Looking at a stray dog when I was a child, my question to my mom would be " Can we take it home ? I promise I can take care of it". A place for an animal in your home could be one of the most joyful feeling. As beautiful as it is, bringing home a stray or rescue dog can be a real challenge to incorporate in your life. The life of a stray or rescue dog is not easy. They can be born in the bushes or abandoned on the streets searching for survival. Thus, it is important to be highly patient with these babies.
" Due to Covid 19, in March 2020, the majority of animals went into foster care and were adopted from there " - Humane Canada
Before getting started with anything else, it is important to realize that this journey is a huge change for you and the dog. Even though we rescue multiple dogs, the connection is what matters at the end. It is understandable that many people have their first experiences with us and that it could be difficult for them to manage a stray or a rescue dog. Indie dogs are adorable. But most dog lovers are hesitant to take them in as they don’t know how to adopt a stray dog.
But what after you adopt ? Let's make it easier for you.
Before Bringing A Doggie Home
Before bringing a stray/ rescue home, you’ll need to do some preparations.
Make sure your doggie is vaccinated. Even though foster homes & shelters make vaccinations a crucial point, it is always important to double-check the vaccination card.
Worms in an animal’s stomach are the first step to gastrointestinal issues and are a prerequisite to vaccination. Thus, deworming is important. Contact a vet before deworming your doggie. Make sure this is done regularly, as suggested by the vet.
Building up a crate before bringing a new member home is crucial. This crate would ensure all the mandatory things that you might need when your doggie is home. Some essentials that you must have could be
Dog food
Towels
Doggie safe toys
Dog pads/ dishes
Leash
Cleaning spray
Collar
Pet Proofing your home
Doggies can be very curious at times, especially stray. It can be difficult for them to stay calm in a new environment. Thus it is important to pet proof your home. I would let the experts tell you how to do it. By pet-proofing your home, you can protect your four-legged friends and all your favorite belongings with ease. So if you’re haunted by the memories of your dog destroying your favourite piece of jewelery as a puppy, have no fear.
" Money would buy you a pretty good dog, but it won't buy the wag of his tail " - Josh Billings
After bringing a stray/ rescue home
The first few days are crucial and sensitive for a pet. The dog might be confused and curious about it's environment. A home can prove to be a major change of surrounding for an animal living on the streets or who has recently been rescued. It is important to realise how their lives have taken a 360 degree turn for them.
Thus setting up a good structural system can be a good paramount in developing a relationship with your pet. The first few weeks go into developing good habits and molding the doggie into a good child.
Remember, the mission is to provide the dog with a healthy and happy life.
Dog nutrition
Nutrition plays a big role in the upbringing of a pet. Feeders need to be passionate as well as loving. Always ask the vet how your doggie stands health wise. A vet could prescribe a proper nutrition chart according to the weight, size and health conditions of your pet.
House training
Entering a new home with new smells and corners can throw off any dog. Dogs tend to grasp smells and recognize them. When house training stray dogs, assume that they don’t have any prior experience with training. Take good amount of time to house train your doggie once you bring it home.
Potty training
Stray dogs usually don’t have a fixed place where they pee. Stray dogs have likely never been trained and may need a bit more time to adjust in your home. Choose a spot for your pet where they can go to eliminate. Keep in mind that a stray or rescue dog might usually prefer going out on the street for the same. You can make the process easier by rewarding them with treats after they obey.
Medical needs
Since the first few days can be critical due to sudden change in the environment, it is essential to keep medication on point. Stray or rescue dogs live in tough surroundings. Along with the deworming and vaccinations, consult a vet for day to day medication during the first few weeks of the doggie.
For the first few days, your dog will need immense love and care. This might mean putting a lot of effort but be patient. Be there for your doggie and make them feel like home.
What about the upcoming weeks ?
It is observed that a doggie might show true colors a few weeks after you bring them home. What do they need ? Buckets of love ! What else ?
Be patient with them and keep them on track with the right schedule of food and training
Select a good trainer for your pet if you feel the need to get one. A trainer plays a major part in the life of a dog.
Make sure your dog is not facing any health issue due to this change
Surround your pet with toys and treats to cheer them up
Training a Stray/ Rescue dog
Is it important to train your doggie ? There can never be a right or wrong answer. I believe training plays a huge role in the upbringing of a dog. Stray or rescue dogs do not generally have an understanding of commands. It is also a possibility that they might show such aggressive behavioral change due to a switch in their environment. That's why you must take the time to train and socialize your newly adopted companion.
I am not an expert in training a dog, so I would let you gain more knowledge through trusted resources who believe that dogs must be trained through positive reinforcements.
APPA reports that 34% of dogs are purchased from breeders, while 23% of dogs and 31% of cats are obtained from an animal shelter or humane society.
Sensitive Areas
Since rescue or stray dogs are not habitual of an enclosed environment, Escape is common among strays. They don’t know if your home is a safe haven yet, so may try desperately to find a way out.
Be especially careful when opening doors. You can help them by providing ‘ safe hiding places ‘ for when they need an enclosed environment.
Stray and rescue dogs usually survive in tough surroundings where they might have faced violence or brutality. Past triggers may cause behavioural issues in the first few days of adoption. Be highly patient and loving towards your dog. Give them the care they deserve. Stray dogs can prove to be more affectionate than any other dog.
" One may assume that urban free- ranging dogs have a rather shy and fearful character in comparison to their conspecifics. Such dogs may have the tendency to display fearful behaviour in novel situations. They may, on the other hand, show considerable improvement when living in a stable family environment "
Establishing a good base in the beginning can lay a groundwork for a lifetime of happiness for you and your dog. It is crucial to acknowledge that a dog will go through a big change in his or her life. Have patience with yourself. A stray dog can prove to be your best baby with the right guidance and of course, with an abundance of love.
Through this blog, I am aim to help families who seek guidance before or after bringing a stray or rescue dog home. It it highly important to educate ourselves and understand the sensitivity of this topic and.
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