Bringing home a Last Chance dog

First of all - thank you for considering adopting from Last Chance. Rescue dogs have often found themselves looking for new homes through no fault of their own. Family break-ups, bereavement, or lack of training in their former home are common causes.

The last thing they need is to move into another home that has doesn't understand them, yet expects them to understand our human world. We ask that you take time to learn about what it means to have a dog, their specific background and needs and what it takes to care for them properly.

Before you pick up your new rescue dog

The staff at our rescue will tell you all about the dog, including veterinary information (if applicable), behavioural assessments, and current eating, sleeping and exercise routines. Keeping to the dog's routine wherever possible will help them settle in their new home.

Agree house rules in advance

Make sure all family members are on the same page about house rules and responsibilities, such as:

• Who will be responsible for walking the dog
• Who will be responsible for feeding the dog
• Where the dog will sleep
• Whether the dog is allowed on furniture such as the sofa and bed
• Are any areas of the house off-limits?

Getting this sorted early reduces the chance of problems later on, and consistency will help your new dog adjust more easily.

Be prepared

Ensure that you have the essential supplies ready:

• Collar and ID tag
• Lead
• Food
• Food and water bowls
• Toys
• Bedding

Most of these items can be purchased from the Centre, but please check in advance.

Plan the first few days

If possible, arrange to be home for the first few days. Try to keep things calm and quiet to start with. Begin leaving your new dog alone for short periods early on - just a few minutes at first - and increase the time gradually so as not to cause them distress at eventually being left alone for an hour or so, as they will realise you will be coming back very soon.

Training is essential

Attending training or puppy socialisation classes is not optional - it is a vital part of responsible ownership and something we require of you. Good training builds confidence, improves communication and helps your dog become a well-adjusted member of the family.

Allow a week or so for settling in before taking your dog to training classes.

The Journey Home

Going to a new home can be overwhelming for a rescue dog. Try to speak gently (in a low voice) and avoid playing the car radio or having too many people when you pick up your new dog. This will help them feel safe and comfortable.

When You Arrive Home

Your dog may behave differently to how they did when you met them at Last Chance. They will be excited, nervous and maybe tired after the trip to your house. They don't know the smells, the sounds, routines and rules of your house. This is very confusing and stressful for your rescue dog.

Common signs of stress in dogs include:

• Panting
• Pacing
• Lack of eye contact
• "Not listening"
• Excessive chewing
• Crying and whining
• Jumpiness and barking
• Toilet accidents
• Gastric upset

These behaviours are normal during the adjustment period and usually improve with time, patience and consistency.

To help them overcome this stress, reduce the "noise and confusion" in their head by getting them to relax, being calm and showing them how to be good. Try to avoid punishment and instead focus on showing them what to do rather than what not to do.

Night-time

It's common for newly adopted dogs to feel unsettled at night. They may follow you closely or whine, cry or bark when left alone. Consider leaving a dim light on, or having the radio on quietly. A familiar smelling blanket or toy can also help comfort them. While reassurance is important, try to avoid reinforcing attention-seeking bahaviour by over-reacting to every sound.

The "Honeymoon" Period

Most rescue dogs will go through a "honeymoon" period. After the first day, they may seem very quiet and/or well behaved. They may often want to follow you everywhere during this time. Around four to six weeks later, once they feel safer and have started to understand the rules, routines and people around them, they may begin testing boundaries and regress to bad or puppy-like behaviour. Please be patient, praise calm, appropriate behaviour. Be careful not to praise constantly without reason, as this will only be confusing for them and over time they will stop responding to it.

Important things to do

• Introduce them to the home on a lead: When you first arrive, keep them on a lead. Spend the first 15-30 minutes walking slowly around the garden and outside areas around your house, allowing them to sniff and explore. Once inside, allow them to explore the house at their own pace, but making sure they are supervised at all times.
• Provide quiet time: Your dog needs time to decompress. Try to avoid inviting visitors during the first week. Let them bond with household members first. Do not bath your dog in first few days as this is very stressful for them.
• Feed your new dog: Feed your new dog twice a day; try to keep as near to the time that we fed them. If you have other dogs, feed your new dog away from them but at the same time. If you do feed them in the same room, make sure to supervise them and ensure they stick to their own bowls. If you want to change the time that you feed them, do so gradually over several days. Changing the time too quickly can cause stomach upset.
• Provide a safe area: Every dog needs a place to escape to, a place to call their own, away from children or other pets. Make sure to choose a space where they can still see or hear family activity so they don't feel isolated, as this can increase anxiety. Easily cleaned flooring can be helpful during the settling in period.
• Establish a routine: Dogs much prefer their life to be predictable. Try to keep feeding, walks, and toilet times consistent. They are creatures of habit and having routine gives them security. This will help them settle in much faster.
• Socialise your dog: After your dog has had time to settle in your home (2-3 weeks), start providing new socialisation opportunities. Start taking them new places, parks, shops, but most importantly to training classes!

Most of all - Be loving, kind and patient!

Adjustment takes time, so please be patient and understanding with your new dog. Love and kindness can go a long way. In return, you will have a loyal, loving and happy companion for many years to come!

If you have any questions or need any further help, please contact us.