Adopting an Abused Dog

Adopting an abused rescue dog isn’t easy. It takes a lot of work, patience, and at times, expenses—all of which you should definitely be prepared to offer. If you’ve made the decision to take in a dog that has had a difficult past, you’d also have to accept the possibility that he may have suffered some damage that would be hard or impossible to undo. However, by offering an abused dog a home where it can live a better and happier life, you also offer yourself the chance to win the eternal devotion of a loyal companion. There had been many inspirational stories of abused dogs being rescued. You can certainly do it too. Just try to take it slowly and set realistic expectations.

Before the Adoption

Dogs that have suffered from abuse would have trust issues when it comes to humans. They may be timid or fearful for lack of proper socialization. Some rescue dogs may even be aggressive because of fear, especially in the case of dogs that have been physically beaten.   

When you’ve chosen a dog to adopt, ask his handler in the animal shelter or rescue organization questions about his behavior since he has been rescued. Get information on the measures taken so far to restore him back to health. These may include medical treatments that need to be kept up after you’ve taken him in.

It’s not uncommon for rescued dogs to be suffering from various types of diseases as a result of neglect. These could range from worms and parasites, to cuts and burns, deformities, eye, hearing, or dental problems, and abscesses, among others. Sometimes, you may have to keep up with ongoing treatments to help the dog fully recover.

The dog you’re adopting my not want to go near you. They may be averse to handling or petting and may not even accept treats. He may not even be potty trained and would have accidents when you take him home. But with kindness and patience, it is possible to rehabilitate an abused dog. The journey to regaining an abused dog’s trust is long and not an easy one. It’s a commitment that you must be sure you’re willing to take.

Welcoming Him Home

Before the day you take the dog home, make sure you have everything prepared, including a safe, quiet space that would keep him comfortable.

Create a Safe Space

You may not want to expose him to other members of the household, including pets, in the first few weeks just yet. Provide the abused dog a safe room to retreat and to heal. A room with a tiled or wooden floor would be easier to clean up in case he has an accident.

For dogs coming from puppy mills, a crate might serve as a safe space to retreat when they feel overwhelmed. Keep the door open so he can come and go as he pleases. You may also use barriers or pet fences to create a space in the house where he can roam freely.

Prepare the Essentials

Dog food: Nourishment is often a critical issue when it comes to the abused dogs for adoption. You have to make sure to provide him with a complete and balanced diet to help him get strong again. The pet handler would have told you of any other specific nutritional needs that need attention. The vet would also be able to give you some helpful recommendations in terms of diet and supplements.   

Leash and harness: You’d need a sturdy leash for training and exercise. A harness would also be useful for a dog that doesn’t react well to being leashed. It gives you more control and keeps him more securely held without hurting his neck if ever he struggles.

Collar tags: Proper identification is also important in case your dog escapes or gets lost. Make sure his ID tags are updated with information on where you can be reached. On your visit to the vet, you may also consider having him microchipped for easier identification.

Toys and treats: When adopting a neglected dog, you make a new home for him. Provide him new toys and blankets that would not only make him happy and comfortable, but would make him feel truly at home. Treats should be given as rewards as you start training him. Giving him delicious treats when he behaves well would tell him that he is doing alright and you bet he would look forward to more.

Training and Rehabilitation

Abused dogs for adoption can be rehabilitated and trained to socialize again, but it could be a slow process that you should take one day at a time. Once a rescued dog is in your care, you have to make sure to provide food and all his needs on a consistent matter. Establish a daily routine. This is how you begin to gain his trust.

When he gets a little more comfortable, you can slowly introduce him to the yard and other parts of the house. Take him out at regular intervals as part of his potty training and leash training. If he barks consistently, try to determine the reason why. It could be because he is seeking attention, responding to a certain sound, feeling anxious, or simply being territorial. So in the first weeks, it would be best to keep him away from new people and keep him in a quiet place where he won’t be disturbed.

Biting is a common behavior that can be expected when adopting mistreated dogs. If he has been known to bite, be extra careful in handling. Wear protective gloves if necessary, but remember, never punish the dog for behaving badly and never yell at him. Over time, when you consistently provide for his needs, he will learn to slowly trust you.

In time, you’ll be ready to socialize your dog. There are many approaches on how you can get him to socialize with other people and animals. Be observant and see how he reacts around you and other people. There are many signs that could tell you if he’s feeling comfortable or anxious. Learn to read your dog’s body language and follow his lead.

Follow the infographic to learn more about dog adoption process

Now that you know the basics of how to adopt an abused dog, you can better manage expectations and know how to prepare before welcoming him into your new home. Whether you’re taking in a rescue puppy or adopting an older abused dog, more or less the same rules apply. Be consistent, gentle, and patient with him for it would take some time for him to fully recover from an abused past. But trauma can be managed, if not overcome, and you would’ve established a bond with your pet that’s stronger than ever.