You rescued a dog! Now what?

Congratulations! You saved a life! Now you are thinking, what do I do now?

Rescuing a dog is a fun and exciting time but also at the same time it can be stressful! One thing you need and will constantly need to be reminded of, is to have Patience! Patience, understanding and tender loving care. Unfortunately, because they are unable to communicate with us, they won't be able to tell us their story. A lot of them have been through a lot since being born and have trauma. With a lot of love and compassion, you can help them get past their trauma or at best, help them live a good life despite it. 

When you first bring home a pup, they will go through what is called the Decompression stage. They will be quiet, nervous, unsure of their surroundings and probably keep to themselves. At first you probably think this is great, a quiet dog that won't be a lot of trouble. Then one day you wake up and your place looks like you have a 2-year-old that has been left unsupervised! Now they are getting more comfortable and are going to explore see what they can get into and what they can get away with! This is where the patience comes into play! You will need to work with your dog and set them up for success. Sadly, once the pup starts to become more comfortable and things start to happen, that's where people are like, this is not what I signed up for and they are returned to the shelter. Dogs like people aren't born knowing what to do! We all need training! 

Do your research! Look into dog breeds and what it entails. What kind of energy will this dog have? Will it need a lot of exercise? Do they tend to be good with kids? Lots of things that should be looked into before bringing a dog home. And yes, most rescues are going to be a mixed breed and what they are will be uncertain, but for the most part, dog knowledge is a must! Also look into what it will generally cost to have a dog. Food, toys, beds, vet care, if you go on vacation where will the dog go, things like that. Preparing yourself will definitely help the transition go smoothly. 

There are many websites that you can look up by simply googling "what to do once you rescued a dog" There is a ton of information out there to help you on this new journey!

Here are a few websites along with some you tube videos...

You Just Adopted A Dog, Now What? — Canine Cohen Dog Training — Canine Cohen Dog Training

Home | Animal Health Foundation

10 Tips for the First 30 Days After Adopting a Dog | PetMD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxDI2Le13WQ

New Dog Checklist: What Most People Forget Before Adoption Day

The First Steps For Training Your Rescue/Rehomed/Adult Dog!

 

Your daily dose of cuteness....

Meet Kronk!

  

Name:Kronk

Info:Small, Young Adult, Male

Breed(s):Pug / Chihuahua

Description:Meet Kronk!
DOB: September 2024
Weight: 15lbs
Disposition:
History: Relinquished to a shelter in LA County and rescued by TBL in July 2025
Best Home:
Amazing Qualities:

If you're interested in meeting this dog, please visit our website to fill out an adoption application: www.thebarkinglot.net/adopt
Our dogs are located in San Diego County, CA. We will happily consider out of town applications and can conduct virtual play dates with interested adopters. We have monthly transport to various locations in the Pacific Northwest, individual arrangements would need to be made for other locations across the US and Canada.

He is currently residing at The Barking Lot located in Ramona CA. 
Check him out at Adopt A Dog in San Diego, Find Rescues and Soi Dogs | The Barking Lot The Barking Lot
And not to leave out your daily inspirational funny....