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Calm an Anxious Rescue Dog
How to calm an anxious rescue dog. You adopted a dog from the shelter or rescue society. Now it’s time to settle your new friend into his loving home. And, while most dogs settle in quickly you may need to take a few extra steps to calm rescue dog if he’s anxious. Calming a rescue dog can be a tiring task since you have no idea about their background. Often, a rescue dog may have faced some level of abuse before reaching a shelter. And even in the shelters, life has not been easy. Many dogs had to struggle to get attention, love, and even food.
So, all the above factors and many more combine to make the rescue dog nervous and anxious as soon as he gets in a new environment. But dog’s behaviour is not always extremely easy to understand. A running and barking dog don’t always mean that the dog is excited, it might also mean that the dog is looking for a way to escape.
Before we jump into how to calm a rescue dog, let’s have a look at the possible symptoms of an anxious dog such as:
- shivering and crouching
- barking uncontrollably
- running around the house for no reason
- avoiding eye contact with you
- stiff posture or sweaty paws
So, if your rescue dog shows any of the above signs, you need to help calm to relax and calm him down.
1. Investigate What May Cause Your Rescue Dog Stress
In most cases, a dog will only show anxiety when he’s introduced to a new environment. All dogs take time to adjust to the new. The way you can help them in this adaptive process is to take time and so they can get to know you.
In some cases, such as an anxious rescue dog he or she may experience stress due to an object, a smell, a noise, some other person or animal. So, try to get to the root of his anxiety and remove the source. If you are having trouble finding the root cause, it’s best to remove the dog from the environment.
Remember when you adopt are rescue dog he may never of felt carpet, heard the sounds off a television and certain objects may have been used against them in the past. Watch your dogs body language and notice what they are pulling away from.
2. Let Your Rescue Dog Come to You
If the dog starts to trust you then calming your rescue dog won’t be an issue. Since it trusts you, it knows that you will keep him safe. Just because you are standing by him, he will relax easier and will calm down.
If he is yet to let you pet him and approach him easily, then it is best if you allow him to come to you. You can get down on his level – lay on the floor, just a few feet away from him and gently coax your dog with some yummy treats.
While it’s tempting to want to rush in and give him love its best to give space as your new canine gets to know you.
3. Establish a Calm Surrounding for Your Rescue Dog
A calmer environment goes a long way in making sure that the dog itself becomes calm. It takes trust from both parties to ensure the rescue dog adapts successfully. Try to keep quiet and calm in and out of the house. Each sound, movement, and smell inside the house is new for the dog. Don’t just start showering affection or bringing in tons of toys. The dog itself will approach you.
The aim is to establish a proper structure. You are looking for a relationship that must be based on respect and then build upon love and affection.
4. Give Your Anxious Rescue Dog Space
Dogs are den animals. They need a proper space before they start to feel safe. You must aid them in the transition. Provide them with a space that is quiet and comfortable. A bed for your dog is a place where he can go if he wants to escape and get some rest. Once you give them their space, they will act self-protective. Allow the dog to emerge out of his shell on his own.
5. Be Patient With Your New Canine Friend
Don’t expect the dog to show his true personality on the very first day of arrival. On average a dog takes 4 to 6 weeks before he starts showing his true self. During this time, you will also have to be very patient. Let him find his way gradually, baby steps is key for him learning about you and his new environment. In time your anxious rescue dog will become a more confident canine as he fits in with his new family.
Concluding Ways to Calm an Anxious Rescue Dog
Rescue dogs are amazing, and though they may take a little extra time, they are worth all the effort. Once your learn to calm your anxious rescue dog they will settle in time and bond with you. Use the above 5 ways and you and your new hound will besties in no time.