The Decompression Period - Bringing home a new friend!

 Good afternoon and happy Friday!

I have another important topic to dive into today. Today I will be discussing decompression with a new dog that you've brought into or want to bring to your life. I will be defining decompression in dogs as well as giving you tips from several sources for how to make your new dog's transition into your life easier. 

Decompression is an acclimation period for your new companion. Every dog needs a little time to adjust to their new surroundings. While the average decompression time is about two weeks, every dog is unique and may take a longer or shorter time to decompress into their new home. Be aware that while puppies from a breeder need time to decompress, rescue or shelter dogs who have had a more tumultuous time may take months to fully decompress into their new life.

In a blog titled Cuddly, rescuers commonly refer to a process called the rule of threes or the 3-3-3 rule. This process illustrates the decompression process and how it will occur in the first 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months of your dog's time in their new environment. 

During the first three days, your dog will feel extremely vulnerable and unsure of their new surroundings. They may not eat or drink, have diarrhea or vomit, cower and hide from you, and even test your limits to see what they can get away with. These behaviors are all completely normal and should be handled with patience and not an overbearance of love and affection.

In the first three weeks, your new dog should start to settle into their new routine and lifestyle. The routine that you build for them should be fairly rigid at this point and should become routine, giving them security that they can anticipate more and more every day. You may even start to see your dog's real personality beginning to surface. While this can be an exciting time it is never more important to set boundaries and stick by them.

By the end of the three month period, your dog should fully acclimate into their new home or be close to this goal. They have established a relationship of trust with you and your family and have started to associate this home as theirs.

How should you prepare to bring a new dog home? 

You should first start by analyzing your house and any outdoor areas the dog will frequent and puppy proof them. Your dog should have their own space or kennel to go to for quiet time. You should have a basic routine down to start with them as soon as possible. We will discuss a general routine in a moment. And finally you should adopt a calm and assertive persona. A big mistake that most rescue parents do is show their new dog a love of love and reassurance. This is counter intuitive to our nature who want to bring a broken dog from a broken situation and show them a better life. But your dog cannot understand your intentions and making this transitional period too fixated on "making up for lost time" can actually be detrimental to your new dog. Separation anxiety can happen as a result so it is vital that you give your dog time to come to you for affection. 

So you've gotten your dog! Maybe you didn't prepare ahead of time and you are looking for answers immediately! Not to worry, just read these tips below.

The best thing you can do for your new dog is to take them on a walk before they even enter your home. If you've already brought them home no worries, leash them up and take them on a walk every morning or as soon as possible. Some dogs don't need a lot of exercise but being aware of your dog breed's physical needs is important. Going on a walk builds trust and a bond with your new dog as dogs travel in packs together. You are going on a new adventure every time you exit your home. Make sure to use an appropriate walking device and not your dog's tag collar. A tag collar gives you no control over your dog if they weigh over 35lbs. I recommend a slip lead or a gentle leader personally for larger dogs. We will discuss walking devices in another post cause I don't want this one to get too long!

After you've brought them inside, keep them on a leash and give them a tour of the home. Show them where they will eat their food, where they will sleep, and where they will go to the bathroom. If you have a larger house, it may be a good idea to limit certain areas at first and allow more access in the future. Use treats to positively associate any new surrounding and especially their crate (if you plan to crate train.) Keeping them on a leash for the first week or two allows you more control when they misbehave so you don't have to chase them or grab their collar. 

Building a routine foundation

Having a consistent schedule is vital to your dog's well being and you may not know that dogs thrive on discipline and routine. Here are the four main parts that should be included in your every day schedule:

Exercise - Taking a brisk 15-30 minute walk to get some energy out, allow your dog to use the bathroom as well as build rapport and trust with them. 

Training - Short, 5 minute sessions of basic commands or hand feeding can be extremely beneficial especially post walk. Your dog will be in a calm and submissive state right after exercise and more receptive to training. It takes patience and consistency. Your dog may not know any "tricks" for a few days but if you keep the sessions short and fun, the rest will come with time.

Food - Adult dogs typically only eat twice a day and puppies three times a day. Scheduling these times around your own meals is a good idea. Ideally, make your dog wait until you put the food down in front of them before they begin eating. Do this by taking the food away when they reach for it and making them sit until you say ok. Always make sure that they have clean, fresh water to drink at all times. 

Relax time - After some exercise, training and a good meal this is the best time to give your dog a little affection. But here is the deal, it is important to give your dog space at times and especially when they are decompressing. I am telling you to ignore your dog for a little time. Let them come to you for affection for the most part and make sure that your household is all on the same page about this. 

You have the love and the power to set up your new companion for the most success possible. These steps and guidelines that I've shown you are not rigid and can change according to your own schedule and needs. Have patience, follow your routine and enjoy this process as it is only temporary. Once you and your pup establish trust and build a successful schedule together, then your life together will truly begin!

I wish you all the best of luck and lots of puppy kisses! I apologize for the length of this post but it has some necessary information that I hope will help you. Please comment below or reach out if you have any questions and have a wonderful weekend from Echo and I and come down for a nail trim in Multnomah Village if you are in the area. I'll be at the Pawsh Pet Cafe from 11am until 2pm!

Sources

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/the-importance-of-decompression-when-bringing-home-a-new-dog/

https://www.rachaelraymag.com/real-life/tips-on-decompressing-your-new-rescue-dog

https://blog.cuddly.com/pet-health-wellness/decompression-the-3-3-3-rule/

https://craftycanineclub.com/adopting-a-rescue-dog-how-to-help-them-adjust-to-the-first-3-days-in-a-new-home/