In the United States alone, about 1.6 million shelter dogs are adopted each year. Unfortunately, there always seem to be more showing up in shelters, but just by adopting one dog, you’re saving a life and changing it forever.
Rescue dogs end up in shelters for a variety of reasons. Many times, however, they’ve come from a life that was less than ideal. As a result, they might take some time to warm up to your home, or even you.
Your goal when adopting a rescue dog should be to make them feel comfortable and loved in your home as much as possible. They need to recognize they are in their “forever home”, so they can start to become a part of the family.
With that in mind, let’s look at three little things you can do to make your rescue dog feel more at home right away.
Rescue dogs end up in shelters for a variety of reasons. Many times, however, they’ve come from a life that was less than ideal. As a result, they might take some time to warm up to your home, or even you.
Your goal when adopting a rescue dog should be to make them feel comfortable and loved in your home as much as possible. They need to recognize they are in their “forever home”, so they can start to become a part of the family.
With that in mind, let’s look at three little things you can do to make your rescue dog feel more at home right away.
3 Ways to Create a Comfortable Living Space for Your Rescue Dog
1. Designate A Comfortable Sleeping Space
Dogs are den animals. They like to have their own space where they feel secure and safe. So, while you might want your new four-legged friend to sleep with you, it’s a good idea to give them their own space, at first.
This is true for any dog, not just a rescue. When you’re preparing your house for a new dog, it’s always important to ensure they have their own safe space to turn to. They might go there when they’re feeling anxious, stressed, or nervous. It can provide a sense of security for them when they need it most.
This is true for any dog, not just a rescue. When you’re preparing your house for a new dog, it’s always important to ensure they have their own safe space to turn to. They might go there when they’re feeling anxious, stressed, or nervous. It can provide a sense of security for them when they need it most.
2. Give Them Their Own Toys
No matter how old your rescue dog may be, they’ll love having their own toys to play with. Try to provide them with a variety of options, from squeaky toys to plush objects, and even things they can chew on.
You’ll quickly discover which toys they favor, so you can get more like that. A shelter dog who has come from a rough background might not know exactly how to “play” at first, so introducing them to toys can really make them feel like a puppy again.
You’ll quickly discover which toys they favor, so you can get more like that. A shelter dog who has come from a rough background might not know exactly how to “play” at first, so introducing them to toys can really make them feel like a puppy again.
3. Let Them Go Exploring
It’s important to let your new dog explore their surroundings on their own terms. If they seem nervous or shy, don’t force them to go anywhere within your house. Instead, let them go from room to room and “sniff” things out.
It can also be a good idea to install something like patio sliding pet doors that will allow your dog to go in and out as often as they want. This will make potty training easier if they aren’t housebroken. It will also let them know they have an entire backyard to explore, too.
It can also be a good idea to install something like patio sliding pet doors that will allow your dog to go in and out as often as they want. This will make potty training easier if they aren’t housebroken. It will also let them know they have an entire backyard to explore, too.
Adopting a shelter dog is a noble and loving thing to do. No dog deserves to be locked away in a cage for any period of its life. When you do choose to adopt, though, make sure you remain as patient as possible as your new furry friend gets used to your home and family. Before long, they will figure out that they’re home for good.
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