LEARNING TIME!
DOG ADOPTION GUIDE
Our how-to guide to ensure a smooth transition for your new best furry friend
Congratulations on your new friend!
Your decision to choose rescue will bring you so much joy, with an extra layer knowing you saved their life. Most of our rescue dogs have come from death-row in a pound, some spending months or more confined to a small pen and therefore will need time to readjust. Most will be thrilled to be out in world again, and that is thanks to you.
After rescue these dogs go into foster care, where we assess their health and behaviour and ensure they get the necessary support to become adoption ready. However, after moving to your home, a new home to them, issues may arise that we were not aware of. If your dog at any time displays behaviour you don’t understand, or concerns you please contact us. Some examples might be hiding, or growling, or inappropriate socialisation with other animals or people.
Some – not all – rescue dogs have had hard lives previously, including neglect, abuse and abandonment, and some will take time to build trust again. But with love, patience, kindness – and above all else consistency, your relationship will blossom. They are experiencing a lot of new things in a short time which can be overwhelming for them. We just ask you don’t expect too much too soon.
Homecoming
Before your dog’s arrival, make sure you’ve decided on the following:
- Where will the dog sleep?
- What room/s is the dog going to be permitted free roaming in?
- Are they allowed on the couch, beds etc?
- Who is going to feed the dog?
- Who is going to walk them?
If these rules are clear to all members of the house and are followed from the start, your dog will learn the routine quickly and thus settle into their new home more easily.
Homecoming
Before your dog’s arrival, make sure you’ve decided on the following:
- Where will the dog sleep?
- What room/s is the dog going to be permitted free roaming in?
- Are they allowed on the couch, beds etc?
- Who is going to feed the dog?
- Who is going to walk them?
If these rules are clear to all members of the house and are followed from the start, your dog will learn the routine quickly and thus settle into their new home more easily.
DOGGIE’S FIRST DAY
First things first! While your new family member should be wearing a blue Forever Friends ID tag and is microchipped to us (until the four-week trial has elapsed), do also put your own ID tag on your dog’s collar as soon as possible. Your ID tag is the best way to ensure your dog is reunited with you if they go missing. If a dog is going to escape a yard or climb a fence, it is most likely to happen soon after their arrival. Be particularly careful of them slipping out your front door and into the street when you open it to visitors. Here are some additional tips for first experiences:
WALKING
Walking can be a great way to gain trust and respect from your dog, however it is recommended that you do not take your new dog for a walk for the first 3 days after arriving home. This gives them time to decompress, familiarise themselves with their new surroundings and start to bond with you.
However, If you have another dog, we do recommend a brief walk with them together, making sure you have a person to handle each dog. Start with them apart, then gradually walk them closer until they are side by side. Dogs are best meeting each other nose to tail, so avoid face-to-face introductions (your dogs will feel more vulnerable and more likely to be aggressive). Keep control of the walk – it is an exercise in leadership, not a daily stroll. The speed needs to be that the dogs are not looking around but concentrating on moving forward. We recommend at least 45 minutes’ exercise for your dog per day.
It terms of walking off-lead – please do NOT let your new dog off-lead for at least 4 weeks, and at your first try, choose a fenced park or oval to walk them in. This delay is to ensure you have firmly established a bond and leadership with your new dog. It is also essential your dog should know its name, comes when you call at home and pays attention to you on-lead while out on walks.
Many dog owners never let their dogs off-lead out of concern for their safety around other dogs, cars, etc. This is acceptable as long as they still get enough exercise daily. Teaching your dog to jog with you on-lead, for example, is a great form of exercise for you both.
VISITORS
Please limit the number of visitors in the first few days. We know everyone wants to meet your newest family member, but your dog needs time to settle and to bond with your family before being introduced to too many others. They may be exhausted from the stress of it all and be happy to lay down and sleep for a while, so please keep excitement to a minimum.
TOYS
Make sure all toys, treats and other game-related objects are put away when your dog arrives. Once your dog is showing signs that they have settled and relaxed, you can introduce one toy or game per day, being careful not to over-stimulate your new addition.
