Short answer: give your dog time and space, and keep the first days quiet and simple.
What Dogs Trust says
Dogs Trust says a rescue dog may feel anxious when they first arrive. Create a space that offers choices and feels safe, and let them settle in at their own pace. It says to keep walks short in the first few days.
What AVSAB says
AVSAB reports a study of fearful shelter dogs which found that dogs who started structured treatment sooner showed faster reductions in fear than dogs who were given time to settle in first. That study is about shelters, so ask a professional what suits your own dog.
What to do
See a rescue dog's first week and fear of strangers on walks.
Get the right help
If your dog is very frightened, hides or growls, call your vet and ask for a qualified behavior professional.
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Sources
- Dogs Trust: How to help a rescue dog get settled
- AVSAB: Fearful shelter dogs benefit from early start to treatment
Sources & care notes
Frequently asked questions
Where do we start?
A space that offers choices and feels safe, and first days that stay quiet and simple, with walks kept short.
How fast should we go?
Let them settle at their own pace. Pushing introductions early can undo trust.
Does waiting always help fear?
Not always. One study found that dogs who started structured help sooner showed faster reductions in fear than dogs who only got time.
What about meeting people?
Keep early meetings calm and optional, and let your dog choose to approach.
