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So, a rescue dog is coming home and there’s a feeling somewhere between “this is going to be amazing” and “what on earth have I just signed up for?” The truth is, bringing home a rescue pup is a little like inviting a stranger to live in the house, except this stranger might try to eat the sofa cushions and will absolutely judge the choice of dog treats.

Okay, not all rescue dogs are like that of course, they all have their own background and stories on why they need to be rescued. But regardless, whether you live in a small apartment, a large house, or even on a farm, there’s just some prep that needs to be done.

It’s exciting, emotional, and a bit nerve-wracking all rolled into one waggy-tailed package. But honestly, with a bit of prep and a healthy dose of patience, that chaotic ball of fluff will soon be living their best life, and so will everyone else.

Set Up a Comfy Spot

Rescue dogs don’t just walk into a new house and instantly feel like they own the place (unless they’re that type of dog). Most are sizing things up, wondering where the exits are, and deciding if that noisy fridge is secretly a monster. So, just giving them their own little hideout, think comfy bed, water bowl, and maybe a squeaky toy they’ll pretend not to like at first, helps them feel grounded.

Somewhere away from the madness, where they can flop down and sigh deeply after all the newness wears them out. Everyone needs a spot to recharge, and for a rescue pup, this can be their safe base to figure out the crazy world they’ve just landed in. Even if they’re not a rescue, something like this is definitely needed.

Pet-Proof In Case they Plan a Heist

Keep in mind that rescue dogs are detectives by nature, and the house is their crime scene. Loose shoes? Fair game. Electric cords? Delicious spaghetti. The bin? A treasure chest full of mystery snacks. Again, they’re not all the same, but a lot of them tend to lack formal training.

But pet-proofing a home isn’t about being over-the-top, but it’s about accepting that this dog is going to investigate everything like a nosy neighbor. Shoes in cupboards, bins with lids, houseplants moved somewhere out of reach, and maybe stash the fancy throw pillows for a while, because chances are they’ll become an accidental chew toy before the week is out.

Get Your Shopping Done Early (and Don’t Forget the Treats)

The first days with a rescue dog aren’t the time to be dashing to the shop because there’s no lead or you forgot to grab food bowls. Thankfully, most shelters will check before this happens, so yeah, you have to already be prepared. The basics should be ready before they even step paw inside. Bed, bowls, lead, collar, ID tag, and a pile of healthy dog treats to help them realize that every new thing they try earns them something tasty.

You need to keep in mind that treats are the currency of trust, especially in those awkward early days when “sit” is more of a polite suggestion than a command. Plus, snacks help smooth over moments when they unexpectedly bark at the hoover or decide to turn a slipper into modern art. It’s like an ice breaker for them.

Go Easy on the Introductions

Okay, sure, it’s tempting to show off the new dog to anyone who’s willing to look, but that’s like expecting someone to meet the entire family at once after landing in a new country. Keep it slow, keep it chill. For the most part, rescue dogs are dealing with a sensory overload, and meeting six cousins and the chatty neighbor on day one might be a little much.

So, ideally, a quiet space, a bit of routine, and letting them make the first moves will help them come out of their shell in their own time. So before long, they’ll be ready for gardens, dog parks, long walks, and maybe even tolerating tight cuddles.

Expect Some Weirdness

It’s usually clear when a dog is a rescue. How? Well, every rescue dog comes with quirks. Some stare at ceiling fans like they’re hatching a plan to overthrow them, others insist on sleeping with their nose jammed between two sofa cushions. Some will refuse to step on shiny floors, while others will invent a personal vendetta against the doorbell. Of course, some will be too afraid of people too.

But honestly, it’s all part of the charm. So, just giving them space to be weird, to test boundaries, and to slowly adjust will result in moments that are hilarious, heart-melting, and sometimes downright confusing. That’s rescue dog life, and it’s honestly, pretty wonderful.

Get the First Walk Right

Most shelters don’t really get the chance to walk the dogs, they want to, but they’re usually short-staffed, and sometimes, there might be a special event to walk rescue dogs. But outside of that, it’s not very easy. So, with that all said, the first walk is rarely picture-perfect. Some dogs will drag like sled dogs on a mission, while others will freeze in the middle of the path, staring at a passing leaf. Having the right collar, lead, and maybe a pocket full of those handy treats makes all the difference.

Just be sure to just start simple, stay close to home, and read the room (or in this case, read the tail). Besides, short walks and loads of praise turn outdoor adventures into a positive experience instead of something that feels like being launched into the unknown.

Set Some Boundaries Before the Cute Eyes Take Over

Yes! This is such a major one! Okay, so there’s a moment when every rescue dog looks up like, “The sofa looks nice. Mind if I live there now?” It’s adorable, but it’s also when those lines get blurred. Before long, the ‘no dogs in bed’ rule turns into sharing a pillow with a snoring pup sprawled out like royalty.

Honestly, just setting gentle boundaries early helps rescue dogs feel secure. They’ll know what’s okay, what’s off-limits, and it saves the awkward moment of trying to reclaim personal space after they’ve decided the entire house is now theirs.