EXISTING PETS
Your existing pets and new dog will have met prior to the first day of adoption, but it can take a couple of weeks for your four-leggeds to feel comfortable together, and sometimes longer for two dogs to become great mates. Limit the amount of time your new and existing dogs spend alone in the first few weeks until you see a bond forming (regular walks on-lead will help with this), and if you have any problems, get in touch with us.
CHILDREN
Every one of our rescue dogs have be-en temperament tested, however no child should ever be left alone with any dog for any reason. It is vital that you supervise your children’s play with your new dog, making sure that each child respects the dog and gives them their required space. Some dogs are very powerful and can easily injure a child without intent. Keep your dog on-lead for initial introductions and, using food, keep your dog in a calm sit, with the children ignoring the dog. If they are overbearing they could frighten the dog. Let them play as normal while the dog has a chance to observe them. You will need to train both children and your dog to be respectful of each other. Make sure your children understand that your dog should never be approached or bothered when in their bed, and particularly when sleeping. They should also be taught not to go near them at meal times or to try to take toys out of their mouth.
CATS AND SMALL ANIMALS
While every effort has been made to assess your dog’s suitability to live with other animals, each relationship can be different. Just because a dog has lived with cats in the past does not mean there won’t be a period of adjustment with your own cats. Make sure your cats are safe and your dog on-lead when you do the initial introduction. If your dog is excited, don’t allow interaction with the cat. Your new dog must approach your cat only when you give permission. If the dog pulls towards the cat during introduction, walk the dog away and begin again until your dog can approach calmly. Allow sniffing for about 3 seconds and then walk the dogs away. This is to ensure the dog is not overloaded with cat smells, leading to excitement. You can expect your cat to be upset at the new arrival! Never leave your dog alone with any small animal unsupervised. If you are having trouble introducing your new dog to your cat(s), please contact us.
FEEDING
Rescue dogs sometimes don’t want to eat for a day or two when in a new environment. If this happens, don’t worry too much. Just offer food daily, be sure to remove it if your dog doesn’t eat anything within ten minutes, and offer it again at the next feeding. Make sure your dog has a safe, quiet place to eat without interference. When feeding bones, make sure they are always raw and when your dog has finished, put the remainder in the bin. Some dogs have never been fed bones and may take time to come around to the taste of them – once again, perseverance is the key.
If you have another dog you must make sure both dogs are fed separately and under supervision. When feeding snacks, make sure both dogs are not competing for food at the same time.
WHERE SHOULD YOUR NEW DOG SLEEP?
Your dog might be restless for the first couple of days and may spend some time at the front door apparently waiting for someone (they will most likely be missing their foster carer). This will settle given time and their new routine. It is a good idea to provide the dog with a quiet and comfortable place that will be their bed area where they can relax away from people but can still be a part of the family – a nice spot in the living room where the dog can feel safe but still see everyone is ideal.
Unless your dog insists on sleeping outside, we want your dog to sleep inside at night, for several important reasons:
BOND
Dogs are pack animals, they crave the presence of others. It is not only unnatural for them to be separated from their pack but distressing. Every moment a dog is away from their pack is a time that he is anxious. Outside dogs can feel banished and rejected. Your dog will be better able to relax if he is close to you at night – the person he loves best! This will also strengthen your bond with your dog.
HEALTH
In addition to being better for your dog’s emotional health, sleeping inside is important to his physical health too. After all, an adult dog spends about 12 hours of the day sleeping. They need a clean and dry place to sleep and if your dog is warmly housed inside he will be less prone to arthritis and other age-related problems.
SECURITY
In terms of security, if there is an intruder, for example, inside the dog will be aware of it before you are, and can act as the first line of defence, not to mention alert you by barking. This goes for fire safety, too. Many a family has been saved by having their dog wake them in the event of fire.
SAFETY
Sleeping inside is better for your dog’s safety also. They won’t have nasty encounters with possums or other nocturnal animals during the night – and won’t annoy your neighbours by barking at them! Plus if your dog is unwell, you are more likely to hear and respond if he is inside.
Ultimately, your dog is a member of your family and has feelings too. Being inside at night will not only make him happier but means you are safer also.
