What I Would Do If I Were Bringing Home a Rescued Dog Today

Laura Durbin
Nov 26
3 min read

Bringing home a rescued dog is one of life’s sweetest decisions. It's full of excitement, but it can also come with uncertainty, nerves, and adjustment for everyone involved.

After adopting my own dogs, and helping our clients welcome theirs home, these are the top steps I would take to help a rescued dog settle in, feel safe, and thrive.

1. Start With the Right Mindset

A rescue dog is beginning a brand-new chapter, as are you! Therefore:

Expect joy and challenges
Remember this is a transition for both of you
Give yourself (and your dog) patience, grace, and time

It’s completely normal if the first few days or weeks feel messy. Adjustment is not a sign something is wrong...it’s a sign something new is forming.

2. Create a Simple, Predictable Daily Routine

Structure builds safety.

Dogs thrive when life feels consistent. Before day one, I’d map out a general idea of:

Meal times
Potty breaks
Walks and exercise
Quiet rest or crate time
When the dog may be left alone
Bedtime and morning rhythm

A routine reduces anxiety and speeds up the adjustment process.

3. Set Up a Safe, Calm Retreat Space

Every rescue dog needs a place where nothing is expected of them... where they can decompress.

This could be:

A comfortable crate
A gated room
A dog-proofed corner with a bed and water

Why this matters:

Many dogs enter homes with nervous or pent-up energy
Without safe outlets, anxiety may come out destructively
A smaller controlled space makes the environment feel manageable

This isn’t a punishment, it’s security.

4. Build Your Dog’s Support Village Early

Caring for a dog doesn’t have to fall solely on you.

Start exploring:

Local veterinarians
A groomer (if needed)
Local dog walkers
Boarding facilities
Training or obedience resources
Emergency or after-hours vet options
Community Facebook groups or rescue support groups

Life will happen... travel, long workdays, sick kids, schedule changes. Knowing who you’ll lean on before you need them makes life easier for everyone. And if you’ll be gone longer than usual, consider a mid-day walker or drop-in visit to break up alone time, offer exercise, companionship, and reinforce routine.

5. Prioritize Exercise - Especially in the Beginning

Transition brings adrenaline and nerves, and movement is medicine.

Exercise helps:

Reduce stress and anxiety
Prevent boredom and destructive behaviors
Improve sleep and settling
Increase confidence and bonding

I’d schedule intentional exercise before leaving the house, even if it’s short, to set the dog up for a calmer day.

6. Focus on Connection Before Expectations

Many rescue dogs need decompression before formal training.

So instead of immediately focusing on perfect manners, I would:

Offer gentle affection based on their comfort level
Let them explore slowly
Watch body language
Reward calm behavior
Keep greetings and introductions low-pressure

Trust first...formal training can follow.

7. Schedule a Vet Visit & Gather Health Records

Within the first week:

Book a wellness exam
Ask about vaccines, preventatives, and microchipping
Discuss nutrition and weight
Rule out medical issues that could affect behavior

This gives you a solid health foundation.

8. Keep the First Week Quiet

It can be tempting to introduce your new pup to everyone, but less is more.

Avoid early:

Big gatherings
Dog parks
Busy shopping areas
Multiple new people at once

Think of it like moving into a new city. You need time to settle before socializing (at least in you're an introvert, like me!).

Final Thoughts

Welcoming a rescued dog home is not just adoption...it’s partnership, trust-building, and shared growth.

If you expect a transition, provide structure, create safe spaces, build a support system, and meet needs with exercise, patience, and love…you’re already giving your new dog an incredible chance at a happy life.

And remember: you don’t have to do it alone. That’s what your village is for.

If you need any recommendations about who you can trust for your pet's care village, we are just a message away!

Laura Nelson

11/26/2025