Your dog might be coming from a variety of different circumstances. Maybe
he’s been used to kennel life for some time. Maybe he came from the pound
and has been in a variety of settings. Maybe he comes from his previous home
and everyone familiar to him. Maybe he has suffered trauma and/or ill health.
Whatever his background, when you bring him home, he is going to feel very
uncertain. The sounds and smells are unknown. He could be meeting new
people and animals. He is going to need time to process this huge change in his
life and right now, he’s not sure who to trust and or whether his new
surrounding is safe.
Take Things One Step at a Time
Do not take him for a walk straight away. You are only introducing him to yet
more strange and potentially scary situations when everything is so new. Let
him take as long as he needs to feel familiar with his immediate surroundings.
Some dogs need longer than others to know that they are in a safe place and as
long as there is any danger of your dog taking fright or becoming overloaded by
the outside world, it is best to concentrate on making the home environment
safe and secure for him.
Let Them Set the Pace
Don’t worry if he keeps to himself. He might need time to let his nervous
system settle and to figure out that he is safe. Let him choose a spot to sit
around the house and/or garden. Don’t bother him too much with eye contact or
physical contact. Stay nearby and do your own thing. Talk to him softly and
casually and feed him wherever he feels secure. Throw a few small treats when
you sit nearby but don’t insist that he take them from your hand.
First Walks Should Be Positive Experiences
Before the first walk, ensure that he has a well-fitting harness and walk as long
as he can tolerate without seeming anxious or overwhelmed. Let him sniff all he
needs to, especially around your immediate surroundings.
Night-Time Reassurance
Your dog might initially be unsettled at night especially if he is young and used
to his litter, friends or mother dog. If he needs you nearby at first, this will help
him to feel safe and secure. Anything that boosts his confidence and sense of
wellbeing is good.
Be Patient With House Training
surroundings. Your dog might not know how to make his needs known, where
to go to relieve himself or simply might have “accidents” from nerves. Please
don’t show anger. This only teaches him that relieving himself in front of you is
wrong. Go back to housetraining basics. Take him outside regularly-after
meals, after playing, when you see behaviours such as sniffing or circling, and
when he wakes from a sleep. Take him to the same spot and use the same words
“wee wees”. Praise him when he goes outside and be prepared for accidents
especially in the first days and nights.
Helping Them Learn Their New Name
If he is getting used to a new name, reward with training treats, toys or praise
(as you learn what best motivates him) when he comes to his new name.
Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Help
Don’t be afraid to contact a vet, the shelter or a trainer if you are struggling with
a behaviour. It will take your dog a few months to feel fully at home and in that
time, you will see different aspects of their personality. It’s much better to look
for help before a concern becomes a problem.
The Golden Rules
The golden rule…praise and encourage all the behaviours that you want to see
more of!
The other golden rule…enjoy your new companion and look forward to many
happy years together…
