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Attention, love, affection, as well as
time, effort and expense are needed to be a dog owner.
Municipal pounds, shelters and rescue groups
are full of unwanted animals, so before bringing any pet
home, please consider that first and foremost, an animal is a responsibility
and requires a great deal of your resources. If unprepared to meet
a fifteen plus year commitment to the animal's well-being, pet
ownership will be problematic and sadly the animal will be the one to
loose out. This is particularly true of large and giant breed dogs whose
needs can be very demanding.
Rescue dogs require extra patience and work to
earn your trust, and training should be part and parcel of the transaction
of taking such dogs into your care. Never should any dogs be allowed
to roam free: their activities need to be monitored and controlled whether
you live in the city or on a country property. This is particularly important
with large and giant breed dogs,
given their size and strength.
Tips
For the New Owner of A Rescue Dog
- Establishing
a Leadership Role
Dogs need to follow a hierarchy and many rescues do not know that the
human is the leader of the pack. As they have not been handled properly,
if at all, and have been left to their own devices about making decisions,
they must be taught to trust their human and accept handling. Desensitizing
them with daily exercises using treats and praise will teach the dog
to accept, respect and trust you. Be positive with your praise as it
is crucial that they understand you will be fair to them. Exercise caution,
kindness and respect when attempting new exercises.
- Crate Training
Crating can become an indispensable tool for the adjustment to a new
home and owner. This will help with housebreaking and can provide the
dog with his own "space". Feeding the dog in the crate, as
well as providing him with his own toy or chew bone will make the process
easier.
- Obedience Classes
Training is of the utmost importance for a rescue dog. Many owners of
rescue dogs avoid obedience training for fear it may stress the dog.
This can be a costly error which may be detrimental to the success of
your relationship with the dog. The dog will not stop liking you for
making him do obedience. In fact, it will help further the bond between
you. Talk to your veterinarian about suggested training methods and
schools. Be cautious what class you enroll the dog in, but do not avoid
training class. The proper obedience training can help give your dog
confidence; can help him become properly socialized through exposure
to other animals, people and places; will help alleviate fears and anxieties
using positive reward methods.
- Have Realistic Expectations
Be consistent with your new dog and do not allow behaviours initially
that won't be tolerated in the future. For example, if the dog is not
to sleep on the furniture, don't allow him the privilege initially to
ease him into the home. This will be detrimental to the dog's progress
in your home and will only confuse him. Familiarize him to the area
slowly: start with short frequent walks around your yard, then graduate
to brief walks in the neighbourhood. Never take your dog out off-leash.
Gradually introduce him to car travel making short trips in your vehicle.
Uncertain and new situations can lead to negative and unpredictable
responses from your dog: he needs to learn to trust your judgment and
in turn you must get to know the dog well enough to understand its fears,
anxieties and responses to other people, animals, places, noises and
things. It can take time for your dog to fall into the new routines
and habits and to adjust to you and your family, so please allow the
dog to relax into the family. In short, don't expect too much of him.
Behavioural changes can take as long as six to eight weeks to emerge
and setbacks can occur if sudden changes in the new routine take place
or if the dog has become stressed. Keep to the basics with training
and engage the dog in short daily exercises. This will help you get
acquainted and bonded.
SAVE A LIFE AND GIVE SOMEONE
A SECOND CHANCE...
ADOPT A RESCUE DOG.
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