As more and more dog owners are embracing the idea of adoption instead of purchasing, it's becoming an increasingly meaningful way to bring a furry friend into your home. Not only does it fulfill your desire to have a dog, but it also provides a warm new home for those little guys who have been living on the streets. For these adopted dogs, their new owners are like small angels sent from heaven.
1. Patience
However, adoption means that the dog may not have a connection with the new owner from the beginning. It may have had an owner before entering the shelter, only to be abandoned, or it may have been wandering outside since it can remember, experiencing hunger and coldness, and finally surviving in the shelter. In both cases, the mental state of these dogs may be different from those who grew up from a young age. Adopters need more patience, empathy, and consistency to help these dogs adapt to their new lives and make their mood smoother.
As dogs with experience in the shelter, even if they have not suffered from any hardship before, some dogs may not show any problems, but other dogs who have been living in the shelter may have had problems, and these problematic dogs will have an impact on other dogs. At the same time, when they have to make a major lifestyle change, such as entering a new family, they may also experience severe anxiety and depression.
Therefore, the first and foremost thing that adopters need to remember when dealing with dogs adopted from a shelter is to be extremely patient with them.
2. Respect and restrictions
Injured dogs need time to heal and reduce the stress caused by their injuries. We should not push them beyond their limits or force them to change quickly. It is important to respect their needs for space and time. We can provide a quiet and comfortable space for dogs to retreat to when they feel anxious or overwhelmed. When they are ready for our attention, we should be there for them.
Although many owners love their dogs and want to give them lots of affection when they bring them home, the right approach is to have patience, give them time, and make judgments based on each individual dog's specific situation.
In addition to patience, there are also some restrictions for newly adopted dogs. If we leave them at home, we should provide a relatively enclosed space or crate for them. When we take them out, we must always keep them on a leash. This is especially important for some very anxious or insecure stray dogs who can be easily hurt by these emotions, particularly in unfamiliar environments.
3. 8 tips for Building Trust
So how can we establish a trusting relationship with an adopted dog as quickly as possible? Here are a few tips:
Speak to the dog in a soothing tone of voice, as this is more likely to earn its trust. Even if it doesn't respond immediately, it will begin to associate your voice with kindness and safety.
Offer the dog irresistibly tasty treats, such as chicken or canned snacks. Food can also help you build trust. If the dog is not fully ready, do not force it to eat directly from your hand. You can leave the food nearby and let it approach on its own.
Find out what motivates the dog, whether it be treats, toys, verbal praise, or the owner's touch. Gradually testing what the dog likes the most can also help establish a friendly relationship and encourage more positive interactions between you and the dog.
Bringing a dog home can be exciting, but it is also a process that takes time to adjust to a new environment. For example, introducing family and friends to the dog is a great improvement if they are accepted. If the dog is confused or resistant, I will slowly introduce them after they feel comfortable and safe.
Adoptive owners need to remember that many everyday items and activities that we take for granted are new to your dog. Things such as cars, doorbells, vacuum cleaners, and strangers can all trigger terrifying reactions in dogs.
If adoptive owners are concerned about the adaptability of an adopted dog or are afraid of being attacked or resource-protected, do not be afraid to seek help by contacting experienced volunteers or consulting with trainers who can provide advice and guidance on how to interact with them correctly.
Consider medication. Some adopted dogs may experience intense anxiety that cannot be corrected by behavior modification alone, and medication may be necessary to help adjust and reduce stress.
Love the adopted dog. The love and commitment that adoptive owners have for their dogs are everything to them. Although they may not express gratitude now, they will always remember it. One day, you will see the dog's heart blossom under the influence of love.
Was your dog adopted? When did your dog begin to establish a trusting relationship with its owner?
