Bringing home new dog!

[melancholyway]

Hello, I am new to this forum. I have recently been to the shelter and fallen in love with a dog named Sarah. The shelter volunteers believe that she has been abused so she is a bit shy, but when I took her for a walk she gave me kisses! I think that with some training and bonding she will open up. I am scheduled to take her home on Friday. I was wondering if anyone has any advice for making her transition easier. She is a 5 yr. old spaniel mix. :)

[eviloxygen]

Congrats a dog!!!! Which shelter are you adopting her from?? Your best bet is to get everything set up for her the day before, her bed dishes crate toys ect. Then put the bunnies away so she can first come in and get used to the new house. Show her around, give her treats in each of her places bed ect. Make sure to take her outside to relieve herself manytimes that will ensure little or no accidents. Shes in a new place and might not be sure what to do so it doesnt hurt!

The biggest thing is to gain her trust. Use only positive reinforcment with her, and clicker training as well. I've done this in the past with abused dogs and they make a pretty good turnaround. Just make sure you and pat give her plenty of kisses and attention :D I know that won't be a problem!!!

[solastsummer]

Hey by the way, good for you for rescuing a dog too :-D

Ummm....well if you have any other pets, try introducing them before hand, also make sure your house is dog-ified, secure back yard etc. Make sure she will have somewhere to go when she wants a bit of "time out" or relaxing time, like a basket and just plenty of toys for her to play with, it will take her a while to settle down but just let her have a look around, rather than fussing over her too much; she'll adjust and hopefully begin to trust you and settle down in her new home :)

[melancholyway]

Thanks to you both :) We will definitely have the bunnies away in a seperate room. We decided to get this dog over the two ferrets. I love ferrets, but I think that she really needs a positive home! I definitely want to have everything set before she comes home. The volunteers at the shelter said that she doesn't really seem to like toys, but she hasn't really ever had any. I was wondering if she might warm up to them if I get her some. We are getting her from the Waverly, NY shelter Stray Haven. Here is a pic:

http://www.petfinder.org/pet.cgi?action=2&pet=4736995&adTarget=&SessionID=430376755ce050b2-app3&display=&preview=1&row=0&tmpl=&stat=

[melancholyway]

Also, Do you guys know of a good place to learn clicker training. Im in Binghamton, NY.

[solastsummer]

Ahhh she looks loverly!
Sorry, I wouldn't know of any training places as I live in England! Good luck with her :)

[harperseth]

give her toys and treats and make her a bed

[eviloxygen]

aww i saw her on there and wondered if that was the same sarah! I can go over clicker training with you if you want once you get her, i do clicker training at the humane society over on jackson st in binghamton with steve benjamine. he has a website and classes as well if she is socialized and friendly enough for other dogs right now its http://www.clickingwithcanines.com/

[melancholyway]

That would be awesome. I actually submitted an application there just the other day to become a volunteer :) She has been socialized, but because she has been abused she is totally the omega. She allows all other dogs to walk all over her.

[eviloxygen]

no prob :) when you have her next week just drop me a line my email is eviloxygen@hotmail.com I'll give ya me phone # and we can set up a day i'll stop by its really easy concept to learn and once you know you guys can have so much fun with it! :D

[melancholyway]

Also, the volunteer at the shelter says that she doesn't like toys. Im wondering if maybe it is due to the fact that she has never had any. Any tips on getting her to like toys? I know that she had a raw hide at the shelter.

[willowmum]

Well done on adopting in a rescue. All my 5 are rescue. One thing I would advise even though its hard is dont over fuss her or give her loads of affection - yeah I know its all you will want to do. But just give her a bit of space and time to settle she'll mosey round and sort herself out, make sure she has a bed and something soft and snuggly to sleep on and with. Soft toys seem to act as a comforter for some dogs (for mine it acts as something that has to be slaughtered).

As said use positive methods only and be consistant in what you want and how you reward. Im sure you'll be fine - good luck.