Tues 3rd Jan: Settling a new dog in

Rowan was adopted today

It was just another crazy day, just like most other days, but in between all the madness at least a puppy found his new home.  This was Rowan from the "R" litter, all of whom were a bit timid to begin with but they're growing out of that behaviour. 

A lot of adopters comment that their new dog or puppy seems to be afraid, doesn't want to interact with them, and even refuses to eat.  This is normal, and it's usually only the most confident of dogs that immediately behaves as if they've always lived in the home.  I've shared this chart many times before, but new adopters may not have seen it so I'll share it again just to give an idea of what to expect.  In fact you only need to put yourself in the same situation as any of these dogs to understand how they must be feeling.  They are in a place that is totally alien to them, with people they don't know at all.  Everything looks and smells different, and these strangers are approaching and trying to touch, hold or even cuddle. How intimidating would that feel if it was you? 

If there's one sentence that could sum up everything you should do to help a new dog settle it would be "Leave the dog alone".  Give him or her space and time to assess the new surroundings and to familiarise itself with the layout and the people living there.  Don't try to force a friendship, but let the dog come to you when it's ready.  In some cases that might be almost immediately, in other cases it can take a few days, or even longer. Just be patient, because every dog is different.   You should also try to establish a routine so the dog knows when it can expect to be fed or be taken out for a walk, and this schedule should be kept in place long term.   Dogs like to have set times for everything because they're creatures of habit, and regularity makes them feel secure.

This is also a very important part of having a dog

 

My Lamma dog Finn came back from Concordia today after having had surgery to repair the damage to his eyelid, and this was the first time since he was a puppy that he had been away from home.  His days are also routine, so he knows when I get up and the order of the day, every day.  If I try to feed the dogs too early, they won't eat.  If I need to go for a walk before the normal time they'll just stand at the gate watching me leave.   I know my situation is unusual and most people don't live with as many dogs as I do, but my experience can be translated into all situations regarding dogs and their behaviour.  Finn came back from Concordia quite traumatised by his overnight stay and being away from home, and when I let him out of the travel crate once he was off the boat, I've never seen him run so fast to get back to the house.  

If you're seriously interested in getting to know more about dogs, then perhaps you would like to join our HKDR team at Kennedy Town where we currently have a vacancy for a full-time staff member.  Any applicant must be:

Over 18 and holding a Permanent HKID

Be able to speak and write English and Chinese

Be willing to work as part of a team 

Be able to speak confidently to potential adopters

Be flexible about duties and what's required 

Be a committed dog lover!

If you think this is you, please send your CV to iris@hongkongdogrescue.com