When meeting a rescue dog, it’s essential to prepare for the experience.
This is not always going to be structured and there will be subtle changes based on how the dog is feeling at that moment. This is why being prepared is the way to go and is going to allow you to settle in.
This is when it becomes important to understand the main tips for meeting a rescue dog for the first time.
When meeting a rescue dog for the first time, let the dog sniff your hand to build comfort. Do not use sudden movements and focus on the dog’s body language (i.e. wagging tail). It is always important to stay patient if the dog does not react at first.
The rescue dog is going to work at its own pace and this is normal. You should expect this going into the process.
Here are some of the most important tips for meeting a rescue dog for the first time.
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Tips For Meeting A Rescue Dog For The First Time
1. Let The Dog Sniff Your Hand
When it comes to dog adoption meet and greet tips, you have to start with the basics.
This will include letting the rescue dog sniff your hand.
The reason for allowing the rescue dog to sniff your hand is to make sure they are aware of your presence and comfortable with your scent. This tends to work with most dogs and it is something you will want to account for.
It will also let you know how comfortable the dog is.
If they are not willing to acknowledge your hand, this is a sign they might be severely anxious. This is also going to let you take a step back and make sure you are not startling them.
If they take a sniff of your hand and seem calm, this is a good sign.
2. Don’t Make Sudden Movements
Just like you are going to want to present your hand to the rescue dog for a sniff, it’s also important to focus on the rest of your body.
You should not be making sudden movements.
These movements can lead to significant issues and it’s not ideal for those who want to make sure they are keeping things as calm as they need to be.
Sudden movements are never a good thing and will cause the dog to go on the defensive. The rescue dog is not going to like the sudden movement, especially if it is already guarded.
3. Focus On The Dog’s Body Language
Meeting a dog for adoption means you are also going to want to pay attention to the dog’s body language.
How is the dog acting?
is the dog’s body language as stable as it needs to be? Is there something that stands out, that you are going to want to focus on?
If the dog is unhappy, you will notice certain things. This will include a tail tucked between its legs, a lack of eye contact, and/or wanting to go into hiding or a corner of the room.
Do not ignore these signs because they will indicate how comfortable the rescue dog is.
4. Be Patient
This is one of the most important elements of managing a rescue dog and meeting them for the first time.
You need to show patience.
There is nothing worse than being impatient because this is dangerous and it’s something you are not going to want to ignore.
If you are not taking the time to let the rescue dog settle in, you are going to rush them. This is going to make the rescue dog guarded.
A lot of people want things to move along but your mental state is not the same as the dog’s. They are not going to see you as a friend right away.
Final Thoughts
These are the main tips for meeting a rescue dog for the first time.
When meeting a rescue dog for the first time, it’s important to let them sniff your hand to build comfort and avoid making sudden movements. It is also important to stay patient and let the rescue dog settle in while focusing on the dog’s body language (i.e. tail movement).
These are simple tips that will allow you to work with a rescue dog to make sure they are settled. It will take a bit of time but you should go into the process expecting this type of behavior.
if you are ready for it, the dog is going to remain happy and will eventually come up to you wanting to interact with you.
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