Preparation for welcoming Your Rescue Dog: A 10-Week Guide to Success

Bringing home a rescue dog is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with challenges. Over the next 10 weeks, we’ll guide you through the process of settling your new companion into your home, building trust, and creating a strong bond. Each week will focus on a key aspect of their adjustment and training, helping you support them through the highs and lows of their transition.

I am here with you on this journey. I have welcomed many rehomed dogs into my life, from badly abused and neglected, to the owner could not cope because they were difficult. Today, boxing day we rehomed Zeus. He is a 50kg German Shepherd and we are his 7th home. He has his own issues, he has abandonment issues, separation anxiety, barks in the car and does not appear to have had much socialising or play time. Remember, when you rehome a dog, treat them like a puppy, with love and compassion and do not assume they know anything. Zeus does not know how to play! Shiva was not house trained (she was a guard dog who lived outside before I got her)!

Things You Will Need

Before bringing your rescue dog home, make sure you have everything ready:

✅ A Safe Space – A quiet area with a comfortable bed, water, and food bowls. A crate or enclosed pen can help with settling in.

✅ Quality Food – Stick with what they were previously fed and transition gradually if needed.

✅ Collar, Lead & ID Tag – Ensure their tag has your contact details, this is the law in th UK. A well-fitted harness is recommended for walks.

✅ Toys & Chews – Gentle enrichment items to keep them engaged and ease stress.

✅ Cleaning Supplies – Accidents may happen, so have pet-friendly cleaning products on hand.

✅ Veterinary Contacts – Know where your nearest vet is and check when vaccinations and flea/worm treatments are due.

✅ Microchip Details – In the UK it is law that all dogs are microchipped. If they are not, you must get them done immediately, and if they are, you need to get them in your name with up to date details as soon as possible.

Things to Consider Before Adoption

🔹 Time & Commitment – Any dog needs patience and consistency. Are you ready to dedicate time to their training and emotional needs?

🔹 Your Lifestyle – Does your routine allow for daily exercise, training, and socialisation?🔹 Behaviour & History – Understand that some rescue dogs may have had difficult pasts, which can affect their confidence and trust in humans.

🔹 Veterinary & Ongoing Costs – Be prepared for vet visits, insurance, food, and other expenses.

🔹 Support System – Having professional guidance or experienced dog owners to ask for advice can be invaluable.

🔹 Routines – What consistent routines can you put into place for the dogs development. Meal, walk, training, play etc.

🔹 Consistency– Ensure all the family are on the same page with what will be acceptable behaviour and what will not. For example, one person can not be feeding at the dinner table and the other reprimanding them for it.

Overview of the 10-Week Plan

Each week will focus on a crucial stage of your rescue dog’s journey:

Week 1: Settling In – The Decompression Period

🐾 Helping your dog adjust to their new environment and routine.

🐾 Understanding their emotions – they may feel lost, confused, or overwhelmed.

🐾 Creating a safe, quiet space and avoiding overstimulation.

Week 2: Building Trust, Establishing a Routine & Toilet Training

🐾 Establishing positive associations with you and their new home.

🐾 Using treats, toys, and gentle interactions to gain trust.

🐾 Setting clear meal, walk, and bedtime schedules.

🐾 Introducing toilet training for a consistent, stress-free process.

🐾 Managing accidents and setbacks.

Week 3: Socialisation & Exposure

🐾 Gradual introductions to new people, dogs, and environments.

🐾 Avoiding overstimulation and fear periods.

🐾 Understanding body language to gauge comfort levels.

Week 4: Basic Obedience – Sit, Down, leave it and Stay

🐾 Teaching foundational commands using positive reinforcement.

🐾 Encouraging good choices and preventing bad habits.

🐾 Avoiding common training mistakes.

Week 5: Loose Lead Walking & Recall Basics

🐾 Building engagement for enjoyable, stress-free walks.

🐾 Introducing a recall cue in a safe environment.

🐾 Making coming back to you exciting and rewarding.

Week 6: Managing Play & Preventing Problem Behaviours

🐾 Teaching appropriate play and preventing rough behaviour.

🐾 Managing jumping up, mouthing, and impulse control.

🐾 Reinforcing calm behaviour with structured activities.

Week 7: Advanced Recall & Leash Training

🐾 Strengthening recall with distractions.

🐾 Proofing loose lead walking in different environments.

🐾 Troubleshooting common recall mistakes.

Week 8: Confidence Building & Handling Skills

🐾 Desensitisation to grooming, vet handling, and being touched.

🐾 Encouraging problem-solving through enrichment activities.

🐾 Recognising and managing stress signals.

Week 9: Reviewing Progress & Reinforcing Achievements

🐾 Celebrate your dog's successes and assess their growth.

🐾 Address any ongoing challenges and adjust your training approach.

🐾 Solidify routines and prepare for continued training in Week 10.

Week 10: Transitioning to Adulthood & What’s Next?

🐾 Managing adolescence and behaviour changes.

🐾 Keeping training fun and maintaining good habits.

🐾 Exploring advanced training, activities, and sports.

Final Thoughts

The journey of settling in and training a rescue dog is filled with learning, patience, and small victories. Every dog is unique, and the key is to go at their pace.

Over the next 10 weeks, you’ll build a bond of trust and companionship that will last a lifetime. Stay positive, celebrate the little successes, and remember—your rescue dog is learning to trust again, and you’re the one making that possible. 🐶💕

Welcoming Your Rescue Dog: A 10-Week Guide to Success