How to Take Care of Rescue Dogs

Are you thinking of giving a rescue pup a second chance? Would you like to know how caring for a rescue dog differs from other dogs? Keep reading to find out!

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In the summer of 2021, we adopted two collie dogs from our local rescue centre. I covered our experience of rescuing our two pups in a previous post. This post will cover the key elements to consider when getting ready to welcome a rescue dog into your home.

Choosing Your Dog

If you are keen to take on a rescue dog, start by giving a good deal of thought to the type of dog that would best suit your lifestyle. It can be so tempting to take the cutest dog on the rescue centre’s website. But please remember that these dogs have already gone through the upsetting process of being surrendered to the rescue centre. Their next home should be their forever home. So it’s really important to find a good match!

Are you an outdoorsy person? Could you prioritise several hours of activity and playtime every day? Then a high-energy dog, like a Border Collie, may suit you down to the ground.

Or do you just want a furry companion to snuggle on the sofa? Could you manage a 20-30 minute stroll round the block a couple of times per day? An older dog or a lower energy breed would be a better choice?

Equipment and Set-Up

Before you bring your pup home, you will need to stock up on a few essential items.

Collar and tag: All dogs legally require identification, in case they go missing. Include your surname, street address, postcode and telephone number on your dog’s tag. The advice is NOT to include your dog’s name, as this could make it easier for someone to steal your dog.

Harness: A no-pull harness makes walks so much more pleasant, for you and your dog.

Lead: And, of course, a lead for your outdoor adventures. I would recommend a short lead (4ft) for walking and a longer lead (10-15ft) for training.

Food and water bowls: Two sets of food and water bowls to provide nutrition and hydration for your pup are absolutely essential – one on the go and one in the wash.

Food: There are a variety of options, which will depend on your preferences and your dog’s palate and dietary needs. Wet or dry food, working dog food or light diets. You will need to do some research to find out what will work best for you and for new pup.

Training treats: Similarly, there are a whole host of options for training treats. The best treats are the ones that your dog values most highly, as this will motivate them to do as you ask. Experiment with different options and have a few on rotation to prevent boredom and maintain interest!

Dental chews: Dental hygiene is important! Luckily you won’t have to prise your pooch’s mouth open to scrub their teeth! Instead, offer them a daily dental chew to clean their pearly whites.

Bed: Your dog will need somewhere comfy to sleep. We prefer the harder moulded plastic begs and provide lots of blankets and bedding for our dogs to snuggle down. But there are many other options, too.

Toys: You will need some toys to help you interact and play with your dog, as well as to occupy them at other times. Tug toys, soft toys, chew toys, balls – get a few different options and see what your dog likes best.

Poo Bags: Dogs poop. A lot. And it will be your job to clear it up. Ensure you have a good stock of poo bags! I make sure I open a few up and put them in an accessible pocket before we set out for a walk. The last thing you’ll want to be doing when it comes time to clean up, is licking for fingers to get enough traction to open the poo bag!

Forming a Bond

The rescue centre will likely stipulate that you visit your future pooch several times, including at least one visit with all members of your household, to ensure the dog will be a good fit for your family.

Once you bring your dog home, it can take a few weeks of daily intentional time with your new pup to form a strong bond. Read their cues initially; they may want some space to adjust to their new home, or they may be desperate for your love, cuddles and reassurance. Rescue dogs are typically more anxious than new pups, and will need some extra time to get settled in their new home.

When you take your new four-legged friend out for their exercise in those early days, be sure to keep them on the lead. They will need to feel a strong attachment to you, in order to learn to return to you when called.

Nutrition

Dogs require a balanced diet that meets their nutritional requirements and supports them in achieving and/or maintaining a healthy weight. Discussion with your vet is a good idea if you need some guidance when assessing your options.

Aim to offer your dog some variety. Nobody likes to eat exactly the same thing at every meal, day in and day out!

Exercise

Dogs need regular exercise – ideally twice a day on a fairly consistent schedule. The type of exercise will depend on your preferences and those of your dog. Whether it’s walking, hiking, running or something else, you must ensure your dog gets the opportunity to move their body outside.

If you are walking in the early morning or late evening, I would strongly recommend a light to attach to your dog, in addition to a hi-vis and torch for yourself. Make sure you are as visible as possible!

Don’t forget your poo bags, as this will likely be your dog’s main opportunity for toileting as well!

Playtime

In addition to outdoor exercise, dogs need lots of mental stimulation in the form of playtime. Fetch, tug of war, and hunting for treats that your have hidden are just a few good options.

It is really important to tire your dog out mentally as well as physically. A tired dog is a happy dog!

And this playtime also offers an excellent opportunity for you to really connect and form that crucial strong bond with your new pooch.

Training

When you take on a new puppy, you are starting with a clean slate in terms of training.

Not so with a rescue dog, unfortunately.

Your rescue pooch may already be house-trained, which can be a huge bonus. But they may have learned behaviours at their previous home which you find undesirable, such as jumping up on the furniture. And they may have received very little training in obeying commands, or simply been trained differently to how you would like.

All that to say, you may need to support your rescue dog in un-learning past behaviours and learning a new set of rules and commands to follow.

The best evidence in dog training supports positive reinforcement methods, such as those exemplified by Zak George and other similar dog trainers. I strongly recommend doing plenty of research around positive dog training before you commit to bringing your rescue dog home, and stay consistent with positive reinforcement methods as you work with your dog on training.

Grooming

I would highly recommend brushing your dog daily to catch any loose hairs. It saves these hairs accumulating on your carpets and soft furnishings!

There is a balance to be struck with bathing. Too frequently, and you will strip the natural oils that protect your pup’s coat and skin. Too infrequently, and your dog (and your house) may develop a rather unpleasant pong. We aim for a monthly bath, with additional washes if the dogs are particularly grubby or smelly.

If you feel confident to do so, you can work with your dog to gain their trust as you learn how to trim their claws and clip their coat, if required. Or if you would prefer, you could enlist the services of a professional dog groomer instead.

Daily Chores

To summarise, here’s a list of the essential jobs to ensure your dog is taken care of each day.

Morning: Fresh water, breakfast, morning exercise, grooming

Afternoon: Fresh water, dinner, afternoon exercise

Throughout the day: Playtime and attention as needed, poo pick-up, training time.

Annual Checks, Vaccines and Preventative Medications

Your dog will need to see the vet for an annual check over. They will receive vaccination boosters at this appointment.

You should also treat your dog monthly for fleas and ticks, and every three months for worms.

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