What to Expect When Rescuing a Dog

ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES:

Leash & Collar - A martingale collar is a great choice for everyday wear and prevents the dog from slipping out should it become spooked or refuses to cooperate. For leash trainer, a martingale collar or front clip harness is a great choice because they are designed to prevent your dogs from slipping out and helps to guide them to proper leash behaviour.

Licensing & Identification - City of Toronto Pet Licenses can be purchased online. We also strongly recommend dog ID tags with your contact information attached to the dog's collar at all times. If your pet is lost or stolen, microchipping is also a good way to ensure it’s safe return. Collars can come off, but microchips are there to stay. 

Food - Changing a dog's food abruptly can cause diarrhea, sometimes for several weeks. To avoid this, continue feeding the same food provided by the foster home, or mix the old with the new to gradually adjust your dog to a new diet.  Instructions on switching to a new food as well as guidelines to how much to feed your dog and how often should be on the bag itself, however most dog food brands also have this information on their website.

Food & Water Dishes - Pick a spot and leave them in the same place so your dog knows exactly where to go for water. Make sure the water bowl is clean and has fresh water at all times.

Crate - Crates make the adjustment period less stressful for you and your new fur-baby. The crate should be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn completely around, and lie down comfortably in.  However, if the crate is too big your dog may have accidents in it so pay attention to crate dimensions and the dog weight/height it is recommended for.

Toys - Safe toys help dogs ease stress and, of course, have fun! Having toys available will ease the adjustment period. Always supervise your dog when playing with toys. You can leave him alone with heavy duty toys like Kongs, but check for damage periodically to avoid a choking hazard.

ADJUSTMENT PERIOD:

Adopting an adult dog

Moving to a new home can be stressful for dogs. It's an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people. Some dogs experience stomach upset and diarrhea.

House-trained dogs may regress and have accidents. Some will shy away from you for a while until you earn their trust. Be patient with your dog. It may take a while for him to adore you as much as you adore him. How long it takes is different for every dog. It could take anywhere from three days to three months for your new dog to settle in. Just be patient with him and show him in all of your actions that he is safe with you.

If you are having any problems or have any questions during the adjustment period about a dog you adopted from Save Our Scruff, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will do everything we can to help ease the adjustment period for both of you. Please contact Laura, laura@saveourscruff.org

Adopting a puppy

If you're adopting a puppy rather than an adult dog, expect an adjustment period for yourself, too! Adopting a puppy is like having a baby. There will be lots of potty breaks because their bladder isn't yet fully developed.

Expect to get up a couple of times during the night for potty breaks. If you work, plan to come home everyday at lunch to let your puppy outside to potty. If you can't come home, consider hiring a pet sitter. Or, use an X-pen instead of a crate and set up a potty area on one side. Just know that a puppy HAS TO potty several times a day and plan accordingly.

We recommend writing down every time the dog goes potty (both outside and accidents) so you can begin to see their patterns and how frequently they need to go out.  Puppies will also chew on everything available; so don't make anything available that he shouldn't chew on.

ESTABLISHING THE RULES:

Rules & Structure

It can be tempting when you bring home a new dog to be a little lax on the rules. Resist the temptation now so you can avoid problems later on. It's much easier to prevent a bad habit from starting than it is to break one.

Not only that, but dogs, like children, like rules and structure. It makes them feel more secure to know exactly what is expected of them and exactly what happens if they don't follow the rules.

It also keeps order in the household. If you have other pets who already know the rules, they can get quite stressed out by an unruly newcomer. Whatever you do, do NOT feel sorry for your poor little rescue dog. Nobody wants pity, dogs included.

For your dog's best interest, put whatever sad past he may have had behind him and live in the current moment. He's with you now, happy and cared for; he has no need for pity.

Tips on establishing rules

  • Do not leave your new dog unsupervised in the house unless he is crated until he has learned the rules. This way, you can prevent bad habits from forming. If you don't see him, you can't stop him!

  • No unsupervised time unless crated also helps with house-training. If he doesn't have a chance to make a mistake, the bad habit won't form.

  • If you don't want dogs on the furniture, don't let him on the furniture just because he's new.

  • Expect your dog to break the rules frequently in the beginning. He is not being stubborn or difficult. Dogs have a hard time generalizing, which means that something he learns in the living room will have to be learned all over again in the kitchen and again in the bedroom. It's easy to get frustrated when you feel like he should understand already, but he still doesn't. It helps to have a sense of humour. It can take 30-50 or more perfect repetitions before a dog truly "gets" a command.

