Fur-iends for Life: The journey of responsible dog adoption
I have recently read a really good article from Thumpkin and collaborators [1] where they have interviewed adopters from a shelter to find out what makes an adoption of a rescue dog successful
In this paper the authors suggest that adoption is just the beginning of the journey in the process of welcoming a rescue dog home. However, we should keep in mind that this journey begins before actually going to the shelter to pick up your new furry friend.
The beginning of the adoption process starts when adopters carefully consider whether they are truly ready to welcome a shelter dog into their homes. This is the time when adopters and in general new pet parents, should consider their lifestyle (active or more at home?), physical special needs (small dog easy to maneuver?) working hours (how long will the dog stay home alone?), living situation (house or small apartment), people at home (any kids or frequent guests?), other pets (now or in the future?), time available for the dog, are you prepared in case the dog shows behavioral or health issues? These are just few example questions that we can give as food for thought if you are considering adoption.
Once you have sorted all these things out and you have picked up your new 4-legged friend from the shelter, a very sensitive period starts, where the authors of this paper highlight the keys for a successful transition of the dog to your new home:
Time and Patience: it takes time for a dog to settle into a new home and be willing to interact with family members (especially kids).
There is rule of thumb: 3 days : 3 weeks : 3 months (by Rescue Dogs 101 [2]) that can be used a guidance. However, every dog is an individual and some will settle in just a few days, but for others it can take 3-6 months up to a year to feel at home
Patience is crucial to avoid owner frustrations for having high expectations for the new dog.
Building trust and learning limits: adjusting expectations and meeting the dog where he is at, is necessary to understand your dog’s limits (what is scary for him) and create a safe environment for the dog and your family. Once your dog understands that you will not force him into scary situations, trust will build up. It’s also important to set boundaries for your family, especially if you have kids and start training the dog, which will further build up on trust
Dong-Owner Bond: involves the attachment, commitment and responsibility to the dog. It’s about owner’s resilience to adjust to the special needs of their new dog in this sensitive period. The dog’s behavior may change once he starts to feel at home. Some undesirable behaviors may disappear once the dog has settled in. However, the opposite can happen and some dogs may start to show other behavioral issues like separation disorders, anxiety or fear. It’s important that adopters are ready to get help should any of these appear.
Despite the challenges, the decision to adopt a rescue dog can be incredibly rewarding. These dogs often show immense gratitude and loyalty to their new owners, forming deep bonds that last a lifetime. Witnessing the transformation of a once- abandoned or neglected into a cherished member of the family can be bring unparallel joy and fulfillment. Ultimately the love, companionship and unconditional devotion that rescue dogs offer make the journey of adoption a truly enriching experience for both, the. dog and the adopter.
[1] Thumpkin, E.; Pachana, N.A.; Paterson, M.B.A. 2024. Coming Home, Staying Home: Adopters’ Stories about Transitioning Their New Dog into Their Home and Family. Animals 2024, 14, 723. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14050723
[2] www.rescuedogs101.com