Adopting a Dog: How To Start Off On The Right Foot
Some dogs come into our home, and they are suffering from a lot of stress. Taking care of all of their needs is not simple. Every dog is an individual with their own needs and what one dog finds difficult another one might be able to tolerate better. Building life skills to be able to cope with the world around you takes a lot of time and patience in some cases.
Clara and Sombra during a relaxing smiling leash walk
In these beautiful pictures we see Clara and Sombra. Sombra has been with her new family for a few months now. She was found roaming the streets in the South of Spain, very scared and very young, fending for herself. They had trouble catching her and we can only imagine that when they did this was a big trauma in her short life. Taking care of an animal that comes to us in this or similar circumstances requires a big investment from our part. But only a start that gives the dog security can bring the environment conducive to being able to cope with more events and situations.
When Sombra first arrived home they were in a busy city full of noise, traffic, and people. When her family realised that she wasn’t able to cope with the situation they looked for a quieter location where they could give her everything she needed. This is a big step that many of us are not able to take. We are so happy that Sombra got this opportunity.
Nevertheless, here are some pointers to give you some direction and focus on the things we should all concentrate on when we adopt a dog, and to help you and your dog get a good start.
Clara and Sombra choosing to walk in a quiet location
Security
That we give our dogs comes from understanding them, understanding the way they communicate, giving them time to process problems and make decisions. Respecting them as individuals and the choices they make. Without the sense of security dogs are constantly on alert and they can not rest.
Sleep
Giving our dogs the number of hours of sleep they need is paramount to their wellbeing. Sometimes when a new dog arrives to our home, we think about walking and activities, but we should be thinking about sleeping! Giving them time to rest and recuperate should be our number one priority. Keep in mind that a healthy adult dog needs around 14 to 16 hours sleep.
Food
We are what we eat and building blocks come from within. Quality food, appropriate for the species, will help tremendously.
Clara and Sombra
Health
When stress comes into our lives all sorts of systems may be affected. We all know about stories of people that suffer from stress and their health is affected. Maybe losing hair and allergies or even infections. The reason for this is that when stress arrives and stays for a long time, the immune systems gets affected by it. Ensuring that we avoid stressor is a very important step in getting our dogs healthy again. Look for a health practitioner that understands the emotional turmoil your dog is going through.
Social Contact
Good and solid social interactions. When the dog has rested and recuperated a little, it will be time to introduce some good friends they can share walks and good times with. Dogs thrive on good social contact, they are gregarious animals and as such they need the company of humans, dogs and sometimes even individuals of other species. Social contact is at times misunderstood. It is not always about play. Having friends to share walks and experiences while investigating and sniffing should be part of our dogs’ lives.
Remember to take it slowly and give your dog every opportunity to make her own decisions. Give your dog time to rest. Stress that has built up over months, maybe years, will not disappear quickly, it will take weeks and months for your dog to start feeling normal again.