TRAINING & BEHAVIOUR:

Just like children, dogs need to be taught good behaviour. Whether you're bringing home a puppy or an adult, you can expect that he will do some things that you don't approve of and maybe have some bad habits. Your dog will need to be taught how you want him to behave. The easiest and most fun way to teach your dog is to take him to "school" (training classes). You both get to meet other people and dogs. You get the benefit of expert knowledge and immediate feedback. Your dog gets socialization. Both of you may even make a new friend there.

You can also work on teaching your dog yourself. There are lots of resources available, but it can be difficult to determine which information is bad and which is good. If your dog has habits you'd like to break, don't give up on him. Teach him instead!  Consistency and persistency are key.  Be consistent with your verbal cues and hand motions - "sit" and "sit down" sound very different to a dog.  One word commands combined with a hand signal are best!  Be persistent with your training and set aside time to practice every day until (and even after) your dog reliably responds to your commands.

Training also makes dogs happy. Studies on the brain show that animals like to have their brains challenged.  The mental exercise can be just as rewarding (and exhausting) to your dog as physical exercise.  As long as you use positive methods to teach your dog, he will LOVE learning. Training also helps your dog understand that they are supposed to take direction from you.

We highly recommend that you establish a go-to trainer before or shortly after your new dogs arrives into your care. This way you can begin the discussion around training needs and nip any issues that arise in the butt before they become an issue.

Our recommended trainers are

Paws Above has 15 years of experience working with dogs teaching classes, as well boarding and assess dogs with behavioural issues. Their passion is strongest with homeless dogs that are looking for adoptive homes.  They are currently am affiliated with 15 rescue groups in Canada, US, and Mexico.  Located on a 100 acre farm offers plenty of space to conduct classes and hiking groups!

All too often beloved pets are punished simply because their owners are unable to find the help and education they need. What people often interpret as stubbornness or disobedience from their pet is more often just a breakdown in communication. They try to help dog owners see the world from their dog’s point of view, and to better speak their language. With this newfound understanding, resentment and frustration will transform into mutual respect, love and companionship.

Puppy proofing

Even if your dog is older, curiosity can get the better of him. Make sure your home is a safe place for him by putting yourself in his paws. Crawl around on the floor and check out any potential dangers. Electrical cords, poisonous houseplants, and any item small enough to swallow are just a few of the things that should be out of his reach. Veterinarians perform more surgeries to remove strange objects that a dog has swallowed than for anything else.

Even after puppy proofing, it's a good idea to not leave him unsupervised in the house until he has learned what is off limits. That way he won't have the chance to develop any bad habits while you're not looking! You'll also avoid having to buy all new shoes because he chewed up one from each pair. If your dog destroys something that is valuable to you, it is your fault for making it available to him. Dogs have no concept of how much something costs, and they don't chew things to spite you. They do it because it is fun. Dogs also chew to relieve stress, so a dog who normally doesn't chew things may do so when under stress. Make available appropriate chew toys and keep items you don't want chewed out of reach!

EXERCISE:

A tired dog is a happy dog. If you have a schedule that prevents you from giving your new dog all the exercise it needs and would appreciate, make sure to get yourself and your dog set up with a professional service that will be there to help! It’s also a good idea to have professional company that offers boarding so you aren’t stuck when a last minute trip or a family member or friend backs out from sitting your dog.

We highly recommend setting your dog up for success with:

Unleashed in the City offers a safe, fun and adventurous Pack Environment for your Downtown Hound. They know that every dog is different, just like their owners, which is why they like to get to know their clients through their orientation process. That way they can offer you and your dog the right service for you. They offer a wide variety of services, including; dog walks, doggie daycare, boarding, training and puppy academy! Check it out and get your pup signed up! They will thank you with kisses. 

VET CARE:

Don’t wait until your dog has a medical concern to build a relationship with a vet clinic. Once you have received the vetting records from Save Our Scruff, contact a clinic to get the dogs file established. We strongly recommend booking an appointment at your clinic within the first few days/weeks of adoption so you, your vet and dog can all begin to build a trusted relationship. This will make vet visits smoother and should an emergency arise, you will should feel more at ease going to see your trusted vet. Here is a list of what we strongly recommend after adoption.  

Save Our Scruff works closely with the following clinics and recommend them for your dogs continued care.

Lakeview Animal Hospital
1077 N Service Rd, Mississauga
(905) 272-7210

Queen West Animal Hospital
923 Queen St W, Toronto
(416) 815-8387

Beaches Animal Hospital
2304 Queen St E, Toronto
(416) 690-4040

Central Toronto Veterinary Referral Clinic
1051 Eglinton Ave W, Toronto
(416) 784-4444
*24 hour emergency clinic

INTRODUCTIONS

Meeting the other pet(s)

Hopefully, the pets you already have are just as excited about the new addition as you are. Here are some tips to help make sure of it.

