ACCLIMATING/DECOMPRESSION of your dog is a very important first step to building a good relationship with him. Especially dogs coming from shelters as well as abused dogs. SOME DOGS DONT NEED TO BE DECOMPRESSED. If the dog is nervous. Then decompressing is a must and will help make a strong bond between man and beast.
Have the house in quiet mode for a while. It is important that your pet be in a calm state. Shelters are chaotic and noisey. Full of strangers. They are pent up with no outlet for energy. They are lucky if they get walked once a day.
Set a side a place in your home that will be your dogs space. We reccomend a crate with a thin blanket over it, with cushy bedding, such as a blanket or cushion. You can have more than 1 spot if you choose. A room works as well.
Crate the dog over night. You can play lullibye music to create a calm area. Crates will feel like a cave to a dog. Wild dogs before being domesticated would bed in a cave. Using a crate as a safe place is not cruel. Using a crate for punishment is cruel. If you prefer use a room if you do not to use a crate. Make sure to place bed durable toys (make sure toys dont have squeekers or any choking hazzard) and rug or mat to lay on if you have wooden floors.
Get the dog used to your routine. This is very important. It helps them settle in. They will have your routine down in a month or 2 or 3. Deoends on the dog.
If you have another pet Do NOT introduce to one another. What you can do is switch out blankets so your new pet knows that scent belongs there and vice a versa. We do not recommend intros for at least 2 wks. Some dogs need longer time to decompress and to meet your excisting pet.. Check out our article INTRO 101. Do not rush this!!!
Look at the dogs body language when you approach the dog. Is his tail tucked? Is he wagging his tail? Is he stiff bodied? Licking his lips? Growling? If any of these signs are given, you may have a fearful, nervous or anxious dog. Keep contact to a minimum. Use a calm voice and tell him its ok. Hes safe. Now is a good time for treats. Toss a treat near the dog while talking softly to him. And repeat till the dog comes towards you or takes treats from your hand. That means he is building trust with you.
Your dog may sleep alot the first week. This is normal. Shelters are filled with barking dogs. I would not be able to sleep much either... lol.
Once the dog is comfortable with you , you can start to train him. Look for our training tips article Training 101.
DO NOT show off your new dog till he is used to you and the home. As hard as it is not to show off your new pet. Please heed the warnings. Set your pet up for success. Some dogs take a week some take a month. Slow intros are best for success. Patience, calmness and understanding is key. Do not force it . It is important to not over whelm your dog meeting new people. Especially in fearful, nervous and aggressive dogs. They may nip out of fear.
Once you see your dog being comfortable in your home and with your family you can start to do intros to your other pet (s). We recommend it be on nuetral ground like the street a parking lot or a park. Not your yard! Your original pet may get territorial. You will need 2 ppl to do this. Walk the dog in wide circles or across the street from each other. Slowly come closer if you see they are ok with each other (wagging tails). Head should not be down. They should greet each other butt to face when they finally meet. DO NOT RUSH THIS A FIRST POSITIVE FIRST MEET IS CRUCIAL. Watch the dogs body language. They should be loose bodied. Play bow, sniff each others rear ends, tails should not be tucked... We use muzzles for the first meet on both dogs, when intros are done on the property. We like the mesh ones. Muzzles are a safety tool so noone gets bit.
Never leave your dog alone with small kids or pets till you know your dogs personality 100%! This can take upto 6 mos to a year.
Get the dog used to handling and start training when he is comfy. Touch his paws, ears, legs.. then hold his paw in your hand. This will help when cutting his nails. All our dogs are conditioned to handling. Wiping eyes, touching ears, paws , tail, legs, mouth etc. We do this daily a few times per day. It makes vet visits and injuries easier to deal with.
Comments