Getting a dog from the local rescue centre is a very noble decision, and it can be very rewarding. As well as the injection of love that it will bring to the family, you’ll also gain the satisfaction of giving the pooch a loving home.
The plus points easily outweigh the negatives. However, it is important to acknowledge that a rescue dog can pose a few extra challenges. Owning any dog comes with huge responsibilities, but it’s even more important that you pay attention in this situation.
It can be a particularly daunting prospect if this is your first rescue dog. But these tips should help.
Get The Dog Settled
Entering unfamiliar territory can be challenging for any dog, but it can be even more testing when dealing with a rescue dog. Therefore, you must take extra precautions to make the settling in period as smooth as possible.
Introducing the new addition to other dogs is a crucial step. Meanwhile, you must also encourage positive relationships with other pets that you may have. Similarly, you want to ensure that the rescue dog feels comfortable with all members of the family. There’s a good chance that it’s suffered a tough past. If it is a little apprehensive around one gender or children, there could be a very solid reason for it.
Patience is a virtue. But try to encourage a routine from the outset. The last thing you want to do is get the dog settled before then insisting on further changes.
Promote Good Health
The rescue centre will have done their best to keep the dog in great health. Nevertheless, their resources were probably quite tight. Besides, there’s no substitute for being a part of a loving home. Your biggest responsibility as a dog owner is to keep it healthy. It isn’t overly difficult, but you must be sure to follow the basic steps.
As with humans, nutrition is vital. Choosing the right food for your dog is a must. Many rescue dogs may have been underfed by previous owners, so it’s important to encourage it to eat healthy portions too. You can play games to encourage brain development too.
Regular exercise is important too. Even if the dog has medical conditions, you should take it for regular walks. Try to employ a combination of their favourite routes and new territories. Both play an equal role in their explorations.
Don’t Ignore Behavioural Issues
Mistreated dogs often develop bad traits. You should try to be understanding of the reasons behind this. Nevertheless, it shouldn’t stop you from wanting better. Encouraging those improvements is for the dog’s benefit as much as yours.
Professional dog training can help eradicate those behavioural problems. Moreover, the routine of seeing another person can be very beneficial too. After all, it gets the pooch used to the idea that people can show it love.
There’s no greater gift than a rescue dog that has been transformed into a loving member of the family. Treat it in the manner it deserves, and you’ll find that they truly are man’s best friend.