Adopting a rescue dog is always a big step because most times you don’t get to know their personality until you cohabit with them though most rescue organizations and local shelters offer some information about the animal’s previous history, that history is not always complete or even possible to obtain.

Rescue dogs are some of the most special and loving animals you’ll ever meet. They come from all shades of negative life stories, starting from heartbreaking stories of neglect and abuse to another chance of a new beginning.

These dogs have obviously been through tough times but they still have love to give and they are always grateful for every single kindness shown to them. As a dog lover, I would recommend rescue dogs for you, you never know the kind of friend they will turn out to be.  adopting an abused dog can be a wonderful experience, and a much more grateful dog for having been rescued from suffering.

In this article, we will take a look at how to care for a former rescue, and why they are so special, so whether you’re a lifelong dog lover or you’re considering adopting a rescue dog for the first time, this article is for you. So let’s dive in and discover the amazing world of rescue dogs

Understanding The Effect Of Abuse On Dogs

Dogs are always lovely and caring to everyone around them, they are not biased in giving out their love and affection to their owners but sadly they don’t always get back the same energy.

There are over 12,000 cases of animal abuse in the abuse database. Of that amount, you will find that more than half is usually dog abuse and dog abuse can have lasting psychological effects on them in this article, we will throw light on some of these effects so as to get you prepared for what you are going to see when you finally adopt them.

First dog abuse occurs when a person intentionally abuses or neglects a dog that is in their care, it could be hitting the dog, yelling or injuring the dog in some way. In some cases, physical damage can actually leave the dog handicapped for the rest of its life or at least with severe health problems. 

When adopting an abused dog you have to be prepared to take care of everything that concerns them, especially their health. They may have some health issues and even behavioural issues that you have to deal with.

Aggression is another way to show the effects of abuse. In most cases, the dog will snarl at anyone who tries to approach and they may even attack and you can’t afford to overlook that in your rescue dog.

Your dog may need therapy that will correct that aggressive behaviour and reteach them how to properly behave and this will help them to overcome their fears generally, you can also have the dog enter a training course to be rehabilitated. 

Lastly, when discussing dog abuse we need to look at destructive behaviour. Some dogs may not display destructive behaviour right away in a new home. It may take time to come to the forefront. In the same example as above a dog began to slowly destroy things around the home. Do well to contact your veterinarian and provide him with the activity record of the dog.

Creating A Safe And Comfortable Environment For Your Rescue 

Many rescue dogs come from difficult circumstances, and they may be nervous or anxious in their new home. Creating a comfortable environment for your rescue dog is essential to helping them feel safe and secure. Here are ten ways you can create a comfortable environment for your rescue dog:

1. Provide a safe space: One of the best things you can do for your rescue dog is to provide them with a safe space where they can be more comfortable than before, you may create a safe space for them by making a very comfortable bed or designing a good corner for them. Make sure your dog knows that this space is just for them and that they can go there whenever they need to.

2. Be patient: Rescue dogs may take longer to adjust to their new home than other dogs. Therefore you have to be very patient with them and give them enough time to settle in, try to tolerate them and don’t expect too much from them soon, just take things slow with them.

3. Stick to a routine: Dogs thrive on routine, especially rescue dogs, create a routine and stick to it, you can prepare a good schedule for feeding, bathing, playtime and even walking. This will help your dog feel more secure and confident in their new home.

4. Use positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is adding a factor to increase the likelihood of the desired behaviour. It is a great way to help your rescue dog learn new behaviours and feel more confident. Get used to rewarding your dogs with treats, praise and affection when they do something good. It makes them feel loved and comfortable.

5. Give them plenty of exercise: Exercise needs are based on a dog’s age, breed, size and overall health. It is even more important for rescue dogs. Regular exercise can help your dog burn off excess energy, reduce anxiety, and build confidence.

6. Be consistent with rules and boundaries: Dogs thrive on consistency, so it’s important to be consistent with rules and boundaries. Carry everyone along with your dog’s schedule at home so that they too can keep to rules to help the dog stay consistent with the routine.

