Dog Sense

Rescue Dogs

Dogs end up in a Rescue Center for many varied reasons, they may have simply got lost, their owners have moved – possibly abroad and cannot take them with them, owners passing away, abandoned or rescued from abuse and mistreatment.

The Rescue Centers throughout the country do an amazing job for our canine friends and having visited many, Dog Sense cannot praise enough the staff and many volunteers, who devote their time and efforts to improving the lives of these dogs and do all in their power to assist each dog in being re-homed to a caring and loving human pack.

It should be remembered that irrespective of a dogs past, they do move on very quickly and do not dwell on past events, it is with this in mind that rescued dogs have moved on to work with the police, customs, search and rescue and even as guide dogs for the blind. Rescue dogs will make every bit as good a pet as any dog from a breeder and with enough dogs in the world without homes is a viable option to consider and one that I commend and support.

It is important before taking on a rescue dog that you research and give great consideration to the idea of bringing one into your home. There is nothing worse for a dog than being given a new home and the owners finding they cannot cope and return the dog to the center…so think long and hard before committing to this new lifestyle.

Can you afford to feed the dog, care for and provide the cost of veterinary care if required? Give consideration to the change of lifestyle, how much time will your dog be left ‘home alone’? What plans will you make for taking holidays abroad? Importantly, will you have time to devote to taking your dog for walks? The walk is an important ritual, an opportunity for you to demonstrate your leadership, for the dog to socialise as well as necessary exercise – if your dog is not getting enough exercise, chances are neither are you!

Do not rush the process of finding a dog; you should look for a dog that matches the energy levels of you and your family. Look for a dog that is calm and submissive, one that shows interest in you and is not looking to you as a ‘key to the door’. 

When you bring your dog home, take it for a long walk, this will burn off excess energy, allow the dog to familiarise itself with the new territory and to enable you to bond and establish yourself as the pack leader. After the walk, be sure to go through any door first as the leader should and invite the dog to follow.

A balanced dog has a home and a pack, it is loved, well trained and socialised, and it has regular walks, play and motivation. YOUR dog should always have a job. A balanced and happy dog does not stress if left alone for short periods, it should be easily handled and groomed.

Give Your Dog A Pampering!