Expert shares top tips on how to welcome a rescue dog into your home

17% of Brits have rescued a dog from a shelter in 2021². But with the pandemic puppy boom also came an increased number of dogs in shelters.

To help owners who are thinking of rescuing a dog from a shelter, dog-friendly holiday letting specialist Canine Cottages has worked with accredited dog trainer, Joe Nutkins, to provide top tips on how to welcome a rescue dog into your home. Canine Cottages has also spoken with people who have rescued dogs to get their top tips.

Although it has its challenges, adopting a rescue dog is a rewarding experience for both pup and owner. Not only is it an opportunity to give a dog a second chance at happiness, but it can teach you a lot about love, forgiveness, and loyalty.

1. Keep a routine

When adopting a dog, routine is super important to help them feel safe and comfortable in the new environment. Dogs in rescue centres will have a routine, even if they haven’t been there for a long time, so they will be used to having their own space to rest and eat.

And, as Nutkins advises: “Ensure that you have provided some areas that will be quiet, secure, and away from busy thoroughfares such as the hallway so that your new shelter dog will be able to have a chance to rest.”

2. Give them space

It’s important that the dog has a room or a designated space that is ‘theirs’ so that they can retreat when they need rest, and not feel overwhelmed by their new home. Nutkins comments further that “having too much space can put pressure on a dog to be aware of what is happening in all areas. By closing off doors and giving your new shelter dog just a couple of rooms, they can focus on the smaller environment better, and this can lower their stress.

3. Keep your dogs separated

If you already have a dog and are introducing a new rescue to the home, it can be difficult to introduce the two. It’s important to know if the dog you’re rescuing is friendly around other dogs, as dogs in shelters may be nervous around other dogs.

Nutkins offers some great tips on how to introduce dogs to each other: “Pop your old dog in another part of the home, ensure to feed them completely separately to reduce pressure on them both, and give them space to meet such as in the garden – using leads can be helpful in case either dog becomes too playful, noisy, or worried. If you know in advance that your new dog will be nervous it can be beneficial to contact a trainer/behaviourist to gain advice for your home setup and your new dog’s needs so that you can be prepared in advance.”

4. Be patient

Most rescue dogs will have gone through a lot in their lives, and they will naturally be a bit more hesitant, nervous and shyer than other dogs. It’s important to be patient with any dog you have rescued and let them adjust to their new environment, which will take time. Be prepared to not see incredible results at once if your rescue is naturally shy. Give them lots of love and affection to make them feel safe.

5. Incorporate walks

Walking your rescue regularly will help them run off some steam. It will also be mentally stimulating, which can help them relax better when you return home. A long walk will tire out the dog and can lower their anxiety levels, resulting in a calmer dog.

When speaking to owners who have adopted dogs from shelters, what appears to be the most useful assets are patience and care.

Jess McDonnell has adopted dogs her whole life and offers her top tips: “Be prepared to put the time into your new pet. Rescue dogs will have likely had a rough start to life and will need time to adjust and settle. Research the breed before committing. Are they prone to health issues, can you afford the vet bills, and will you have enough time to give them the exercise and stimulation they need? Research good pet insurance and take a policy out.”

Gail Wilson, another owner who has rescued a dog, says the following: “We adopted a husky in 2021. Rescues need time, patience, a peaceful home, and a cosy place to hide. Don’t crowd it – keep things low-key. You may never get your ‘perfect’ dog, as rescues may have issues. Use a trainer/behaviourist if necessary.”

Commenting on the research, Shannon Keary, Digital PR Manager at Canine Cottages notes: “Dogs deserve second chances, and so we wanted to provide some expert tips on how to best welcome rescue dogs into the home, so that owner and pet will have the best time together from the get-go!”

To read more about rescue dog success stories, please visit Canine Cottages’ blog here.