7. Provide plenty of mental stimulation: Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for dogs. Provide your rescue dog with plenty of toys, puzzles, and games to keep them mentally stimulated and engaged.

8. Use calming aids: If your rescue dog is particularly anxious, you may want to consider using calming aids like pheromone sprays, calming collars, or natural remedies like lavender oil.

9. Give them a job: Many dogs love to be busy with something at all times, they love having a job to do, and this is especially true for rescue dogs. Learn to give them a daily task to complete, like carrying a backpack on walks or fetching the newspaper.

Establishing Trust With Your Rescue 

Building trust is the most important foundation in helping a fearful rescue dog gain confidence because only through trust can a dog feel protected and safe from a threatening world. It all starts with you, the provider—the person who will comfort and guide the fearful dog through many rewarding journeys. 

Building trust with your rescue dog is essential to helping them feel safe and secure in their new home. Here are ten ways you can establish trust with your rescue dog:

1. Respect their space: When you first bring your rescue dog home, it’s important to give them space and time to adjust. Give them their private time and allow them to come around on their own, do not force them to mingle with everybody in the house. As we earlier said, it takes a lot of patience to cope with a rescue, so be patient with them.

2. Use positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is a great way to build trust with your rescue dog. Whenever they do something good, always reward them with treats. Notice how your dog takes the treat. If they take it from you in a rough manner and or drop the treat, that is a sign that they are anxious and fearful. Do not try to touch the dog — instead, talk to them softly and offer a few more treats. 

3. Be patient: Building trust takes time, and it’s important to be patient with your rescue dog. Don’t expect too much too soon, and be prepared to take things slow.

4. Learn to read their body language. A dog that is happy and ready to greet you will have a relaxed body and face, hold its tail high, and wags its tail back and forth. A dog that is fearful and anxious will have a tense body, hold its tail low or tucked under them, may avoid eye contact, pant, pace or show any of the signs listed below.

5. Stick to a routine: Dogs thrive on routines and a routine will let your dog know what to expect each day and when to expect it. Sleep Routine. If you are trying to teach your dog certain behaviours or tricks, sticking to the same hand signals or verbal commands is an important part of how a dog learns. This will help your dog feel more secure and confident in their new home.

6. Give them plenty of exercise: Exercise is essential for all dogs, but it’s especially important for rescue dogs. Exercise helps to lower blood pressure and build up muscle. It’ll even help your pet have healthy bones. Walking also helps your dog to poo and wee so they’ll be less likely to get constipation or a urinary tract infection

7. Use a leash: When you first bring your rescue dog home, it’s important to keep them on a leash when outside or in unfamiliar environments. The use of a leash will benefit you, your neighbourhood, and your pet. There are many good reasons to keep your dog on a leash This will help them feel more secure and prevent them from running away or getting lost.

8. Establish a routine for grooming: Grooming can be a great way to build trust with your rescue dog. Establish a routine for grooming, such as brushing their coat or trimming their nails. This will help your dog become more comfortable with your touch.

9. Provide plenty of mental stimulation: Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for dogs. Provide plenty of stimulating and fun exercises for your dog such as hide and seek, scavenger hunts and fetch and carry to keep them mentally stimulated and engaged.

10. Be consistent: Consistency is key when building trust with your rescue dog. Stick to a consistent routine, use positive reinforcement, and avoid sudden changes or surprises. This will help your dog feel more secure and confident in their new home.

In addition to these ten tips, it’s important to remember that dogs come in different breeds and different sizes, every dog is different. Some rescue dogs may require more time and patience than others. It’s important to be flexible and adapt your approach to your dog’s individual needs.

Proper Ways Of Providing Nutrition And Exercise 

Here are ten ways you can provide proper nutrition and exercise for your rescue dog:

1. Consult with a veterinarian: Before making any changes to your rescue dog’s diet or exercise routine, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian.  If your new dog is doing well on his current diet, it may be best to continue with that diet until you can discuss food options with your vet.A vet can help you determine the best diet and exercise plan for your dog based on their individual needs.

2. Measure portions: Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health issues, avoid overfeeding or underfeeding them. Measure your dog’s food portions to ensure they are getting the right amount of food for their size and activity level. 

