Are you thinking about adopting a dog? If so, you might consider contacting a rescue service. Many of our adorable canine patients are former rescues who fell on hard times but are now living their best lives as cherished pets. This article features a local North Redington Beach, FL vet discussing rescue dogs.

What Are the Benefits of Adopting A Rescue Dog?

We adore seeing rescue dogs go to good homes. Many people declare that their rescue dogs are the best pets they have ever had. That actually makes perfect sense. It’s clear that Fido is smart enough to know and value someone who is kind and taking care of him, so it’s no surprise to learn that rescue dogs are frequently devoted and affectionate. 

You also get to select your ideal pooch! Rescue dogs come in all shapes, sizes, colors, breeds, ages, and activity levels. Many rescue puppies are very reasonably priced to adopt, and they are frequently already fixed and trained. 

Also, the first time Fido looks at you adoringly or wags his tail at you, it might make your heart melt. Many people find adopting rescues to be extremely fulfilling! 

What Not to Do When Adopting a Dog?

Knowing what traps to avoid might be as useful as knowing what you should be doing. There are certain obvious don’ts to bear in mind here.

Don’t Ignore Petproofing

All of our canine companions are unique. While one pooch may entirely ignore your shoes and houseplants, another may be determined to chew them. Ensure the safety of your home by addressing any potential hazards. This includes hazardous plants, small or sharp objects, chemicals, medications, plastic bags, personal goods, and wires.  Ask your vet for recommendations.

Do Not Rush Things

It is critical to recognize that rescue animals may require additional time, training, and, most importantly, love, in order to thrive. Giving a rescue dog a second opportunity can be quite gratifying. It’s a great thing to see how animals flourish with love and care! 

However, this may not happen immediately. Your canine friend may be confused, afraid, or even sad because he misses his former owner. Be patient, and allow love to grow. The most common mistake is to try to force a dog to integrate too early.

Don’t Use Negative Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is always the better way to go. That even includes calling Fido’s name: only use a gentle, friendly tone.

When Is It National Rescue Dog Day?

Rescue Dog Day is celebrated Every year on May 20th. There are ultimately two objectives here. It’s officially time to honor the ‘pawesome’ rescue canines who have won our hearts and completed our families, and simply brought love and joy into our lives with their joyful doggy happy dances, tail wags, and snoot boops. Of course, this is also an excellent opportunity to encourage those thinking about adopting a puppy to do so through a rescue organization.

What is the 3/3/3 Rule for Dog Adoptions?

This is not an all-encompassing rule, but rather a way to remind folks that our canine companions usually require some time to adjust to large changes, such as moving to a new house. 

Even if Fido goes to a lovely and loving permanent home (as we believe that all dogs deserve), it will take time for him to acclimate to the change. The rule is that your new puppy will take three days to adjust to his new surroundings, three weeks to settle in, and three months to truly feel safe and loved.

How Do You Use The 3/3/3 Rule?

The 3-3-3 rule recommends that the first three days be spent adjusting to its new surroundings, the following three weeks on training and bonding, and the first three months on continuing socializing and training.

Days 1-3

You only want to help Fido feel safe right now. Make sure he has a comfortable, quiet place to unwind and settle in. While you don’t want to go overboard with treats, this is an excellent time to provide some tasty snacks. Use small ones so you don’t overfeed your canine companion. You don’t want to force attention on Fido; instead, speak to him in a kind tone. If he enjoys being petted, indulge him; if he is shy, just give him time.

Don’t be shocked if the new pooch sleeps a lot at first, especially if he came from a shelter. Dogs may feel seriously scared and stressed in shelters. Your pet may simply need more rest while decompressing.

Positive reinforcement is quite crucial in this situation. If your pet does anything wrong, like making a mess, avoid punishing him. You can reproach him verbally, but anything else might only scare him.

Week 1-3

Once your canine companion has had a chance to settle into his new surroundings, it’s time to focus on bonding and any necessary training. Creating an established routine is critical here. Take Fido on daily walks and spend time playing with him. Try to complete these tasks at the same time every day. This will make him feel secure.

When walking with your pooch,  use a strong leash. Fido may have phobias or eccentricities that you are unaware of, such as a fixation with squirrels or a dread of other dogs. That way, if he tries to flee unexpectedly, you’ll have a good handle on him.

Your furry friend should also visit his new veterinarian as soon as possible. Even if he has been fixed and vaccinated, he will still need a full nose-to-tail exam. This is a great time to seek professional advice about his care requirements.

Dogs may test you during this period. If you encounter speed bumps or behavioral difficulties, contact your North Redington Beach, FL veterinarian for assistance.

We would also recommend obtaining a pet DNA test, especially if your dog is a mix. This can be quite beneficial, providing you with vital insight into Fido’s behavior as well as information about any health conditions to which he may be predisposed. 

It’s also always fun to find out what Fido is.

Months 1 to 3

You and Fido should have come to know each other by now. Now it’s time to concentrate on training and forming an emotional connection of love and trust. Taking your pooch to locations like parks will boost his confidence and happiness. (Of course, not all dogs enjoy parks. Again, this isn’t something to force.) 

Should You Crate A New Rescue Dog Overnight?

There is no universally accepted yes or no response to this. Crates make many dogs feel safer. They provide Fido with a safe little den in which nothing can creep up on him while he sleeps. You shouldn’t push a puppy that has a negative association with kennels or has spent too much time in them.

One method is to teach your pet to enter his box but keep the door open. You can also keep the crate in your bedroom. Your furry friend may feel safer being near you. Alternatively, he may want to feel as if he is performing his ‘job’ and keeping watch over you.

We normally recommend giving Fido a quiet spot to unwind and settle in. If you have other pets, seek advice from your North Redington Beach, FL veterinarian on how to introduce them.

Contact Your North Redington Beach, FL Pet Clinic

Have you got any queries about caring for a rescue dog? Contact us, your neighborhood North Redington Beach, FL pet hospital, now!