Dorset Dog Rescue

 

Our goal at Dorset Dog Rescue is to find loving, permanent homes for all of our rescued dogs.  We strive to find the best possible match for our dogs.  In order to do that ALL of our dogs are in foster homes until they are adopted.  Our dogs are given needed medical care, socialization, basic training, and most of all, love.  We feel we can then present our prospective adoptive families with the most complete evaluation of the dog they are interested in adopting.

The Arrival:

Please remember that your new addition has probably experienced many changes prior to arriving at their new home and their stress level may be high. Therefore, they may be nervous and frightened and will need time to just “settle in”.

During this “settling in” time it is important to keep things as calm as possible.  We understand that getting a new dog is EXCITING!  However, keep visitors to a minimum during this time. Too much activity or attention may overwhelm your dog and your dog may react in fear or confusion. It is not uncommon for dogs to be uncertain during this initial adjustment period.  This uncertainty can exhibit itself in different ways:

 -          Cowering: Many dogs will cower, hide or refuse to come into the house at first.  Please be patient, calm and reassuring and they will recover.

-          Hyperactivity: Some dogs will become overly excited in their nervousness.  They will pant, pace, run from room to room and even attempt to escape.  Again, be calm and patient during this time.  Go for a walk to burn off that nervous energy and use a crate to give the dog some “down” time.

Recognize that these initial behaviors stem from the dog's insecurity. Give them time to learn about their new environment and take it slow. You have many years to enjoy your new pet so don't overdo it the first few days.

Introductions:


Other Dogs:

It is important for your new dog to meet your 'old' dog on neutral territory.  Opening the door, taking off the leash and just letting them go is a recipe for disaster.  Meet outside the house, take both dogs on a walk and let them get to know one another before going into the house.  Understand that dogs are pack animals and will attempt to establish dominance during the initial meeting.  You may see some posturing and even a little growling at first.  As pack animals, dogs will naturally decide a "pecking order" among themselves. However, you must maintain control during this process.  Do not give the dogs toys or bones during the first several days.  This can create conflict and lead to possessiveness. 

Children:

Your children are excited, your new dog is nervous, so things need to be taken VERY slowly and cautiously.  It is important that you carefully supervise your children around the dog, especially for the first few days.  Until your new dog has settled in it is important for your children to know:

- They should never disturb a dog while it is sleeping or eating.
- The should speak softly, do not shriek or scream at the dog.
- Respect a dog's need for peace and quiet.

Regular Routines:

It is important to get your dog adjusted to your normal routines right from the beginning.  Dogs thrive on routines and will become nervous if they are suddenly changed, so it’s important to get them into your routine right away.

Alone Time:  We live in a busy, hectic world. It’s important you get your dog used to some alone time right from the beginning.  Many people are excited with their new dog and want to spend every minute with them for the first few days.  Your new dog will become used to this and may panic when you suddenly change that routine and leave him alone.  From the first day, leave the house for a bit and leave your new dog alone.  Place him in a crate or confine him to an area in the house.  Leave him with his bed, toys and some water.  Don’t make a big deal as you leave or when you come home.  

Sleeping: Decide on an area in your home for your dog’s bed. Find a place that is out of the way of foot traffic, but where your dog will still be able to see all of the goings on. This way the dog will not be underfoot and yet will still feel a part of the home activities.

Eating: Place the dog's food bowls in a quiet, low-traffic areas and begin feeding on a regular schedule. Teach children to never touch or approach a dog while it is eating.

Housetraining: All of our dogs are in foster homes and the housetraining process has begun, or is already completed.  Your dog’s foster family will give you tips and advice and fill you in on the schedule your dog has been on.  When a dog is stressed or nervous they may urinate more, so it’s important to take frequent toilet breaks for the first few days.  Be sure to walk your dog to the same area each time and praise him when he relieves himself.

Walkies!: Dog walking is an underestimated activity and people don't realise how important it is to get their dog out and about.  A large back garden does not provide the mental or physical stimulation  needed to tire a dog.  Regular dog walking creates a bond between you and your dog as well as socialisation and obedience.  We all have times when we don't feel like it, but once you are out and see how much your dog enjoys a good walk it is all worth it.  An hours walk a day will create a much happier, bonded and tired dog at home.

Activities: An active dog is a happy dog... It stimulates body and mind which in turn makes a more content dog at home.  There are many activities you can take part in with you dog that involve the whole family.  There are many fun dog shows all year round which are fab socialising oppertunities for you and your dog.  Flyball clubs are always great fun if your dog is as ball obsessed as my lot!! Agility clubs are everywhere and every breed from great dane to yorkies are able to take part... Agility is great excercise for you and your dog as well as fantastic training.  There are also obedience clubs, training clubs, doggy dancing, dog walking clubs and lot lots more. Terrier and Lurcher shows up and down the country are great fun and usually have lurcher racing and terrier racing which is fantastic.  These are all a fantastic way to make your dog a bigger part of your family and a great way to meet some great people... There are some links to great clubs on our links page.  Not forgetting our fabulous summer show where you can meet up with other dogs and foster carers.