Week 1: Settling In – The Decompression Period
Bringing home a rescue dog is an exciting and emotional experience for both you and your new companion. This first week is all about decompression—allowing your dog to adjust to their new environment at their own pace. Every rescue dog is different; some may settle quickly, while others may take longer to feel safe. Here’s what to expect and how to handle it.
How Your Dog May Feel
Even if your rescue dog has come from a loving home and was rehomed due to circumstances beyond their control, they will still experience a sense of loss and confusion. Dogs form strong attachments to their previous owners, routines, and environments. Now, they’ve suddenly lost everything they knew—their home, their family, their daily routine—and they don’t understand why. This can make them feel abandoned, unsure, and even fearful of what’s to come.
They may display signs of stress such as:
Pacing, whining, or excessive panting
Clinginess or, conversely, withdrawal and hiding
Loss of appetite or upset stomach
Sleeping more than usual or restlessness at night
It’s important to be understanding and patient—they need time to learn that they are safe with you and that their new life will be filled with love and stability.
The Highs
🐾 The excitement of finally bringing your dog home! Watching them explore their new surroundings and begin to settle can be incredibly rewarding.
🐾 Small wins, like seeing them relax, take treats, or enjoy a short walk, can feel like major milestones.
🐾 The first moments of bonding—whether it’s a wagging tail, a gentle nuzzle, or them choosing to sit near you—are heartwarming.
The Lows
😟 Your dog may seem withdrawn, fearful, or overly excited as they process the transition.😟 Common behaviours include accidents indoors, pacing, hiding, excessive panting, or reluctance to eat.
😟 If they’ve had a rough past, they might not trust easily—don’t take it personally! This is completely normal.
✅ What to Do
✔ Give Them Space – Allow your dog to adjust without overwhelming them with too much attention or activity. Let them explore their new home at their own pace.
✔ Create a Safe Zone – Set up a quiet area with their bed, food, water, and some toys. This should be their retreat when they need a break.
✔ Stick to a Routine – Keeping a predictable schedule for meals, toilet breaks, and quiet time helps your dog feel secure and understand what to expect.
✔ Watch Their Body Language – Learn to read signs of stress or discomfort, such as lip licking, yawning, or avoidance. Respect their boundaries.
✔ Use a Calm Voice & Reward Good Behaviour – Speak softly, avoid sudden movements, and reward small signs of confidence with treats or praise.
🚫 What Not to Do
❌ Don’t Take Them Straight to Busy Places – Avoid dog parks, long walks, or social gatherings. Let them settle first.
❌ Avoid Excessive Petting or Forced Interaction – Let them come to you when they’re ready. Too much handling can make them anxious.
❌ Don’t Rush Training – This week is about building trust, not learning commands. Give them time to feel safe before introducing formal training.
❌ Don’t Expect Instant Bonding – Some dogs take longer to trust. Stay patient and let the relationship develop naturally.
Zeus our Rescue German Shepherd
The boy we rescued on boxing day 2025 is now called Zeus, he was originally called Shadow and then Barney, but he did not seem to respond to either and we decided to give him a new start. We have another German shepherd called Shiva, she was a guard dog before we took her in, and a spoilt Cavalier King Charles Spaniel called Nicky. We also have two Mainecoon cats, Mortimer and Ursie, who love dogs. Sadly Zeus seems to be a bit reactive towards them so they are currently keeping themselves upstairs and we will work on this later
Final Thoughts
The first week with a rescue dog is all about patience, observation, and creating a stress-free environment. Give them time, establish a routine, and most importantly—let them know they’re finally safe. The bond will come in time, and every small step forward is a victory. 🐶💕
Zeus, Piper and Nicky's butt.
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