How do you know what a new rescue dog needs? how should you act around them? Here's some tips for success from the outset.
When your rescue dog first arrives with you, they will be carrying their own experiential baggage.
Expectations have been created within them.
They expect new people to be like the first and last people they knew before.
If they have been neglected or abused, they will be scared of you. If they have been loved and cherished, that fear of a new person will soon dissipate, and they will bond with you quickly.
The only thing we need to do for the dog is to be consistent, kind, respectful, and safe—that’s all.
With a new dog, less is more. For the first few days, the only one who decides what happens next is the dog.
Our role is to orbit them like the delicate being they are. The more we do that, the quicker they begin to heal.
If you already have confident dogs in the home and your new dog is comfortable around other dogs, they will learn from your existing canine family.
They will be able to follow without pressure.
This is why many rescue dogs are looking for homes with other dogs.
Where to Start With your Rescue Dog?
Lay yourself some simple ground rules to begin with, and things will return to normal as quickly as possible.
Here’s a suggested set of rules to help your tiny dog settle in while taking the pressure off you:
No touching unless absolutely necessary or instigated by the dog. Even then, just a tiny, gentle touch at a time to avoid overwhelm.
No direct eye contact since, in dog language, this signals conflict—perfect a side-eye observation instead.
No shouting or loud noises as they are distressing for an already laboured nervous system.
No walks until they feel safe indoors—there’s no point taking a dog who doesn’t yet feel secure out into a scary world. Wait it out, let their nervous system regulate.
No quick movements as they can overwhelm a disregulated nervous system.
No visitors for a little while, giving the dog and their new family a chance to bond and the dog time to relax.
No pressure on yourself—this is the most important rule.
We do not and cannot fix dogs. They heal themselves when given the time, space, and security to do so. Our role is simply to create that safe space.
The dog will do the important work.
I can promise you, categorically, that given the safe space and gentle respect that every dog should be entitled to just because they exist, your dog will thrive in your care.
You might be lucky enough that your new dog has suffered no trauma at all and fits in beautifully with little upheaval, that’s great.
If you follow the above rules even with the most relaxed dog, you will be showing them how safe they are with you, from the outset.
Learn more about canine trauma with my book Trauma Informed Dog Training.
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