Building Trust with a Rescue

5 cards · about a minute

1. 01

   Do nothing, well

   For the first week give food, water, a walk and space; a rescue dog does not need affection yet, they need to find out that nothing bad happens here.

2. 02

   Let them come

   Sit sideways, look away and let the dog close the distance themselves, a hand reaching towards a frightened dog is a demand, however kindly meant.

3. 03

   Routine is the reassurance

   The same walk at the same hour and the same bowl in the same place tells a dog more about safety than any amount of comforting does.

4. 04

   Never force it

   Do not corner, lift or pull a rescue towards something they are avoiding: one forced encounter costs more than a fortnight of patience buys.

5. 05

   Count the small things

   The first tail wag, the first sleep flat on their side, the first meal eaten while you are in the room, those are the milestones, and they come in that order.