Welcoming a rescue dog into your home is an exciting experience, and how you start off with their transition can make an enormous difference in how smoothly things will go ... and remember, the first week is usually the toughest.

Dogs (just like toddlers) are often disoriented, anxious, and cranky when their environment changes. To help them, we strongly recommend adherence to a decompression regimen. See the Rebound Hounds video below for excellent information on decompression.

To summarize the process, after calmly walking the dog around their new home and yard on leash, they should spend a lot of time in their crate, in a quiet spot with a cover over the top and sides. Alternatively, for some dogs, it may work well to set up a doggy play pen in a not-too-busy area, with access to an open crate. Provide free or regular access to water, and feed them morning and night at a consistent time. You can either hand-feed them (a great bonding exercise) or feed in their crate or playpen with the door closed. Take the dog out on a regular schedule for potty breaks and short periods of running off some energy in the yard. Keep their leash on in the yard at first (rescue dogs can be creative escape artists when anxious). Please note that it’s fairly common for dogs in transition to not eat or eliminate normally for a day or two. As long as they are drinking water, it’s nothing to be concerned about. Remember to consistently reinforce desired behavior with treats and praise. Because many of our rescues may have experienced previous food insecurity, they sometimes tend to guard resources (food, treats, toys–and you!). For this reason, we recommend feeding separately from other resident pets (in a closed crate or another secured area) for the first week or so. Included below are some tips on dog-to-dog introductions.

If you're willing to take things slowly and allow your new pup to decompress with minimal interaction for their first few days, they will make an excellent transition. Doodles tend to be super affectionate pups, who love cuddling and being close to their people. So ... plenty of affection and a dependable schedule are the keys to having a very, very happy dog. They will reward you with a lot of love and loyalty, for certain.