How to help a new dog settle into your home and what to watch for in the first "few" days, weeks or months...and even years.
With all the years working in rescue, I actually cannot believe I've not written a "how to" blog on the subject! So here goes. Its very generic as every dog and every home is different. Try to remember the rescues will (or should) pass on the information they have but we all behave differently in different environments and need time to settle in.
You may have heard about the Rule of 3 when it comes to a rescue dog before - we don’t really know where the rule comes from but most rescues will advise you on it. And as a general rule, the concept applies - but the timeframes will most definitely vary depending on you, them and their history. Rather than the 3's, let look at it as the "Rule of few's". The first few days, the first few weeks and the first few months....I'd even build in the first few years too.
It’s a really good visual to give you an idea of what to think about when taking on a new dog, and really it applies to any new dog – puppy or rescue. Its not a hard and fast rule, its just there to give you an idea of how your dogs may be adjusting. A dog from a happy home will adjust far quicker than a dog who’s lived in a shed for all of its life!
Whilst the rule talks about 3’s its so important to consider the dog in front of you and their needs.
REMEMBER
In the first few days, or weeks – again go by the dog in front of you:
They have no idea who you are
They don’t know the house
They don’t know the garden
They don’t know the noises in your home or what they mean.
They don’t know your routine
They don’t know which sofa they can sit on
They don’t know where they are going to eat
They don’t know who they are going to cuddle.
They don’t understand why their world has changed so quickly.
Be patient, be calm, be kind. Try to remember they have absolutely no reason to respond or trust you, that bit will come - usually quite quickly.
First few days:
In this first transition period the focus is on building a relationship with them and helping them feel comfortable in the new environment. This is enough for them right now.
They are unlikely to sleep properly as everything is so different and will either want some space or want to sleep on top of you. I always create a safe space for them to retreat to. Depending on their personality and history I might utilise a pen to give them a safe space to watch from. Some dogs just jump right in, they are all different so do consider what may be effective for them.
They may follow you everywhere for that bit of reassurance. As much as possible try to maintain some part of your normal routine so they don’t get used to you being constantly available. This is where a pen can come in handy – but again it depends on each individual. I tend to take on dogs who are more likely to sink teeth into my leg, so a pen allows me to move around freely when I am doing other things and then carefully work with them at different times of day without overwhelming them.
Make sure everyone is involved with feeding them (I am a big fan of hand feeding them in the early days), taking them into the garden (on lead initially) and sitting on the sofa. This will prevent over attachment to one person. Rescues are prone to separation issues so start this from day one. It will also help them build confidence in themselves in the new home and learn the routines, and movements of everyone.
It’s a good idea to avoid walks at this stage. They have enough to deal with, and without feeling secure at home or in you, they are not going to be ready to respond to you when out and about. Taking them out too soon can lead to other issues as it all can just become a bit too much. Give them some time to settle in, and some time to build a relationship in you first.
Remember in their previous home there may or may not have been issues. The former carers may have just adapted without realising there was an issue, or managed it carefully. The dog won’t know your cues, and you won’t know theirs, this is why its so important to start off slowly. You need to learn who they are and they need to learn who you are.
Creating a safe, managed environment to help them learn to fit in and prevent them getting themselves into a pickle is key in these early days.
You may see behaviours in this first bit you weren’t told about – this doesn’t mean you weren’t told, but are just a reflection of how they are coping right now. But its always worth discussing things with the people you got them from (specifically if a rescue charity as they will be able to support you and give some advice based on their experience.)
Take your time with this bit! There’s no rush.
The first few weeks
Treat them like a blank slate – as you would a puppy. Assume they know nothing and teach everything.
After a week or so, once you are both comfortable with each other and they are happily coming into your space you may start introducing the lead to them. Don’t just assume they will be happy for it to go on in the context of walking and don’t assume they will be fine out and about. If they confidently come to you when the lead comes out, and don’t run and hide or sink to the floor when you produce the harnesss- great! But if there are any signs of worry, I’d spend some time building confidence with this bit.
Once they are comfortable around you, start introducing the lead and walking equipment slowly. Train gently from the moment the lead goes on. Start slow, just around your front garden, the first part of your walk. Pay attention – are they dragging? Pulling? Hugging the wall to avoid the traffic? Scanning everything around them? If you say their name do they respond straight away? If they are fixated on the environment I’d scale it back and work on this bit. Start as you mean to go on, don’t just push through as you’ll end up with an over aroused and stressed banshee screaming at the end of the lead!
You might find they get worried about the car….try to remember their last trip in the car may have been when they left their previous home. Try to make the next trip to somewhere they will enjoy.
The next step….after the first few weeks
You may spot some behavioural quirks which aren’t regular, its always worth chatting to the rescue you got them from or a professional positive reinforcement trainer or behaviourist to help give you some strategies to address these to prevent them becoming a problem. Hopefully the previous home would have given you a good idea of any issues they may have had – but many do not. Keep a note and video (where safe to do so). Its always best to get support when the behaviour is just starting out rather than when it is problematic.
Remember – blank slate, don’t assume they know anything. In this context, with you, they don’t – no matter how well trained they may have been previously.
After the first few months
After the first few (at least 3) months (depending on the dog) you’ll have a better idea of who they are and they of you. Here they tend to be more relaxed and you can work on building up their world even more.
You’ll have identified behaviours that you like and ones you do not. You need to address these early on to prevent them becoming worse or becoming habit. Don’t wait until they become a big problem, address them now. Most rescues come with a set of issues of some sort, its important to use the change in environment to your advantage and create new habits.
They will be feeling more comfortable and safe with you and those you live with. They will have some sort of routine and you can start working on any issues you may have spotted.
This may be where you start spotting behaviours that are more regular that you don’t want. It is important to work with a professional positive reinforcement trainer and/or behaviourist who understands the breed and rescue dogs to ensure they find the right process for your dog.
After the first few years
Even after this long you may still see developments happen, suddenly they start rolling for tummy tickles, or barking for food. Learning lasts for a lifetime, enjoy the journey and smile at the learning you do together.
Remember, if you are lucky a dachshund can live well into their teenage years. The investment of your time to help them in their first days or months will pay off in bucket loads.
I cannot tell you how many times I think back about all my rescues and am in awe of how they have developed over the time spent together. You are doing a wonderful thing, stand back and enjoy the journey....even the bumps in the road.
If you need additional support please reach out to a positive reinforcement based behaviourist for support or book in with me for a consult via www.perfectlypolitedachshunds.com.
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