By Megan Gabel
Sometimes when people take a shelter dog home, they don’t take into consideration the dog’s history or what the dog is going through by being uprooted from what it knows while being thrust into a totally new situation with strangers. These are some general guidelines for what to expect, keeping in mind that each dog is unique.
After three days: Your home could be overwhelming, which inspires the dog to either explore and sniff enthusiastically or withdraw into its shell and sleep a lot simply because it is too much to digest. It won’t know what it is supposed to do. Is it allowed on furniture? Where does it eat (not the kitchen trash)? What are its real toys (not your shoe)? Not eating is common. It may not even go to the bathroom or could have diarrhea. These first few days require an immense amount of patience on your part so remember to relax.
What can you do to help? During these first 3 days, create a safe space for your dog. It could be a crate with an open door, a blanket inside with a few toys, and food and water nearby. It should be off limits to other animals in the house, children, and visitors. Speak softly and patiently to your dog, letting it know that you’re there. Sit on the floor while reading a book, and occasionally talk calmly to it. Maybe throw a small treat in its direction. Don’t crowd it nor cause any undue pressure.
After three weeks: Your dog will have a much better understanding of what is expected of it and will understand its new routine: when it is going to be fed, when it will go for a walk, when and where to go to the bathroom. You’ll start to see more of its true personality and less of its initial response, whether that had been fear, excitement, stress or a combination of all three. You will have figured out if there are behavioral problems that need to work, either by yourself or with professional help. You’ll still need to be patient, but things should be a lot easier.
At three months: Your dog will finally feel at home. It will know the routine and feel secure both in its environment and with you.
Meet a shelter dog like Angel, Bonnie, and Smoky at the S.P.A., Los Pinos 7, 415 152 61 24, any day Monday-Saturday. Adoption hours are 11-2. Please wear a mask. Our low adoption fee (only 600 pesos) includes sterilization, all current vaccinations, deworming, and more. You will need a leash and collar when you leave the S.P.A. with your new pet. Our adoption kit (250 pesos) includes those items plus more.
Our dogs (photos and videos) are on our website at https://www.spasanmiguel.org/adopt-me-dogs Click on the photo of the one who peaks your interest and you will be taken to the next page with a bigger photo, the dog’s bio, and a video. All our dogs deserve a chance to become part of a loving family.
