Rehome Rescue Dogs This Christmas

Could you give a rescue dog a loving forever home? If you are thinking of getting a dog this Christmas, spare a thought for all dogs who have been abandoned. Most people want puppies which does have lots of plus factors, but whilst looking cute puppies are hard work. Which can be overlooked. Taking in a rescue dog would also be hard work depending on its background, very rewarding and these dogs really do appreciate your love.

Dog Rescue Charities – Best Dog Shelters

The Dogs Trust have reported that in 2015/2016 there was a slight decline of 21% in the handling of stray dogs by the local authorities. This is good news, but during this period 81,050 strays were picked up by the local authorities, which is still shocking. From this figure 37,000 dogs were unclaimed and in kennels. It is very worrying to know that 1 in 8 of these dogs, facing the threat of being put to sleep, could have been reunited with their families if their microchip details had been kept up to date!

Microchipping your dog became compulsory in April 2016, so we are hoping there will be a significant downward trend now. However, it is imperative that dog owners remember to keep the details up to date on the pet log. Its very easy to do online. When your address or telephone number changes, always remember to update your dog’s chip details. Penalties do apply if this is overlooked and your dog is taken in local authority care. Your local vet can check the microchip and always help if you experience a problem with the updating.

UK Dog Rescue Centres

The RSPCA report that on average every 30 seconds someone in England and Wales calls their 24-hour cruelty line for help. In 2016 they received 1,153,744 phone calls.

In addition to The Dogs Trust, RSPCA and Blue Cross, there are now many dog rescue centres around the UK. Many of these rescue and rehome dogs from abroad. Whilst it is said there are many dogs waiting to be rehomed in the UK. Many dogs that are rescued from countries such as Cyprus, Romania, the Balkans and other European countries do come from disgusting living conditions. Most have never experienced a loving home or a roof to sleep under and will undoubtedly have experienced neglect and abuse. Many are rescued from kill shelters, often with hours to spare. The majority of imported rescues are street dogs so are likely to be used to the presence of humans. However, some rescues are feral dogs and will be very unfamiliar with having contact with people. They will need a lot of socialisation and time spending with them before being offered for rehoming.

All rescues coming to the UK from abroad will be neutered, chipped and vaccinated. The requested adoption fees for rehoming only cover the costs of vet fees and kennelling unlike The Dogs Trust and RSPCA. Which are businesses and have salaries to pay. The majority of rescue centres will offer backup help so you can be sure there is always someone to give advice and help if you need it. The Dogs Trust now has Dog School and offers a full range of training at all its centres. Most rescues will have a dog behaviourist who can help with any developing behavioural problems.

Why Rehome Recue Pets? – Do’s and Dont’s In Choosing Rescue Dogs

Some people just want to foster a dog and these people are invaluable in bridging the gap between a dog coming out of kennels and going to its forever home. Fostering helps to settle and socialise the dog and help it adapt to living in a home.

All rescue centres will require a home check before rehoming a dog. This entails a quick visit from a representative of the rescue to visit the potential adopter or foster family. Getting the right fit for the family and the dog is very important. The last thing wanted is for the dog to be returned to the rescue for the process to be repeated which is the worst thing to happen for the dog and can cause major anxiety.

Introducing Rescue Canines

The first few days for a newly adopted dog in its new home must be taken carefully. The canine will be confused and anxious and not sure what to expect from you. Setting boundaries and clear structure from day one will help. Training your new dog will start from day one so make sure everyone in the family uses the same command words.  This will help the pup learn quickly.

Moving into your home will be stressful so give your new dog time to acclimatise. Do not over fuss him and let them make the decision to approach. As time goes on, he will need time to play but also some periods of solitary confinement. Don’t be tempted to give a lot of attention if he seems unsettled and whining. Always give attention for good behaviour and ignore the bad.

Foreign rescue dogs will not be used to wearing a collar or lead. Some may find a harness, which avoids pressure on the neck, more comfortable to accept. The dog can sleep in the harness initially to get him used to wearing it.

Many street dogs will be comfortable around other friendly dogs and a confident resident dog could boost a new dog’s confidence, so don’t be put off if you already have a dog.

Top tips in Rehoming Rescue Canines

The shock of being in your home will be huge. They’re previous life will have been spent searching for food, roaming and finding a safe place to sleep. Give your new pet a dog bed or dog mattress in a space he can call his own. Be patient and mindful that all the household items and noises that you and your other pets are used to, will take time for him to adjust to. He will be completely dependent on you for everything so take it slowly – no raised voices or hand gestures. Keep treats with you at all times so you can reward good behaviour.

Not all rescues are street dogs. There are many in the UK that have just been given up for re-homing for many different reasons. So spare a thought for all homeless dogs before you go looking for a puppy.

Paws Plus One Supports The Animal Team which is a registered charity and provides an essential link between Rescues, Rescue People and Volunteers. Their home check and transport groups not only provide Rescues with the ability to expand their re-homing areas, but the promptness in getting checks and runs covered also mean a quicker turnover of Rescue spaces, this in turn enables more animals to be saved.

Your support helps us support dog charities like the Animal Team and other great dog causes, if you would like to know more please do not hesitate to contact us