You may be wondering ‘how long does it take a rescue dog to adjust to your home?’
In the first 3 days, your new dog may be overwhelmed with his new surroundings and he may not be comfortable enough to be himself. Don’t be alarmed if he doesn’t want to eat for the first couple of days; many dogs don’t eat when they are stressed. He may shut down and want to curl up in his crate or under the table. He may be scared and unsure what is going on, or he may be the opposite and test you to see what he can get away with, like a teenager!
After 3 weeks, he should be starting to settle in, feeling more comfortable, and realising this really may be his forever home. He has figured out his environment and getting into the routine. He may let his guard down and start showing his real personality. Behaviour issues may start showing. This is time to be a strong pack leader and show him what is right and wrong.
After 3 months, your dog should be completely comfortable in his home. You have built trust and a true bond with your dog, which gives him a complete sense of security with you. He is set in his routine and will come to expect his dinner at his usual time.
The first thing most people want to do is show off their new dog. Just take it slowly. It’s exciting, but keep in mind how your dog is feeling. He has been through a lot. He may have lost his family, been abandoned in a shelter and it’s all very stressful. He needs time, so give it to him.
The luck of the dogs featured in the Costa Cálida Chronicle is continuing. Two from last month are reserved, which is wonderful, so here’s hoping for these beautiful girls, who both have heavily subsidized transport to the UK and Europe offered by a kind benefactor.
Freya DOB 10/3/16 – medium sized girl. Freya is one of the invisible ones. The months and years go by and she is still there and nobody asks about her. She is a young and active girl, she is sociable, tested with cats and is ideal for people with a lot of activity. She will follow you to the end of the world if you give it a try.
Twinkle DOB March 2018 – large sized girl. Twinkle came to the shelter as a puppy with her mum Jade. The bundle of fluff was quickly adopted as so many puppies are. However, to the dismay of the volunteers, Twinkle has been brought back to the shelter as she had been found dumped. If only people thought hard before adopting puppies. Twinkle is beautiful and if she grows up half as well as her mum she will make a magnificent pet. Tested with cats.
For further details please contact the Perrera via Facebook Los Infiernos Perrera Supporters, or by email losinfiernosdogs@hotmail.com
Paypal donations can also be made to the email address. Funds are still running very low as planned fundraising events have all been delayed.
Dog walkers are always needed. Monday-Saturday mornings, making up for time in lockdown. 9am-1pm.
Before you get a dog, you can’t quite imagine what living with one might be like; afterwards you can’t imagine living any other way.