  • Let your dog meet the new dog BEFORE he comes inside your home. We recommend taking the dogs on a walk together so they begin to feel like a pack.

  • When the new dog does come home, re-introduce all pets with the new dog in a crate for safety. Wait until all pets are calm and relaxed, even if that takes several hours, before introducing each pet on leash. Watch for signs that either pet is stressed, and separate if necessary. Do not try to push them to be friends too fast. Slower is better!

  • Don't change the routine for the resident pet.

  • Crate the new dog periodically to give your resident pet a break, especially if he seems stressed or annoyed with the new dog. Your new dog may spend a lot of time crated in the first week or two, but a slow introduction is better in the long run for everyone.

  • Spend time individually with the new dog and the resident pet.

  • Supervise playing with toys to prevent spats. Providing one more toy than there are dogs is a good practice. This way, if one dog gets tired of a toy, there is an option other than stealing from the other dog. Wait a couple of weeks before giving them something of high value such as a stuffed bone or rawhide.

  • Enforce the rules right away with the new dog. Dogs thrive on rules and consistency. It can make them anxious if another pet breaks the rules.

  • Even if the resident pet is not a dog, many of the same tips apply. Supervise all interactions. Observe all pets for signs of stress and separate them to give them a break. Cats should always have a quick escape route!

Meeting Children

The kids are probably beside themselves with excitement about the new doggie. They probably can't wait to play with him and show him just how much they love him. Prepare your children ahead of time so that they understand the boundaries.

  • Let your children meet the new dog BEFORE he comes home.

  • When the new dog does come home, keep him on leash and have your children sit down to say hello. Sitting will help them be calmer which will help your dog be more relaxed.

  • Always supervise children with dogs, no matter how small the dog. This is for the safety of your dog and your child.

  • Teach your children not to pinch, pull, or squeeze the dog.

  • If your dog is nervous, ask the children to give him a break until he gets comfortable with them.

  • Don't let children feed your new dog until he is settled in.

  • Don't let your children take the dog's toys, and don't let your dog take the children's toys.

  • Don't let children walk the dog without adult supervision.

  • Set up a "safe" place for your new pet that is off limits to children. A crate is great for this. Instruct the children not to try and play with him when he is in his safe place.

LEASH REACTIVITY

  • Leash reactivity can be demonstrated through barking, lunging, growling, whining, pulling, etc. on a leash - reacting to something.

  • Your dog may be reactive towards other animals, dogs, people, and objects.

  • Leash reactivity stems from dogs feeling “trapped” on a leash and having to deal with their emotions. It is often labelled as “aggression” but most dogs that are leash reactive are not aggressive - but instead, frustrated. They will demonstrate a flight or fight response as they do not know how to deal with their stressors.

  • It is best to work with a professional in assessing your dog. There are many reasons your dog may be reacting ex. fear, excitement, insecurity, lack of control, etc. The reason why your dog is reacting needs to be identified.

Suggestions for leash reactivity include focus on a healthy bond with your dog. Some overall suggestions on establishing healthy boundaries are:

  • Focus work between you and your scruff - they should be tuned into you inside of the house for it to translate outside of the house)

  • Proper walking technique on a proper tool - walk your beside you on a short leash (neither behind or in front)

  • Provide structure - freedom has to be earned (limit furniture, have them wait for food, no begging, no asking for attention)

  • Teach your scruff to ask for permission to do things through eye contact and calm behaviour

  • Reward good behaviour (choosing to not react) with verbal praise, pets, toys, food - whatever motivates them

  • Structured socialization with dogs - avoid dog parks with unbalanced dogs, and focus on positive experiences only

At SOS, we focus on healthy human-canine relationships. Being someone that you dog can trust and look to for guidance. Dogs stop feeling like they need to be reactive because they have structure and they have clarity: clear yes, and clear no. Reactive dogs need a reliable person to guide them through life, to show them it’s not on them to react or take care of the situation. Please reach out to a professional if you are struggling. Reactivity can be worked on and overcome - so you and your scruff can lead a more stress-free life!

CONTINUED SUPPORT
If you are having any problems or have any questions during the adjustment period, or after, about a dog you adopted from Save Our Scruff, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will do everything we can to help ease the adjustment period for both of you. Please make sure you are a part of our Alumni FB Page as we constantly post training tips, Alumni meet-ups, articles to read, hazards to watch for, and much more. We also encourage asking for help in there, to get feedback from fellow adopters as well as our team. Our monthly newsletter also gives training tips! Sign up on our website. Or you can also contact alumni@saveourscruff.org for any individual support.