How is life with your Adopted Dog?

All About Dogs is all about newsworthy issues that matter to dog owners. So, owners can spend time with their dogs instead of searching the Internet for information.?

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Your adopted dog has been with you for weeks, maybe months – so?how is life with the new family member? Are you bonding? How is the training going? And socialization – is she good with other dogs and people? If it’s a daily battle you want to give up, there are a few things to look at.??

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• Bonding with your dog.?

Do you and your family like having him around – are you and the dog enjoying each other’s company? Adjusting to each other was always going to take time and it’s a process of getting to know each other and your peculiarities. The dog may find some of your habits and behaviors as strange as you find his...!?

Much will depend on the age, temperament, and background of your adopted dog. The more you know about her background, the better you may be able to understand her and manage the adjustment process.??

Spend time together so that you get to know each other. Show affection that your pup is comfortable with. Some dogs don’t like humans to touch them while others are cuddle buddies.?Spend quality time with him when you focus on him, letting him know he’s important. Playing and exercising together are some of the ways to deepen the relationship between you and your dog.??

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• Ongoing training??

Has your dog been trained? What commands does she respond to (if any...)? It’s often best to assume she hasn’t had any training or needs a refresher.?

Start with basic commands like sit, stay, down, and the simple no. Make training a game, and be lavish with praise and treats! You may want to take him to puppy school, or obedience classes where he can also start socializing, unless she isn’t comfortable around other dogs. There are also training videos available if you want to train her at home.??

Training your dog from the time he joins your family is one of the best things you can do for him. It provides structure and predictability that helps a dog to flourish.?Obedience training never stops – reinforce what he’s learnt and teach him new tricks. It's a wonderful way to engage his mind and care for his mental well-being. ?

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• The importance of socialization?

The importance of socializing your dog can’t be over-emphasized! Some dogs (like people) are naturally sociable while others prefer to keep to themselves. Whatever your dog’s temperament, she still needs to be comfortable around other people like family, friends, children and strangers she may meet.??

He needn't be a tail wagging smiling dog, but he shouldn’t present any danger to the people he meets. The same goes for dogs he encounters. Sometimes an adopted dog may show hostility towards certain people, dogs or situations. This can be because of a bad experience, or experiences, in his past. You need to be vigilant and try to avoid such encounters.??

Socializing an adopted dog can be a challenge. She needs to get used to different environments and situations and meet and interact with other animals and people. Gradually expose her to new and different situations – some she may never have encountered before. Keep the interactions short and calm and gradually increase the exposure. ?

Be patient and don’t force her into a situation that she finds distressing. There may be people and places you avoid – so give your dog the same freedom!?

Attending puppy school, obedience classes, and going to dog parks are opportunities for your dog to socialize. But only take him to situations that will be safe for him and avoid stressful environments. ?

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• When to seek help.?

Don't give up when things don’t go according to plan. When you struggle with training and socialization and your dog just doesn’t seem to adjust to her new home, it may be time to seek professional help. A professional trainer can help identify fears and anxieties she may have and provide effective training programs.??

Positive reinforcement is widely used to train dogs by praising and rewarding correct behavior and discouraging undesired behavior. It doesn’t use force. However, there are situations where positive reinforcement is limited.??

Canine cognitive behavioral therapy (CCBT) is gaining ground as this method literally retrains the dog’s brain (and often the owner’s too). CCBT can be used on puppies older than six months. It’s important to find a qualified person to help you and the dog. With the right training, your rescue dog can become the happy and healthy dog he was meant to be! And enjoy being a member of your family.??

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Adopting a dog is a huge commitment and a gratifying experience. It’s not always an easy road for you and the adopted dog to travel. However, with time, dedication, and patience it can be an enriching experience for both of you.

Have you adopted a dog? Let us know what your experience has been in the comments.