Good day all!

I want to address and commend all of you that are adopting new dogs into your home.  I am grateful and I know your new dog is also.  We all need love and a home.
However, Adopting a rescue dog and taking on the care and training can be super rewarding. But it’s not without its challenges and possible frustrations.  Dogs are no doubt time intensive but it’s quality time that will reward you and your family across the board.  I always say, “live the life your dog loves”, as I know you will be having a good time out and about.  
Let’s look at this adoption to a new home from the dog’s perspective:
Your dog has just left its home at the shelter or while in foster care and being moved to a new life, even if it is a much better life, is tough for a dog. This huge change can be quite traumatizing.  The dog is experiencing some stress responses and needs time to decompress and learn its new family and home. Dogs are not abstract thinkers like us, they are primarily into safety and self-preservation.  All animals start with” Am I safe”?  So, think about your dog’s safety when setting up your home, meeting new people, meeting the resident dog if you have one, etc.  Does my dog feel safe?  During those early days, house training regression and refusal to eat are very common and new owners are bound to worry.  Your dog or pup may not even know what it means to potty outside and will need to be taught.  (Get in touch with me – I have a super reliable cheat sheet called The Elements of Potty Training)

The very first task is to gain their trust and build their confidence around all your new things including you! If your first few days are a bit of a struggle, try to focus on what is possible.  I like to begin with getting my new pup to take a treat from my hand; it’s a simple start. I will expand on this, and hand feed my new dog for their meals for about 4 days while saying their name softly with each bite.  You don’t have to feed the whole bowl by hand, but I would feed at least 20 bites. Some studies* have shown that dogs can recognize and remember people that are willing to share food with them. 
Please know that your new dog that you bring home is going to change.  Your dog will unfold over time and it takes a few months. Their character will start to emerge as they acclimate in you home and as hey get to know and bond with you. My background in adopting has taught me the following: The 3-3-3 rule is a general guideline that represents the phases of a rescue dog or common milestones your new dog will go through… it is the first 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months after bringing your dog home from the shelter.