How To: Set Up Your Dog for Success

It can take several hours, days or even weeks for an animal’s anxiety to decrease to normal levels after any length of time in a shelter or sanctuary.

With dogs rescued by Pasado’s Safe Haven, it is important to remember they often come from cruelty and/or neglect. They may have never experienced a real home and will not understand boundaries or what is expected of them. They will need time and patience as they learn the routine and adjust to a normal, loving home life.

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Here are some suggestions to make the transition easier on your pup:

• Prepare needed supplies to engage your dog both mentally and physically. You may want to use food filled Kongs or puzzle toys.
• When you bring the dog home, walk around the yard before entering the home.
• When you enter the home, be sure any other family members meeting the dog are seated. They should let the dog come to them for attention.
• Keep the dog separated from your own pets, allowing the dog to explore his/her new home with a minimal amount of stress.
• Avoid having friends or other animals visit the home for the first week or two. Only essential introductions should take place while your dog is adjusting.
• If the dog is anxious, try a pheromone diffuser or lavender essential oil (be careful with other scents, some can be toxic to dogs).
• Consider only using safety-related commands for the first several days. You want the dog to be calm and available for learning/engagement.
• Make sure you aren’t doing activities that over stimulate the dog.
• Try to stick it out for the first week! It gets better, we promise.

 

If you need additional assistance, reach out – we are happy to help!
Email us at Adoptions@PasadoSafeHaven.org or call Pasado’s Safe Haven at 360-793-9393.