Adopting a rescue dog is a rewarding journey, however, it’s also a path that can come with its own unique set of challenges. For those who are looking to adopt a dog, or have recently adopted a rescue dog, especially from Spain to the UK, understanding how to support your new dog is vital. Here are five essential tips to help your rescue dog adjust to their new home.

Give Them Time and Space to Decompress

Your new rescue dog has experienced a significant change, travelling far from what they’ve known. Everything is new, and they don’t yet know you or their new environment. It’s essential to provide them with a quiet, safe space where they can relax and decompress. This means:

• Creating a Calm Environment: Set up a comfortable safe space for them to relax and retreat if they need to.

• Patience is Key: Allow them to explore their new surroundings at their own pace.

  
  

Introduce Resident Dogs in a Neutral Area

If you have other dogs at home, introducing your new rescue dog on neutral ground can prevent any territorial behaviour and ease the transition.

• Choose a Neutral Location: A park or a neighbour's garden is an option.

• Supervise the Interaction: Keep both dogs on leads and watch body language, intervene if necessary to ensure positive interactions.

Read more on our Blog Post How do I introduce my new rescue dog to my existing dog?

Be Mindful of New Experiences

New experiences can be overwhelming for your rescue dog. Gradually introduce them to new sights, sounds, and experiences, always remaining calm and confident to reassure them. Remember:

• Slow and Steady: Avoid flooding them with too many new experiences at once, household appliances like hoovers, washing machines and TVs may all be new. When you first go out for a walk ensure this is along a quiet road and gauge their reactions to traffic and build from there.

• Confidence is Key: Your calm and confident manner will help them understand that there’s nothing to fear.

Ensure Safety with Secure Leads and Collars

Safety is paramount when your new Spanish rescue dog is adjusting to life in the UK. Using both a collar and lead, along with a backup slip lead or harness, ensures they remain secure at all times:

• Double Up: Use both a regular collar and lead along with a slip lead or harness.

• Check for Fit: Ensure all equipment fits properly to prevent any escapes.

Expect and Address House Training Needs

Spanish rescue dogs may have never lived in a home before, so house training is likely. Consistency and positive reinforcement are your best tools.

• Frequent Breaks: Take them out to the garden regularly.

• Positive Reinforcement: Reward them with praise when they relieve themselves outside, similar to puppy training.

Adjusting to a new environment takes time and patience, but with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to helping your Spanish rescue dog feel right at home. By providing a compassionate and structured introduction to their new life, you’re not only helping them adjust but also setting the stage for a loving, lifelong bond.

You can read more on this topic on our Blog Post Settling In A Rescue Dog

If you’re interested in adopting a dog from Spain or want to learn more about Spanish rescue dogs please get in touch. Together, we can make a difference, one happy tail wag at a time.

By adopting a rescue dog from Spain, you’re not just getting a pet, you’re gaining a loyal companion and embarking on an incredible journey of compassion and transformation.

Adopting a dog from Spain is more straightforward than you might think, we deal with everything for you and with full Rescue Back Up with lifetime support, we are there for you from adoption and every day after that.

Adopt a dog from Spain