Adopting a cute doggo into your life and your home can be very exciting. But there are various things to keep in mind if the pup has experienced trauma in the past.
With the history of abuse, neglect or abandonment, they don’t really feel safe and express their trauma in various different ways – usually by being shut off, shy, or scared. It is very important to know how to show support and care to these doggos and create a new environment for them where they are able to relive trust, love and happiness without any fear.
Here are a few tips for you beautiful souls adopting doggos who have experienced trauma in the past and are wanting to give them a happy future –
- Indicate that safety is guaranteed
It can be very hard on your pup to adjust to the new and SAFE environment you are offering and not to mention, pretty overwhelming. Make sure that your pup feels safe and you take some extra steps to do so. Don’t let anything make your pup feel unsafe or unloved, this really helps them in the transition and adjusting to the new place.
- Have a particular spot for them that screams “comfortable”
Before you get your new pup into your home, make a space for them that is super comfortable and cozy. You could use a cute little dog home, or a rug that they can call their own and relax when they need to. This really helps in reducing the stress and anxiety that your pup could be facing because of the trauma.
- Use food to bond with your pup
Food can be the key in bonding with your pup. If you are a dog person then you know how much they LOVE treats and will do anything for them. Food is a major motivator as it helps the doggos to think of good things when they think of you, as you bring them food. For the first few weeks, try to handfeed them as much as possible and slowly let them ease into it. This will definitely help in building that bond and trust.
- Give them some control
After being in a shelter where they struggled with issues of anxiety, fear, abandonment and sadness, it can be very hard for them to adjust to a new environment, your home, and that can make them feel very much out of control and vulnerable. One thing you should never do: Make them do what they don’t want to do. Don’t dominate them but let them know they have some control and can express themselves freely. They should know who is in charge, but they must also be able to have freedom and space to unwind.