3. Provide fresh water:ensure your dog stays hydrated no matter where you go. Just be sure to clean and refill the bowls, reservoirs, or fountains regularly to keep the water fresh and clean.

4. Offer healthy treats: Treats can be a great way to reward your dog, but make sure you choose healthy options. There are alot of healthy treats option you can chose for your dogs which includes, peanut butter cookies, oat cookies and pumpkin. Avoid treats that are high in fat or sugar.

5. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise is essential for all dogs – it helps keep them in shape and is really important for their mental health. Incorporating a daily dog walk into you and your pup’s routine will bring them happiness and better health. Take your dog for daily walks or runs, play fetch, or engage in other activities that are appropriate for their size and activity level.

6. Provide mental stimulation: Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for dogs. Getting to go for a walk is one of the most exciting parts of your dogs day. You can also let them stop and sniff around as a mental stimulation 

7. Consider supplements: Supplements are products that add nutritional value to your dog’s diet or improve their health. Some rescue dogs may have nutritional deficiencies or health issues that require supplements. Talk to your vet about whether supplements are appropriate for your dog.

8. Monitor your dog’s weight: Just like human beings, your dogs weight should be kept in check, know when your dog is loosing or gaining weight and ensure they are maintaining a healthy weight at all times.

In addition to these ten tips, it’s important to remember that every dog is different. Some rescue dogs may have specific nutritional or exercise needs based on their individual health issues or backgrounds

Finally, it’s important to seek help if you’re struggling to provide proper nutrition

Addressing Behavioral Issues 

Dogs are wonderful companions and can bring a lot of joy and happiness into our lives. However, like any animal, dogs can sometimes exhibit behavioural issues that can be frustrating and even dangerous. Addressing these issues is important for both the dog’s well-being and the safety of the people around them. In this article, we will discuss some common behavioural issues in dogs and how to address them.

1. Aggression

Aggression is one of the most common behavioural issues in dogs. It can be directed towards other animals or people and can be caused by a variety of factors, including fear, or a lack of socialization. To say that a dog is “aggressive” can mean a whole host of things. 

Aggression encompasses a range of behaviours that usually begins with warnings and can culminate in an attack. It’s important to work with a professional dog trainer or behaviourist to develop a plan that’s tailored to your dog’s individual needs.

2. Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is another common behavioural issue in dogs. It’s characterized by excessive barking, destructive behaviour, and other signs of distress when the dog is left alone. Some dogs suffering from separation anxiety become agitated when their guardians prepare to leave. 

Others seem anxious or depressed prior to their guardians’ departure or when their guardians aren’t present. When treating a dog with separation anxiety, the goal is to resolve the dog’s underlying anxiety by teaching him to enjoy, or at least tolerate, being left alone.

3. Excessive Barking

Excessive barking is another common behavioural issue in dogs. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including boredom, anxiety, or a lack of socialization and you will agree with us that many owners can identify why their dog is barking just by hearing the specific bark so when it’s excessive, it becomes a behavioural problem.

It’s important to identify the underlying cause of the barking and to provide your dog with plenty of mental and physical stimulation.

4. Mounting And Masturbation

Mounting, thrusting (humping) and masturbation are normal behaviours exhibited by most dogs. Dogs masturbate in various ways. They mount and thrust against other animals. However, If you think your dog may become aggressive if you stop him from mounting other dogs, people or objects, do not attempt to do so. Instead, consult a qualified professional.

5. Destructive Behavior

Destructive behaviour is another common behavioural issue in dogs. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including boredom, anxiety, or a lack of socialization. 

Addressing destructive behaviour requires a combination of training and behaviour modification. It’s important to provide your dog with plenty of mental and physical stimulation and to teach them appropriate ways to channel their energy.

6. Jumping Up

Dogs Jumping Up on people is a common behaviour problem. One of the most significant dog behaviour problems clients come to me with is jumping. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including excitement, attention-seeking behaviour, or a lack of training. Jumping up can mean your dog is uncomfortable or anxious so find  out the cause of it and address it.

