The time following any shelter adoption can be critical. That’s because those first days and weeks are laying the groundwork for your new life together, not just because you and your dog are getting to know one another.
Imagine spending days, weeks, or even months living in a kennel that is surrounded by other kennels and strange, barking dogs.
If your previous family abandoned you, you would likely feel sad and confused. Or perhaps you were a stray trying to make it on the streets. Or maybe you lived with an abusive or neglectful human.
Then one day, everything changes. Someone new comes to the shelter and takes you home. The new home’s surroundings, residents, and possibly other animals are all unfamiliar and perplexing. The routine is completely different.
It makes sense that dogs who go through this process might need some time to settle in and unwind in their new homes.
After 3 months,
your dog is now completely comfortable in his home. Your dog feels completely secure with you because of the trust and genuine bond you’ve developed with him. Due to his established routine, he will come to anticipate having dinner at the scheduled time.
Bringing a new dog home to another dog
Before bringing him inside if you have another dog at home, introduce them outside. Despite the fact that they had already met at the shelter or foster home
Take them for a stroll together, put the resident dog in the backyard, and then introduce the new dog to the fence so they can get to know one another by sniffing each other.
It’s crucial to prevent the new dog from encroaching on your resident dog’s territory. Take this step very slowly.
Even though it may be difficult, you should hold off on fully integrating the new dog into your pack for 24 to 48 hours. For the first day, separate them so that everyone can relax in different parts of the house.
Please read The Best Way to Introduce a Second Dog Into Your Pack before continuing. Read this carefully because it is crucial to introduce people properly.
Create A Routine
Dogs, like children, thrive on routine. Your dog will settle in more quickly once they start to fall into a regular routine. This means they should be fed at the same time each day, and taken out for walks and play at the same time each day as far as is feasible.
If you put your dog in a specific room or location to sleep, you should do so consistently each day at the same time.
Having a routine can help your dog feel safe and secure because they will know what to anticipate.
FAQ
How long does it take a rescue dog to feel comfortable in their new home?
The Final Word It is typical for rescue dogs to take some time to get used to their new homes. For the first week or so, you should anticipate that it will be difficult. However, after three weeks, you’ll start to notice significant progress, and after three months, they should be completely settled.
How do you know if rescue dog feels at home?
The body language of a dog who is at ease with you will be more relaxed, allowing you to pet and play with them. However, the American Kennel Club asserts that a dog who is cowering, immobile, or moving erratically may be under stress, afraid, or unwilling to be touched.
How do adopted dogs feel at home?
So for the first week or more, try to keep things as quiet and consistent as possible. Feed, walk, and leave for work at roughly the same times each day. When you do leave the house, think about leaving your dog with an enrichment item, like a puzzle food bowl or stuffed treat toy.
How long does it take for a rescue dog to bond with new owner?
The truth is that it depends on the individual dog as to how long it takes for it to adjust. Every dog and situation is unique and will adjust differently. Some people will adhere to the 3-3-3 rule to the letter, while others will need six months or an entire year to feel completely at ease.