Other people may be in a rush, but if you’re meeting your new rescue dog at the airport: do not rush (Photo: people bustling through a busy airport)
If you’re about to bring home a rescue dog, you’re just in time for tips that will start your relationship off on the right paw.
PICKING THEM UP FROM THE AIRPORT:
I’ve had many clients pick up their rescue dog from the airport late at night in the pouring rain. If possible, pick up your rescue dog in the morning, so that you don’t have to rush any of the important steps. It is far easier to earn a dog’s trust when you’re not:
-rushing them out of their crate before they are ready
-throwing a leash on a dog who has never worn a leash and then pulling them around
-dashing to the car in the rain
-worried about how you’ll introduce them to your neighbourhood in the middle of the night (in the rain, with the skunks out, etc)
-hurrying them into the car so they won’t get soaked
Many clients who have rushed their new rescue dog’s introduction to the car, call me for help to achieve this calmness (Photo: Yellow Lab relaxing with her head out the window of a car)
Take your time. Slow down. Work at the dog’s pace. Some dogs you have owned in the past may have been happy-go-lucky, middle of the pack, easy going dogs. This dog is not that dog.
Always work with the dog who is in front of you. This is not your childhood dog. Spend some time getting to know her. Be respectful of her space. Read her body language.
Rescue dogs are often:
-shy, nervous, tense, fearful
-back of the pack (sensitive)
-under-socialized or just plain feral
-lacking in confidence
If you rush these dogs into moving on your schedule, you will set yourself up for way more work (AKA hours and hours of training called counter-conditioning) in the future.
PREPARE AHEAD:
Prepare yourself ahead of time.
Be sure your home is ready with everything you need. You don’t want to force your new rescue dog to go into a pet store with you (a stranger) to shop for the things you need. You may learn what many of my clients have learned while shopping in this store: not many write-ups from rescue organizations are accurate.
You may set your dog up for failure when another dog approaches her and she feels trapped because she’s on a leash and in a narrow aisle. She may lunge at the other dog, snap, growl, or even bite.
And what about that toddler in the toy aisle who innocently strokes your dog — wham! That’s a snap or a full-on bite. What a terrible way to find out that your new dog is terrified of children.
Let’s prevent this from happening by shopping ahead of time.
You are just getting to know your brand new dog, she’s had enough stress for one day. Please don’t take her shopping. (Photo: Wide-eyed Italian greyhound laying with a pink and white rope toy)
KEEP CALM
It’s difficult to remain calm while in heavy traffic in a city you aren’t familiar with. Be mindful that your energy has a ripple effect. Your dog is learning about you from the moment you meet. Stay calm and show your new dog that you’ve got everything under control.
Wishing you wonderful first moments with your new rescue dog!
Have a wonderful weekend, Dog Leaders!
Alyssa
Photos by: Tomek Baginskin @tombag (people bustling through a busy airport,) Emerson Peters
@spemble (Yellow Lab relaxing with her head out the window of a car,) Juan Gomez
@nosoylasonia (Italian greyhound laying with a pink and white rope toy)