Understanding The Basics

Bringing home an adult rescue dog is a compassionate and rewarding decision that can transform both your life and the life of your new furry companion. While adopting an adult dog comes with its own set of considerations compared to raising a puppy, with careful preparation and patience, you can ensure a smooth transition and create a loving and secure environment for your newest family member. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what you need to do to prepare for your adult rescue dog.

 Research and Understand

Before adopting a rescue dog, take the time to research and understand the breed or mix of breeds if known, as well as any specific behavioral or medical needs associated with that breed. Additionally, learn about the dog’s history, temperament, and any past traumas or experiences that may affect their behavior and adjustment to a new home. In many cases you won’t be able to get much information on the dog’s history, so you need to understand and be ready to accept a variety of possibilities from your new friend. Something that is often overlooked is if you have other pets in the home and how a new family member might affect them. Many people get themselves into a tight spot by not socializing their current pet enough before bringing a new companion home.

 Prepare Your Home

Just like with a puppy, it’s essential to puppy-proof your home to ensure the safety and comfort of your adult rescue dog. Remove any hazards such as toxic plants, household cleaners, electrical cords, and small objects that could be chewed or swallowed. Designate a safe space for your new dog, complete with a comfortable bed, food and water bowls, toys, and appropriate chewing items. If you already have a new pet in the house, then please set up an area where both pets can acclimate to each other’s sounds and smells before sharing the home together. Acclimation is an important set when bringing a new animal into your family. This can help both pets to feel comfortable around each other.

What You Need To Succeed

Gather Supplies!

Stock up on essential supplies to meet your rescue dog’s needs, including:

  • Food and treats: Choose a high-quality dog food appropriate for your dog’s age, size, and dietary needs.
  • Food and water bowls: Opt for sturdy, non-tip bowls that are easy to clean and large enough to accommodate your dog’s size.
  • Collar, leash, and ID tags: Ensure your dog has proper identification at all times, and invest in a secure leash and collar for walks.
  • Grooming supplies: Including a brush, nail clippers, and shampoo suitable for your dog’s coat type.
  • Bedding: Provide a soft, comfortable bed for your dog to rest and sleep on.
  • Toys: Offer a variety of toys to keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated.
  • Healthcare items: Such as flea and tick prevention, heartworm medication, and a first-aid kit.

You can always visit the Sovereign Dog Shop to shop all our pet pros recommendations!

 Schedule a Vet Visit

Make an appointment with a veterinarian for a thorough health check-up and to discuss vaccinations, deworming, flea and tick prevention, and spaying or neutering if not already done. Your vet can also provide valuable guidance on your dog’s overall health and any specific medical needs they may have.

 Establish Routine and Boundaries

Consistency is key when welcoming an adult rescue dog into your home. Establish a daily routine for feeding, exercise, potty breaks, and rest to help your dog feel secure and adjust to their new environment. Set clear boundaries and rules from the start and be patient and consistent in enforcing them.

 Provide Training and Socialization

Even though your rescue dog may already have some training, it’s important to continue their education and socialization to ensure they become a well-behaved and well-adjusted member of your family. Use positive reinforcement techniques to teach basic commands, leash manners, and appropriate behavior, and expose your dog to different people, animals, environments, and experiences in a positive and controlled manner. It’s imperative to understand your dog may have been rehomed or sent to the shelter due to reactivity or hyperactivity. This is why it is necessary to hire a trainer as quickly as possible. A professional can help you navigate certain behaviors and help you break your dog’s old habits while forming new healthy habits.

 

Where To Find Your New Friend

There are several shelters that are full of wonderful dogs and cats. However, we work directly with three prominent ones across SWFL.

Cape Coral Animal Shelter – 325 SW 2nd Ave, Cape Coral, FL 33991

Gulf Coast Humane Society – 2010 Arcadia St, Fort Myers, FL 33916

Naples Humane Society – 370 Airport-Pulling Rd, Naples, FL 34104

It’s important to note all three shelters are NO KILL shelters so they become full quickly. If you’re not able to adopt then please consider donating. You can donate unopened food, or gently used supplies but best of all you can donate your love and time. All three shelters are in just as much need of loving helping hands as they are food and supplies.

Here Lord Of The Leash we will take donations for these shelters on your behalf to make donating less of a hassle for you. If you have old towels, blankets, crates, unopened food…Etc. Let us know and we’ll be more than happy to schedule a time to pick it up to take to the shelter for you.

Be Patient and Understanding

Adjusting to a new home and family can be overwhelming for a rescue dog, so be patient, understanding, and supportive during this transition period. Give your dog plenty of love, reassurance, and encouragement, and allow them time to settle in at their own pace. Dog’s typically take 90 days to fully acclimate to their new surroundings. You won’t start to see their full personality until after a minimum of 14days of being in your home. So be patient and be ready for anything. Building a strong bond with your rescue dog takes time and patience, but the companionship they offer in return makes it all worthwhile.

Adopting a rescue dog is a is fulfilling experience that requires careful preparation, patience, and dedication. By taking the time to research and understand your dog’s needs, building a relationship while also establishing routines and boundaries, providing training and socialization, and being patient and understanding during the adjustment period, you’ll set the stage for a loving relationship with your new furry friend.