7. Pulling on the Leash

Pulling on the leash is another common behavioural issue in dogs. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including a lack of training, excitement, or a desire to explore. Addressing pulling on the leash requires a combination of training and behaviour modification. It’s important to teach your dog to walk calmly on a leash and to provide them with plenty of mental and physical stimulation.

8. Chewing

Chewing is a natural and normal dog behavior and can often be confined to appropriate outlets, such as toys and bones. However, chewing and scratching that is destructive to your home and property is unhealthy behavior and unsafe for your dog. It’s important to provide your dog with plenty of appropriate toys and chews and to teach them appropriate ways to channel their chewing behaviour.

It’s important to work with a professional dog trainer or behaviourist to develop a plan that’s tailored to your dog’s individual needs. With patience, consistency, and plenty of positive reinforcement, you can help your dog overcome their behavioural issues and become a well-behaved and happy companion.

Read More: Why Are Dogs Protective Of Babies? Find Out

Seeking Professional Help to Care For A Formerly Abused Rescue 

Many rescue dogs have experienced trauma or neglect in their past, which can lead to behavioural issues or other health problems seeking professional help can be the best decision to take, and can help you build a strong bond with your new companion.

There are many reasons why you might consider seeking professional help for your rescue dog. One of the most common reasons is behavioural issues. A “behavioural problem” refers to the behaviour exhibited by an animal that is unacceptable to the owner, regardless of its level of abnormality.

Many rescue dogs have a history of abuse or neglect, which can lead to anxiety, fear, or aggression. These behaviours can be difficult to manage on your own and may require the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviourist.

Another reason to seek professional help for your rescue dog is health problems. Dogs can suffer from a variety of health problems ranging from intestinal parasites, skin disease and ear infections, eye problems, digestive upset and dental disease. 

When it comes to rescue dogs, many of them come from a very clouded and dirty environment, and this can lead to infections such as parasites, or chronic conditions like heartworm. A veterinarian can help you diagnose and treat these health problems and ensure that your dog is healthy and happy.

When seeking professional help for your rescue dog, there are several options to consider. One option is to work with a professional dog trainer. A dog trainer can help you teach your dog basic obedience commands, such as sit, stay, and come. They can also help you address specific behavioural issues, such as separation anxiety or fear of other dogs. A professional dog trainer can work with you and your dog one-on-one, or in a group setting.

If your rescue dog has health problems, you may need to work with a veterinarian. A veterinarian can perform a physical exam and run diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your dog’s health problems. They can also prescribe medications or other treatments to help your dog recover.

When seeking professional help for your rescue dog, it’s important to choose a qualified and experienced professional. Look for someone who has experience working with rescue dogs and who uses positive reinforcement training techniques. You may also want to ask for recommendations from other dog owners or rescue organizations.

It’s also important to be patient when seeking professional help for your rescue dog. Behavioural issues and health problems can take time to resolve, and progress may be slow. It’s important to stay committed to the process and to be consistent in your training and care.

• Can Dogs Eat Red Rice
• Can Dogs Eat Ruffles? Find Out
• Can Dogs Eat Key Lime Pie? Find Out
• Can Dogs Have Pumpernickel Bread? What You Should Know
• Side Effects Of Antibiotics In Dogs: What You Should Know

Conclusion 

In conclusion, To adopt a dog is to save a life. Dogs that are not adopted within a certain time period, which varies per shelter, end up being euthanized. Shelters don’t have the resources to keep every dog that is brought to them.

In a perfect world, every home would have a rescue dog. In most cases, a shelter dog winds up rescuing the person who saved him. Rescue dogs can make wonderful companions for those who are willing to put in the time and effort to provide them with the care and attention they need though they may come with a lot of challenges and behavioural issues, they can also bring love and joy in the home.

By adopting a rescue dog, you are not only giving them a second chance but also benefitting from the rewards of being a pet owner, rescue dogs can be loyal and affectionate, and they also form a deep bond with their owners.

Lastly, remember that you will need a lot of patience and commitment with rescue dogs, they may not easily get comfortable but they will definitely come around with time.

We hope you enjoyed this article.