rescue dog feel more secure and comfortable.
Set a schedule for feeding, exercise, potty breaks, and training sessions. Consistency and predictability can help your dog feel more relaxed and confident in their new home. For more information on what the Body Language of a Relaxed Dog looks like, click here, Body Language of an Anxious Dog, click here and for more information about Body Language of Dogs in general, click here. If you need help with housetraining your new rescue dog, you can access the free resources I created around this topic here.
Stick to a routine as closely as possible, and gradually introduce changes to the routine as your dog becomes more familiar with their new surroundings.
Provide Proper Nutrition
A balanced and nutritious diet is essential for your dog’s overall health and well-being. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate type and amount of food for your dog’s age, size, and activity level.
Avoid sudden changes in diet, as it can upset your dog’s digestive system.
Provide fresh water at all times, and monitor your dog’s weight and body condition to ensure they are maintaining a healthy weight.
Socialise Your Dog
Socialization is a critical part of a dog’s development, and it’s important to expose your new rescue dog to various environments, people, and other dogs in a positive and controlled manner (take it slow!).
Gradually introduce your dog to new experiences, sights, sounds, and smells, and provide positive reinforcement for calm and confident behavior. Socialization can help prevent behaviour issues and promote a well-adjusted and well-behaved dog.
Invest in Training
Training is an essential part of helping your new rescue dog become a well-behaved and obedient companion. Positive reinforcement methods, such as reward-based training, are effective and humane ways to train your dog.
Related Blog Post: Do No Harm Dog Training® by Linda Michaels: A Compassionate Approach to Training Your Furry Friend
Start with basic commands and leash manners, and gradually progress to more advanced training as your dog becomes more comfortable and confident. Training not only helps with obedience, but it also strengthens the bond between you and your dog – as does pay. Games-based concept dog training is perfect for rescue dogs and can help massively with building confidence. If you’d like to learn more about games-based concept dog training, you can find more information my dog training page bullydogtraining.com (I specialise in bully breeds and rescue dogs).
Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation
Dogs need both mental and physical stimulation to thrive. For a full guide on Canine Enrichment – what it is, why it’s important and how to get started, check out this post that I wrote: CANINE ENRICHMENT: The Ultimate Beginners Guide to Enrich Your Dog’s Life
Provide daily exercise, such as walks, runs, or playtime in a securely fenced area. If walks are too stressful for your new rescue dog yet, you can find alternatives in this video here. from my Dog Trainer colleague Niki French, who is the founder of the ‘Don’t Walk your Dog Day’ or take them on a Sniffari.
Provide opportunities for mental stimulation through interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and training games. Mental and physical stimulation can help prevent boredom, anxiety, and destructive behaviours, and keep your dog mentally and physically engaged.
You can find plenty of information about the different types of enrichment toys here as well as lots of reviews and recommendations. To get started, you might want to check out these blog posts (include videos as well):
Easy Dog Meal Time Enrichment Ideas And Activities
How to Stuff a Kong Dog Toy?
The Complete Guide to Slow Feeder Dog Bowls
Snuffle Mats for Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide
The Science Behind Lick mats: Understanding the Benefits for Pets
7 Tips for Building Toy Drive in Your Dog
Practice Good Health Care
Regular veterinary care is crucial for the overall health and well-being of your new rescue dog. Schedule an initial veterinary visit to assess your dog’s health, update vaccinations, and discuss any concerns or questions you may have.
Follow your vet’s recommendations for preventive care, including flea and tick prevention, heart-worm prevention, and regular dental care. If brushing your dog’s teeth its too tricky (and you don’t want to sabotage the early blossoms of your relationship building or loosing trust), then you can also try something like plaque remover powders. We use the ones from A-OK9 and if you’d like to give it a go, you can use code BULLYCO for a discount (and I get a little commission for the recommendation)
Keep up with grooming, including regular brushing, nail trims, and ear cleaning.
Monitoring your dog’s health and addressing any issues promptly can prevent more serious health problems down the road.
Create a Safe and Secure Environment
Ensuring your new rescue dog has a safe and secure environment is essential for their well-being. Secure your home and yard to prevent escape or injury.
Use baby gates or crate training to restrict access to certain areas of your home.
Provide a comfortable and safe space for your dog to rest and retreat to when needed.
Consider microchipping your dog as a form of identification in case they ever get lost. Taking steps to create a safe and secure environment will help your new rescue dog feel protected and secure in their new home.
Be a Responsible Dog Owner
Owning a dog is a lifelong commitment, and being a responsible dog owner is crucial to your dog’s well-being. Make sure your dog is wearing a collar with identification tags at all times. Follow local laws and regulations for licensing and vaccinations. Clean up after your dog during walks and provide proper waste disposal. Be a good neighbour by being mindful of your dog’s barking and behaviour in your community. Provide regular exercise, mental stimulation, and socialisation to keep your dog happy and healthy.
Being a responsible dog owner sets a positive example for others and ensures a happy and healthy life for your new rescue dog.
In conclusion, adopting a rescue dog can be a life-changing experience for both you and your furry companion. By following this ultimate new rescue dog guide, you can help ensure a smooth transition and set the foundation for a happy and healthy life together.
Remember to be patient, understanding, and provide lots of love and positive reinforcement. With time, patience, and proper care, your new rescue dog will thrive in their forever home and become a cherished member of your family. Happy rescuing!
German 
English