There is no doubt that one of the most rewarding ways of bringing a new dog into your home is to adopt a rescue from a rehoming center. Not only will you get the benefit of a loyal and loving pet that will bring your family closer together and give you excuses to go for walks together, but you will also get the sense that you are doing something positive for a dog that needs the love and support that a caring home can provide.
Often, we never really know what a rescue dog will have been through. Their previous owners may have been unable to cope with the dog, or a change in their lifestyle may have meant that they had to give up a much-beloved pet. Very often, there are some sad or upsetting circumstances that surround a dog being given up. Whatever the situation is, the dog needs the love that a new home will provide.
It can be tough for a dog being up for adoption. They may not know what is going on or understand the situation fully. If you get a rescue dog, you need to be committed to providing a consistent routine for the dog so that they know where they stand. It can be a lot of work bringing a dog into your lives, but the joy that they will give to you will be worth it.
Finding The Right Dog To Adopt
Getting the right rescue dog is not as simple as finding a breed that you like. You should consider the dog's temperament, how they are around any children or other pets that you have, how much walking they will need, and whether they can be left alone for any length of time.
Ask lots of questions at the rehoming center and if there are any dogs that you are interested in, meet them a few times to see how well they take to you and your family.
Given the fact that the dog may have been through a lot already, returning an adopted dog can be difficult for everyone if it doesn't work out for any reason. The better prepared you are at the start, the less likely this will be to happen.
Preparing Your Home
Bringing your new dog home will be exciting. Make sure you have a bed made up for them, and you have plenty of the best puppy food. Make them feel as welcome as possible, but don't fuss over them or stress them out while they settle in.
Allow them the opportunity to settle in slowly. Over the first few days, keep them at home, or just let them run in the garden. If they're going out for a walk with you, keep it low profile and gentle. They need to adjust to life with you on their own terms, there may be quite a culture shock if they meet everyone in your life all at the same time.
Shannon Holmes says
Our Sorcha was a rescue dog. She is a good girl but a little ditzy and headstrong. She loves cats.
monique s says
So much to do to get ready. THank you for the info.
Renea says
All my best pups have been rescues!
Helen says
All of the dogs and cats my husband and I have gotten have been rescues. They are the best pets and understanding that the rewards you get far outweigh the challenges you may have. It is the best decision we have ever made. We love our fur family.
gloria patterson says
My sister in law got a recuse dog a few years ago and that dog has his forever home. It is a good thing you can help them out with this blog
Debra Branigan says
Thank you for this article. The best dog we have ever owned was a rescue. People just need to educate themselves so they make the right choice for them.
Kelly Freeman says
Thanks for the tips!
Denise Gilcrease says
WI recusedMy dog yogi 13 yrs ago, would love to win something
Connie Carpenter says
We have a rescue dog. My friend's husband found our doggy, Amelia Earhart tied up behind a water treatment plant. She had clearly been mistreated. She has been with us for almost 6 months and she is the sweetest, most friendly, loving dog ever!
Tony Platz says
I adopted Alister13 years ago best choise I ever made.
Gabrielle says
My rescue pup was turned into the Humane Society as a senior because his people didn't want an older dog, then he went through THREE failed adoptions before I found him there a year after he'd initially been surrendered. In spite of that, he's been a wonderful addition to my life. I not only recommend rescue dogs, i recommend seniors. My pup is 16 now and as frisky as a puppy. I love him.
Christina Gould says
We usually have good experiences with our rescue dogs, but the last one we got was a biter. Thanks for posting!
Sue E says
I have adopted pets that were abandoned and they were the most obedient, loving animals that I could have asked for! We definitely asked if the animals were friendly and well-behaved around kids and other animals. This was pin worthy. Some pet shelters hand out pamphlets regarding the new environment and they give helpful advice.
Thank you for sharing!
Sarah L says
Very good tips for bringing a rescue dog home. Consistancy is a key.
Sandy Klocinski says
I adopted my boy in 2016. He was on the "2nd chance program" because someone else had already taken him and brought him back because he "terrorized their other dogs". Not sure what kind of dogs they had but, hey, I thought, I can't imagine that a Chihuahua could terrorized too many dogs. I had no other animals or kids so it was fine with me. We had our issues...for a while he was biting me twice a week...but we worked them out. He still has issues...he is food aggressive and does not deal well with other dogs and can't really be trusted not to bite other people, although he doesn't bite me any more. I wouldn't trade my "Doberman trapped in a Chihuahua's body" for anything in the world!
Denise Gilcrease says
Would love to win something