With apologies to those of you reading this who have already adopted or fostered any of our homeless hounds, I wonder if the following might be helpful to anyone who is thinking of taking on a dog who is in need of a new home.

The dogs requiring re-homing via DAWGS come to the organisation for a multitude of reasons. Some of the most common include, the break up of a marriage, the birth of a baby, the loss of an elderly owner, change in the circumstances of a family and a change in the hours of work. The one thing that all of these have in common is that the dog itself hasn’t the foggiest idea why he (or she) has been taken away from the home they have known, for perhaps years, and handed on to strangers. This is probably the first thing that we humans have to remember – for all dogs such a big change is inevitably traumatic.

Dogs differ in personality just as much as people and for some – the most loyal and devoted – the move will be as difficult as it is incomprehensible. They will need particular care and love before they can feel secure again. For some others, especially if they are young and easily distracted, the move to new owners will be manageable and they will settle in quickly with their new family. For some dogs indeed, their previous lives have been so unhappy that a new home is paradise itself.

If you are thinking about offering a home to a dog (and we hope that lots of you are!) you may want to think about the following ways to make the move to your family a positive experience. The right approach at the very beginning will make all the difference to your new hound becoming a part of your family.

• All dogs need time to settle in – at least several weeks will need to pass before your new friend can feel secure and happy.
  
  
• Try not to crowd your new dog too soon. Perhaps your extended family could wait a few days before they visit – dogs need a bit of peace and quiet in new situations, especially if they are nervous of crowds.
  
  
• Some dogs will attach themselves to certain members of your family for no apparent reason for a period and until they feel safe. Dogs are individuals and you may find that the person whom they feel safe with is not the person whom you thought they would like best. It’s the same "law" as the one that dictates that jammy toast always falls face down on your best carpet – there’s no real reason for it but it happens anyway! Do not lose heart. If you work with a dog they will love you – so if any of you want to be the dog’s best friend, be sure that you take him for walks, you groom him, you feed him – you will find that a bond develops in time.
  
  
• If your dog has been very close to the previous owner, it will take longer for him to feel secure. The usual payback is that you will eventually have a very devoted companion as he transfers his loyalties to you.
  
  
• Be patient! Nothing comes for free and without effort. Try to imagine how your dog feels and respond accordingly. Learn to read the signs ("I’m hungry that’s why I’m holding my bowl in my mouth!"– "I need to go out ~ my eyes are crossed with the effort not to disgrace myself on your carpet!") Life will become easier when you can.
  
  
• Keep the "old" doggie favourites around if the dog has come with any – that old blanket might seem smelly to you and me but it’s a comforter to the dog and help to make the move easier. You can use all the items you have bought for your new dog after he has settled in and when he will appreciate the shiny collar and the matching lead.
  
  
• DAWGS staff will try to pass on as much information as they can about the food that the dog usually eats, etc. when you collect your dog. It helps if you can stick to these for a start. Dogs on new food often have minor problems with their digestive processes and, with all the implications of this (think about it), we would recommend you offer the same diet for a while at least. If you would like to offer your dog a different diet, change it gradually. You will be glad you did.
  
  
• If you have any questions, queries or need advice, please feel free to contact the staff at the DAWG HOUSE. They will be pleased to help.
  

OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS

Dog Training & Behaviourist Consultants in our area:

Rosemary Pirie – Drumoak
Tel: 01330 811348
Rosemary is happy to offer advice to anxious owners, just ring the telephone number above.

Canine Capers Training School
Fun, Kind and Effective Training
For more information contact:
Jane Purvis
Tel: 01358 729004
Mobile: 07762 219741
Home Tuition also given.

Pat Morrey BSc. (Hons) MIACE – Behaviourist
Lauchlansbrae School for Dogs
New Deer
Aberdeenshire
Tel: 01771 644572
Member of A.P.D.T. (No. 00208)

Mr D. C. Lunney BSc. (Hons)
Gun Dog & Obedience Training
Whitehaugh Lodge Kennels
Whitehaugh Lodge
Burnhervie
Inverbervie
Tel: 01467 643593

Consultations & Advice on Problems Dogs & Behavioural Problems

Wetnose Animal Campaign - www.wetnose-campaign.com

The Wetnose Animal Campaign is a National Fundraising Campaign that raises money to give to sick Domestic and wildlife animals in smaller Rescue Centres and good causes all over the UK.

Tel: 01508 518 650
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Pet Planet - www.petplanet.co.uk

PetPlanet is the leading UK dogs cats pets website and online pets products shop.