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Making the Choice

Dogs adopted directly from pounds have been very basically assessed on their behavior in the pound but not in a home situation this is usually as basic as to whether he shows signs of aggression.

If you adopt an adult dog that has been released from the pound and fostered for a period of time, there should be a much better understanding of the dog’s personality and habits and what sort of home would suit him best.

Most foster carers are more than happy to provide any information to the new owners and keep in contact after adoption.

Your new dog – coming home

It takes at least 3 days for a dog to become familiar with his new family, rescued or not and about 3 weeks for him to feel completely comfortable. During the settling in period as they find their feet and watch and learn how things operate they may behave in a extremely restrained manner. Often dogs in new homes and environments exhibit signs of fear or confusion towards things they are accustomed to, this can be misleading for their carers/ new owners.

New dogs are sometimes labeled as having been abused if they are timid, this is often incorrect and the behavior they exhibit is due to unfamiliar surroundings and people.

After the “honeymoon” period in the foster/new home the dog starts to relax and will often show its true colors and any behaviors noted in the past in the case of a retuned or surrendered dog will surface.

Most people’s reports when first obtaining a new dog are he or she is great! Of course he is he is on his best behavior!

This can change as the dog settles in and becomes himself so to speak. After three or so weeks the dog can start to act in a totally different manner and test the boundaries in many ways and the pack order as well.

It is very important that a returns policy is clearly communicated at the time of sale or adoption. If after the settling in period you are not committed to including the animal in your life, warts and all, it is time to speak to the organization you obtained him from and make a decision. You should not feel that you must endure a dog with extreme behavior problems or issues that affect your family’s lifestyle.

Dogs are individuals. Everyone has different expectations and levels of tolerance and no two dogs or owners are alike. A dog who is unbearable for one person or situation may blossom in another.