Rescue dog.

the_devil_made_me_do_it

Considering getting a rescue dog. Going to visit him tomorrow.

Is there a good way to settle them in? I know it will be different to settling in a puppy, so any advice would be appreciated.

Fire_Fox

IMO take the advice of the rescue on settling in because they should know that dog's temperament, what makes him feel scared and what makes him feel secure.

dottygirl

I took in a rescue dog five years ago and I can honestly say its the best thing I have done (apart from having my two beautiful daughters and leaving my husband!) I will confess at first my dog used to run away every opportunity he could - I never found out why. Now he is still runs away once or twice a year! The rescue centre will give you a lot of advice. Enjoy your new best friend x

Sally_A

Be calm, let the dog settle in and feel confident. Take him for a walk on a lead, let him have a good sniff.

The rescue dog will be as unsure of you, as you are of him.

No sudden noises, no excitable kids.

Let him know you are fun, security and permanent.

He will be very nervous, but all the time be trying to learn you rules, so keep it simple, don't worry about commands at the outset.

When the dog feels settled in and safe is when you can start teaching him rules, commands etc.

Depending on breed, you may have a few squitty accidents, it's all down to nerves and new environment, especially if there is a % of collie in there...........eggy rice, or chicken rice will help: scolding the dog will only make it worse.

I've had several rescues, and would not hesitate to have more, you need to make some allowances but you will be repaid 10 fold.

con1888

Make sure they have a safe place they can go lie if they feel overwhelmed. The rescue will have assessed the dog and be able to tell you how best to settle in the dog.

I got a rescue in March, she was an older dog and was only with us til last month, she was a brilliant dog.

the_devil_made_me_do_it

I'm only going to visit tomorrow. Haven't seen the dog only a photograph.

He was picked up by the local dog warden & his owners haven't claimed him, so he is up for re-homing.

I suspect the kennels will want to inspect my home & ask me questions before they place him with me..obviously subject to dog & I liking each other

gettingready

Oh dear.. looks like my Zara...

http://www.germanshepherdrescue.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=1505?osCsid=b9ruschja22c0pebcod2s8e2e2

Sally_A

We had a home check 3 weeks after taking our last pair on. The home checker was ticking all the boxes whilst the dogs were snuggled into my legs as I was sitting on the floor, they looked for walking areas, bedding areas, the general bonding of the dogs with us.

Bearing in mind, when I collected the from the dogs home, they asked if I wanted a sheet in case the dogs were travel sick, it was only a 2 or 3 mile journey to home, and I could tell that they both loved a car ride, by the way they leapt into the back - the dogs home found it really strange that I was not worried about this: I found it strange that they worried. Ho hum..

chucknorris

It is the best thing we ever done (getting a dog, he was 4.5 years old and a lab/springer cross, he is almost 11 now).My wife wasn't too keen originally and was only going along with it to keep me happy, but now she loves him as much as I do.

The one thing that I would have changed was what we did on the first few nights, he howled when we left him and went to bed. I was extremely sympathetic whereas my wife was annoyed. If I could turn back the clock I would have put his box (bed) outside our bedroom door so that he knew he was still close to us (just until he settled in).

nonnatus

Awwwww Well done you!

The joy of a rescue dog is that they are so worldly wise - and they seem to "know" you've rescued them in some way.
Always brings a lump to my throat when I think about an older dog being gifted a caring new home - they must feel like they've died and gone to heaven!!??

And in a lot of cases (though not all, sadly) they come to you fully house-trained, which is a real bonus.

Have fun with your new arrival :j

the_devil_made_me_do_it

Thanks all.

He'll be coming home with me in the next few days. Going to get him settled in & the he'll be off to get neutered.

Just got to wait for the rescue center to phone me & say he is ready to be collected.

Now spending time to find him a nice new bed & toys.