Bringing a new member into your home can be a delightful but challenging experience.  As with people, each animal has a distinct and multifaceted personality.  When dealing with a rescued dog from an organization of foster volunteers or even a local shelter, one must assume that the dog has been abandoned and may have issues associated with traumatic events.  Lack of training, cruelty, and neglect are the most common scenarios.   

The key to an obedient and happy dog is their trust in their owner(s).  They need direction and they need to feel safe, whether it is in rehabilitating a dog or introducing them to your home.  The advice I share is the guidelines I use on a daily basis with my foster dogs.  

First, every person in the family that will be exposed to the new dog is advised to be respectful of the new dog’s comfort range, i.e. to give him/her space to become adjusted.  Let the dog come to the person on his/her own, it is never the person to approach the dog. 

Second, all kids are advised to be quiet and respectful of the dog’s privacy.  They are always supervised and never left alone with any animal!  Dog bites usually happen as a miscommunication between dog and human.  A young child cannot recognize subtle signs of irritability and could provoke a reaction in which the dog feels cornered or threatened.  

Third, we establish the rules before the dog comes home.  I call this the “game plan.”  This refers to where the dog will sleep, eat, go for a walk, and what the dog is allowed to do or not allowed.   As a family, we are one unit sending one signal and it is easier for the dog to learn what is expected of him/her.   The advance planning also establishes a routine that a new dog can rely on and trust.  It makes a huge difference in the dog’s behavior.

Fourth, we always meet our resident dogs with the new dog on a neutral property.   The dogs don’t run out in front of us and approach the strange dog in the face.  That is considered intimidating and rude.  Instead, everything is controlled and calm.  Dogs sniff behind the other dog, with the humans (think alpha) talking to them, and watchful.  Reward the dogs for being polite and separate immediately if you sense danger or fear.  Hard or wide-eyed stares, stiff movements, growls, both hair and tail raised are all signs to take a break.

Fifth, and perhaps one of the most important things to a dog, is to provide each and every dog with their own covered crate that they can eat their food in, hide during the thunderstorms (or if mom is really mad because her favorite shoes have become rawhide), or just chill out with the squeaky toys.  Dogs are den creatures by instinct.  Providing them with a place of refuge reduces anxiety and territorial behaviors.  

Last, but not least, the method of training a dog is the window to his/her heart.  This is an acquired art.  Every dog will understand and react differently to training methods.  The common thread is to be quietly firm and assertive.  Reassuring unwanted behavior leads to worse behavior.   However, always appreciate the positive steps toward good behavior.  Your leadership and love will lead to a dog’s security and love towards their new home.  From one animal advocate to another, be proud of your decision to save a life!