SETTLING YOUR ADOPTED RESCUE

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The vast majority of the SOS rescues are abandoned hunting dogs that have lived on a chain or in a compound outside their entire lives. They may well have lived on the streets for many weeks, months or even years. A home is very alien to them. Walking through doors can be a challenge! Whilst we are very lucky to have UK foster homes to introduce them to a home life, they could still be nervous of living with a family in a home. They will need your patience and support to help them settle.

Some dogs settle incredibly quickly, others need more time. They may shy away from people and other pets, licking their lips (a sign of stress) and could well growl (this is their only form of communication, it is not a sign of aggression more likely fear of the unknown). It is a learning curve for them as well as you. You need to make sure that you let them settle at their own speed. Do not expect too much from them, they need time to adapt to their new situation. A secure garden is essential (6 ft fencing) to ensure they don’t escape in the first few days.

Once you give them space (not a flurry of visitors or expose them to lots of different environments too quickly), they will start to feel safe and secure and their personalities will shine through.

the first 2 weeks

Keep life simple for your new furry family member. Let them acclimatise themselves to the house and garden in their own time. Make sure they have a safe space (a dog bed in a quieter room) if they need an area to retreat to.

Do carry on your normal family routine and our favourite phrase for all new rescues “start as you mean to go on”. Don’t over fuss or over stimulate in this time, they need time to watch from a distance and make their decision that this is actually a safe place for them and they can start to relax. If you want your new family member to sleep in the kitchen at night, then don’t sleep on the sofa with them in the lounge for the first few nights. You are confusing them, you need to set your stall straight away. Make sure that you don’t spend all day with them, they need to be aware that there will be times when they will be left during the day. Leaving them for an hour or two with a filled kong, snuffle mat with kibble or natural treat (pizzle, pigs ear) is healthy for them.

ROUTINE, CONSISTENCY & PATIENCE are the key words.

TIME, PATIENCE, SUPPORT AND UNDERSTANDING

SOS fosterers have done a fabulous job introducing our rescues to a loving home. They will give you guidance on routines, food, likes and dislikes and are always available for a chat (as are the SOS Admin). Please listen to them, it will help your new rescue to settle into your home. Keeping a calm and confident attitude on walks with lots of praise will guide your rescue. They will take their lead from you, remember stress and fear will travel down the lead to your dog.

The breton and spaniel breeds are very loyal, intelligent, loving and will shine given the time, patience, support and understanding to let them shine. It may take a day, a week, a month or 6 for them to truly settle, but we think they deserve the right families to help them overcome their worries.

Thank you for considering a SOS furry family member.