Adopting a Rescue: Your Guide to Welcoming Your New Companion

Posted by Hannah Bancarz on May 20, 2025

At The Innocent Hound, we love all dogs. But Rescue Dogs hold a particularly special place in our hearts. It’s the joy they bring and ensuring they are provided the very best that inspired our founder to start The Innocent Hound in the first place. Over the years, they’ve lovingly rehomed many dogs – including our much-loved lurcher, Ziggy.

Ziggy was found as a stray at just five months old, but with the help of two other rescue lurchers already in the family, he quickly adapted to his new life. These days, besides keeping a watchful eye over operations here at The Innocent Hound (well, when he’s not snoozing), he’s also a doting big brother to Pickle. Nothing makes him happier than a beach day followed by a long nap… well, maybe an Innocent Hound Sliced Venison Sausage might pip it to the post.

The bond between human and dog is something special, but when you adopt and give them a second chance at life, there is something more extraordinary. That said, rescuing is not all rosy and picture-perfect from day one. It requires patience and resilience in bucket loads as you both learn to navigate a new rhythm together.

We’ve put together this handy and practical guide to help you get started if you’re considering rescuing a dog.

Do Your Research

Before falling for a furry face online, doing your research is essential to begin with. This starts with reflecting on your lifestyle and what breed and size of dog is best for you and your family.

Things to consider:

Are you active and outdoorsy, or more of a homebody looking for a couch companion?

Would your home suit a bouncy puppy, a laid-back senior or something in the middle?

How much indoor and outdoor space do you have?

Do you have the time and energy to dedicate to training and socialising?

Once you’ve thought this through, begin looking at your local shelters and register your interest with them. Be honest about your lifestyle and what you can realistically offer – this is so you find the very best match for both of you.

Meeting Your Match

You’ve found a dog who could be the one, now it’s time to get to know them. Visit the rescue centre and chat with the team. This is a great opportunity to learn as much as you can about the dog’s background, behaviour, and needs.

Ask about their temperament, daily routines and feeding, any known behavioural and medical conditions.

Welcoming them Home

A new environment can often be overwhelming for your new companion, more so those that have had a tough start.

Being as prepared as possible will help them and you during those first few days, so get ready with the basics. These include

Food and water bowls

Collar, lead, and an ID tag

Food (Ask the rescue centre what food your dog currently eats)

Treats and toys

Create a calm, safe space for them where they can retreat to when they need quiet time. Keep visitors to a minimum. Stick to a consistent routine with daily mealtimes at the same time, and short walks in quiet areas.

Give them space to explore and approach you on their own terms.

Training and Building Trust

Some rescue dogs may have never received any training before, and each dog learns at their own pace, so patience is essential.

Begin with basic commands like sit, stay, and come

Use positive reinforcement (praise and treats) to encourage good behaviour.

Crate training can help some dogs feel secure, but it’s not for every dog, so don’t force it.

Keep things consistent, routines help build confidence and trust. Crate training can help dogs feel secure; however, some may not like it so don’t force it.

Training is a great bonding opportunity, so make it as fun and pressure-free as possible.

Book a Vet Check-Up

Even if your rescue centre has handled some elements such as vaccinations and microchipping, it’s a good idea to schedule a vet visit within the first week,

Check vaccinations are up to date

Discuss flea, tick, and worm prevention

Microchip or update the chip information

Check for any signs of past injury or underlying health issues

Booking your vet visit will give you peace of mind and help you get to know your dog from day one.

Forming a Lasting Bond

It may take time for your rescue dog to fully trust you. But when that bond forms, it’s worth all the effort. To help create that bond, try these:

Use play and walks to help with connection

Try handfeeding in the early days to help build trust

Avoid loud voices and sudden movements

Let your dog approach you in their own time

Celebrate every milestone, no matter how small. The first tail wag, the first toy they play with, the first time they curl up beside you. These moments are huge in knowing your dog is feeling safe and loved.

Training and Socialisation

Once your dog is settled, you can start to introduce them to new people, dogs, and environments.

Consider professional training. It’s worth looking for a positive reinforcement-based trainer who has experience with rescue dogs if you need support.

Keep an eye out for any fear triggers. Common ones include, loud noises, men, and being left alone.

Remember to take things at their pace.

Celebrate Every Moment

Welcoming a rescue dog isn’t always easy and there will be minor bumps, unexpected challenges, and a few chewed slippers along the way. But it’s also one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do.

Whether you’re considering rescuing or have already taken the leap, we’d love to hear your story. Share your story with us using #MyInnocentHound over on Instagram.

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Tags: enrichment, happy dog, pets, Rescue

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