When you adopt a dog from a refuge it will be one of the most special journeys in your life … A rescued dog is special and comes most probably with baggage!
Please take time to think about the following:
BEFORE ADOPTING
Think about your lifestyle and your living circumstance! It is not beneficial to either of you to adopt a Large Breed or Working Breed Dog if you live in a small home and work a lot. Breeds like Spaniels, German Shepherds, and working breeds need one on one contact and lots and lots of play, exercise and attention. If you work all day, pop home for dinner and go out for the night, then these breeds /types are not for you! CHOOSE THE BREED / DOG that fits your LIFESTYLE!
PUPPIES:
A pup needs a LOT of attention … think about this … do you have the time AND the energy! If not, then consider an older dog that most probably has received some type of training. Then all you have to do is continue the training!
AFTER ADOPTION
The best way to explain the psyche of a dog that comes from a refuge:
Think how you would feel if someone came to your home, the home you have known for all your life, picked you up and put you in a strange environment, you know NO-ONE, all the people are strangers to you, the sights, sounds and smell are NOT what you have known, how would you feel??
Yes, this tells you just how a dog feels when brought to a refuge! You would feel alone, sad, probably would not want to eat or interact with anyone, this explains why some dogs can lose weight EVEN after being rescued!
However, once you acclimatise and get used to your surroundings and the new people in same then you begin to take your place in the environment. You do what you HAVE to do to settle in and be a part of the community.
Then someone comes along and takes you to another environment … here we go again!
As you can see, liken it to how you would feel … a dog has feelings just like us!
So …please consider this after adoption.
It will take time for a rescue dog to settle! Their diet will change so you must expect a bit of tummy/digestive troubles!
Perhaps you have an incumbent pet; the new resident must adapt as the older one’s must too. This can take time! It won’t happen in a few days … it can take months for your new baby to settle so please, please have patience!
Some dogs will come with special needs or issues from abandonment or prior abuse, try to find out the dogs history (if it is known) and take all this into account!
Some dogs will never lose some issues … but they can be understood and adapted to. A trainer (ask for credentials) can be invaluable in extreme cases. (Ask us – we have a list).
A puppy will poo and pee in the house … TRAIN! BUT be patient some take longer than others! Best way is to remove pup from the “accident” with NO attention, NO shouting, Just say BAD. After a little time, allow back in and when GOOD behaviour, i.e. poo or pee outside, is shown then REWARD!!!!!!! Love, kisses, treat … it works, simple and effective.
Keep up with vaccinations and Rabies and heartworm treatments! (All dogs adopted from Live Arico get special rates for life at our associated Vets)
LASTLY … A DOG IS FOR LIFE!!!
DON’T commit unless it is so!
If you adopt from a refuge, please, please don´t add to that special baby’s past … we see it TOO often and so we are always here to help after adoption. DON’T hesitate to contact any of us for help and advice.