THE NEXT FEW DAYS
Welcoming your rescue dog
Rescuing a dog is a noble act, but it’s essential to approach it with confidence and understanding. Despite their past hardships, rescue dogs are incredibly forgiving and adaptable. Instead of smothering them with pity, it’s best to treat them with confidence and love while maintaining discipline. Showering them with too much affection can lead to insecurity and potential separation anxiety. Remember, your rescue dog is resilient and ready to start a new chapter with you.
Settling in: The first 2 weeks
The initial days after adopting a rescue dog are crucial for building trust and security. Your new furry friend may feel a bit uncertain, trying to figure out their new surroundings. It’s highly recommended to spend as much time as possible with your dog during this period. Leaving them alone too soon could trigger anxiety or escape attempts.
On average, it takes about two weeks for a rescue dog to settle into their new home, though the timeline can vary. This adjustment period can be challenging for both you and your dog, as you are essentially strangers to each other. However, with patience and time, your bond will strengthen, and you’ll soon witness your dog’s happiness. During these initial weeks, your dog will also be assessing their new environment, getting to know the people and other animals in the house, and determining their place in the hierarchy. It’s crucial for you to establish yourself as the leader and ensure your dog feels welcome in your shared home.
Any problems?
If you are experiencing any problems, please contact us as soon as possible. We have professional behaviourists who can help free of charge for the first four weeks, and for a reasonable fee after that time. Sometimes a phone chat is all it takes to clear up an issue. We also recommend you take your new dog to obedience training. Many dogs benefit greatly from the stimulation of learning and enjoy the experience.
In your adoption agreement, there is one very important condition you will have signed off on and must observe: If the adoption doesn’t work out for whatever reason, contact us first. You must not rehome your dog yourself or take it to a pound or shelter. This is because we will always take back our rescue dogs at any point in their lifetime, for any reason, without judgement. They will always be our 8 babies too and we are here for them, and you!
In summary, your new dog will become a loving, loyal family member and the time and energy you give them now will be repaid tenfold during the rest of their life with you.
THE NEXT FEW DAYS
Welcoming your rescue dog
Rescuing a dog is a noble act, but it’s essential to approach it with confidence and understanding. Despite their past hardships, rescue dogs are incredibly forgiving and adaptable. Instead of smothering them with pity, it’s best to treat them with confidence and love while maintaining discipline. Showering them with too much affection can lead to insecurity and potential separation anxiety. Remember, your rescue dog is resilient and ready to start a new chapter with you.
Settling in: The first 2 weeks
The initial days after adopting a rescue dog are crucial for building trust and security. Your new furry friend may feel a bit uncertain, trying to figure out their new surroundings. It’s highly recommended to spend as much time as possible with your dog during this period. Leaving them alone too soon could trigger anxiety or escape attempts.
On average, it takes about two weeks for a rescue dog to settle into their new home, though the timeline can vary. This adjustment period can be challenging for both you and your dog, as you are essentially strangers to each other. However, with patience and time, your bond will strengthen, and you’ll soon witness your dog’s happiness. During these initial weeks, your dog will also be assessing their new environment, getting to know the people and other animals in the house, and determining their place in the hierarchy. It’s crucial for you to establish yourself as the leader and ensure your dog feels welcome in your shared home.
Any problems?
If you are experiencing any problems, please contact us as soon as possible. We have professional behaviourists who can help free of charge for the first four weeks, and for a reasonable fee after that time. Sometimes a phone chat is all it takes to clear up an issue. We also recommend you take your new dog to obedience training. Many dogs benefit greatly from the stimulation of learning and enjoy the experience.
In your adoption agreement, there is one very important condition you will have signed off on and must observe: If the adoption doesn’t work out for whatever reason, contact us first. You must not rehome your dog yourself or take it to a pound or shelter. This is because we will always take back our rescue dogs at any point in their lifetime, for any reason, without judgement. They will always be our 8 babies too and we are here for them, and you!
In summary, your new dog will become a loving, loyal family member and the time and energy you give them now will be repaid tenfold during the rest of their life with you.
Thank you again for saving a life.
