Socializing Your Rescued Adult Dog

Have you recently taken the leap and adopted an adult dog from a rescue? Perhaps you are just considering welcoming a four-legged friend that needs your love? Buying a puppy from a reputable breeder might be the traditional way of beginning a lifelong relationship with your dog, but there are always adult dogs that need homes.

COVID-19 has, unfortunately, resulted in many adult dogs entering rescue centers after being abandoned by previous parents.

At the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, there was a surge in the number of people adopting dogs. Dogs provide unparalleled companionship, and this was recognized by record numbers of people who were afraid of becoming lonely during months of lockdowns.

Sadly, there have been lots of recent accounts of people who have given up on their newly-adopted adult dog. Taking on a dog from a rescue center sometimes has additional challenges as these dogs can have behavioral issues that will need your love and care to overcome.

 

Why are rescue dogs sometimes difficult to manage?

Puppies learn how to behave in much the same way as humans do. They learn to develop acceptable behavior through interactions with attentive humans or fellow dogs. Some adult dogs that find themselves in the care of professionals at a rescue center have not had proper socialization from a young age.

Unfortunately, rescue dogs may have endured difficult upbringings around unloving humans. They may have been largely ignored and received little interaction. Ultimately, a lot of dogs that enter rescue centers have gone through the traumatic experience of being abandoned by their last parent.

 

How can we successfully socialize an adult rescue dog?

If you are open to adopting a rescue dog despite the difficulties, you are certainly cut out for the task. A big heart and plenty of patience is going to be crucial for your new friend. They might not be very outgoing with you at first, even wary, but your love and affection will go a long way towards making your new dog feel at home.

As touched upon above, having an understanding of your dog’s past will help to manage any current behavioral issues. Your rescue center will likely share all the information they have about the past of your new dog, and what factors may have contributed to any behavioral issues that you might experience. This will only help you be more patient with your dog as it mentally recovers from its previous experiences and learns to be a part of your family!

Here are some other handy tips to keep in mind when socializing your adult dog:

• Remember that reading body language goes both ways. As much as you can pick up on the nervousness of your dog through hunched posture or a big yawn, they can also detect when humans are uneasy. Try to acclimate your dog in settings where you are most comfortable. This will immediately help you and other people feel more comfortable and relaxed around your dog, which they will certainly pick up on!

• Don’t push them too far, too soon. Overcoming past experiences and becoming a more confident dog will not happen overnight. If you are taking your dog on a walk, try to avoid busy areas since this will likely become too much to handle. Slowly integrate your dog into new situations and start by introducing them to one new person or dog.

• Take the lead in frightening situations for your dog. If they begin reacting aggressively or with fear during a certain situation, make sure you do not start to panic or shout at your dog. This will only make them think that their reaction is justified, and they will think that your loud reaction is you ‘joining in’. Try to remain calm and collected so your dog has positive influence to learn from.

• Be sure to administer a good dose of positive reinforcement. Your new dog will likely be a little confused about the world, possessing a lack of understanding about which behaviors are desired. If your dog successfully interacts with another dog for the first time, make sure you reward them with their favorite treat! Note that some dogs are food-oriented whereas others might be play-oriented. Find out what they love the most and give it to them when they behave well!

 

Ultimately, the key to helping your new furry friend get comfortable in their new home is plenty of patience! There will be moments when you find yourself tested, but always remember what your dog has gone through earlier in their life and you will approach the situation from a place of empathy.

 

Written by Happy Writers Co.

Socializing Your Rescued Adult Dog posted first on https://waggit.dog