Tips for Adopting a Rescue Dog

Our first rescue dog was a black lab who often left us frustrated and exhausted. However, he also turned out to be one of the best dogs we ever owned. My family has been fortunate enough to rescue four dogs (so far!) and every one of them has had their quirks and challenges. From chewing a hole through our basement door to stealing a steak from our neighbor’s grill, there was never a dull moment! But if you can rise to the challenge of owning one of these dogs, it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.

Tips for Adopting a Rescue Dog

If you’ve got your heart set on a rescue dog, roll up your sleeves and keep reading for some tips to help guide you on this tail-wagging, sometimes-slobbery, always-heartwarming journey.

Start with the 3-3-3 rule

The 3-3-3 Rule is a general guideline for transitioning a rescue dog into your home. It goes like this. The first three days are for adjusting to new surroundings, the first three weeks are for training and bonding and the first three months are for continued socialization and training. Keeping the 3-3-3 Rule in mind is helpful in setting realistic expectations when bringing a new furry friend into the family.

The first three days

For the first few days, your rescue pup may appear timid and quiet. They are likely overwhelmed and stressed out. Give them time to adjust to their new surroundings. Provide a quiet, safe space for them and limit their exposure to new sights and sounds. During these initial days, your dog will be accessing where they are, trying to figure out how they fit in and what the house rules are. Take it slow and establish a basic routine for feeding and walks.

The first three weeks

Now is the time to start bonding and building trust. Your dog has realized that this is their new home. They will begin to start showing their true personality. This might include tail-wagging affection or a sudden obsession with shredding your decorative throw pillows. Patience is key. They’re adjusting. You’re adjusting.

It is important to continue to establish a routine during this time. Dogs love routine. Whether it's walks, meals or belly rubs, try to do them at roughly the same time each day. It helps to build trust.

Now is also the time to introduce basic obedience (sit, stay, come). Remember to be patient but firm. Slowly introduce them to new experiences like walks, play and meeting other family members or other pets.

The first three months:

Your dog will now begin to settle in. They will start to feel more secure in their new environment. Use this time to create a deeper bond with your dog. Continue to socialize them with people and other animals. Expose them to new experiences.

Training continues to be important during this period. You may be able to expand on the basic commands with your dog. Enroll them in a basic obedience class, lessons with a private trainer or watch and implement learnings from videos online. Remember to keep sessions short, positive, and reward-based. Yes, lots of treats!

Remember, training is a journey — not a one-and-done task. Some dogs may take longer than others to learn. Training requires patience but it’s worth it in the end.

Helpful tips

Before you bring your rescue dog home, make sure everything is ready. Hide your shoes, your socks and anything chewable. Buy gates. Buy cleaning supplies. Buy wine. Buy a dog crate and learn when and how use it. This not only protects your home from destruction, it keeps your dog safe from chewing up something that could harm them and gives them their own personal space where they can feel safe and at home.

Celebrate the small wins. Every little milestone matters. First tail wag? Victory. First poop outside? Call the neighbors. First time they sleep through the night without barking at imaginary burglars? Open the wine.

Rescue dogs have a history. Some might have been abandoned, neglected, or just misunderstood. They might be scared of brooms, men in hats, or the sound of toaster ovens. Meet them with compassion. And if needed, get help from a professional trainer or behaviorist. Healing takes time.

Remember that the 3-3-3 Rule is a great way to embrace the rescue dog journey.  And the challenges that you face can be overcome with patience, love and lots of dog treats. Your house may never be as clean, but you will learn to appreciate the “window art” and the paw prints on the floors because rescue dogs teach us that life doesn’t have to be perfect. Your schedule might revolve around walks and mealtimes and throwing a slobbery tennis ball, but your heart will never be as full.

So, embrace the chaos, the fur, and the unexpected cuddles. You didn’t just get a rescue dog, you got a best friend with four legs, a second chance, and the ability to steal your heart.

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Photo courtesy pixabay/rudinei8