Help Your Rescue Dog Settle In During the First Week

Let's help get your rescue dog settled!

Got a newly rescue dog into your home? We love that you for you and super appreciative that you decided to adopt, not shop. The first week is crucial for helping your rescue dog feel safe, comfortable, and confident in their new environment - but remember, come in to this experience with no expectation. Here are practical tips to guide you through this important transition and give a checklist for you to hopefully test out.

Firstly, prepare your home ahead of arrival. Before your rescue dog arrives, make sure your home is ready to welcome them and these isn't too many alternations whilst they are settling in. Create a quiet, safe space where your dog can retreat when feeling overwhelmed. This area should include:

• A comfortable bed or crate with soft blankets

• Access to fresh water and food bowls

• Toys that are safe and suitable for your dog’s size and chewing habits

• Minimal noise and distractions to reduce stress

• Dog-proof anything, remove anything they can hurt or swallow/

  
  

Having this space ready helps your dog feel secure and gives them a place to rest as they adjust.

Secondly, establish a consistent routine and discuss with the rescue centre what they currently have in place. Dogs thrive on routine, especially when they are adjusting to a new environment. Try to keep feeding times, walks, and bedtime consistent from day one. A predictable schedule helps your dog understand what to expect and reduces anxiety. This schedule should include set meal times, regular walk times, puzzle times* and a rough bedtime routine. *I know, I know - Puzzle times? But the thing is puzzles are great for releasing frustation, it's engaging and shows them that we can have fun in this house. Puzzle times can be the golden egg in ways to help your rescue dog settle.

Next, it's important that you use calm and gentle communication without the air of frustation or pressure for expectations*. Your rescue dog may have experienced trauma or neglect, so approach them with patience and kindness. Use a soft voice and avoid sudden movements. Let your dog come to you rather than forcing interaction as they have already gone through a lot. Sometimes it's better just to be in their presence without any pressure or even just get them used to your voice with regular talking, singing, etc. Think "alone, but together" approach. You know those people where you can both being doing seperate things and it's still a good time - that's now going to be you and your newly rescue pup.

Once this tasks have been completed or a rough idea of how it's going to go down, it's time to slowly introduce Family Members, human and pet alike, when the rescue dog comes home. We recommend to keep initial meetings short and supervised. Allow your rescue dog to observe from a distance before encouraging closer interaction. This includes: use leashes for controlled introductions with other dogs, teach children to be gentle and calm around the new dog and highly reward calm behaviour with treats and praise.

*Expanding on what to do whilst your rescue dog settles, we mentioned earlier about pressure of expectations, it's best to tap into house training and boundary setting - and what that looks like to you? Your rescue dog may not be fully house trained or familiar with your home rules. Expect accidents and gently guide them without punishment.

We recommend:

• Take your dog outside frequently, especially after meals and naps

• Reward outdoor elimination with praise and treats

• Set clear boundaries about furniture, rooms, or areas off-limits

  
  

Lastly, we recommend schedule a Veterinary check-up which we imagine you're already aware of! A vet visit early in the first week ensures your dog is healthy and up to date on vaccinations. It also gives you a chance to discuss any concerns about behaviour or health. Bring any medical records from the rescue centre, mention any behaviour issues that's been flagged up and do all the other goodies that's required, like updating microchip.

We hope it all goes well and this article gives you some guidance! Once your rescue dog settles in and you live in the Norfolk or Sheffield (UK) area, we'd love to become your new favourite dog walker / pet sitter. Send us an email at floofs.and.friends@gmail.com or fill out our contact form.