Adoption from the Lab's perspective
Congratulations on your new family member, your Rescue Lab. While you were going through the application process, your Lab was taken from his familiar surroundings and has been living in a foster home and possibly, before that, a shelter. Let's take a look at your Lab's view of the adoption.
Where am I? Who are these people?
Imagine being air-dropped, alone, into a strange country where nothing is familiar, you do not know anyone, the rules of acceptable behavior have changed, and you cannot speak the language. It would be confusing, if not downright scary, and you'd likely offend a few people before you got the hang of things. This is probably how your new Rescue Lab is going to feel, although he may not show his confusion. As far as he knows, you are just another part of the parade of people who have passed through his life lately, and your home is just another stopover.
The Lab you are adopting has been through a difficult journey that started when his family gave him up or when he became lost. He may have been under stress or neglected in his past life or frightened by being homeless. His first stop was at a shelter, town pound, a concerned stranger's home.
Acclimating the Lab to a new life is your responsibility
When the Lab comes into the LRR program, he is medically updated, neutered (if necessary), and tested for temperament. Our foster home program is designed for a low-stress stay, but it is still confusing and stressful for a dog. When a LRR applicant is chosen to visit and hopefully adopt him, it is up to that new family to make him feel loved and secure.
In the process of transforming your dog's confusion into security and understanding, you must look at things from the Lab's point of view.
Teach, don't blame
Labs are eager to please their owners when they understand the rules. It is your job to communicate clear rules in a way your dog can understand.
Be sensitive to the fact that in your dog's previous home he may have been encouraged to sit on the sofa, beg for food, jump up for attention, or play roughly. If these behaviors are not permitted in your home: Teach him. Do not blame him.
Be kind and patient. Dogs need repetition and consistency to learn. Instruct him in a positive way so that he does not feel defensive or confused. Reward him for good behavior with treats and a happy voice. Corrections for inappropriate behavior should be used sparingly. Labs can be sensitive; often a calm but firm verbal reprimand is enough.
Teach key words that elicit certain behaviors. Along with the basics of sit, stay, and come, it is helpful to teach off, give or trade, and leave it. We strongly recommend attending obedience classes, even if your Lab comes with training. You will find it a fun and rewarding way to bond with your new family member, and no dog is ever too old to learn. Obedience classes are a great environment for dogs that need to improve social skills with people and dogs. Classes are also a resource for information and support as your dog and you adjust.
Allow time for the Lab to adjust
As your Lab settles in and starts to learn the rules in his new home, he will get more comfortable. The transition time for each dog is different, taking from a few weeks to a few months for him to completely adjust to his new life. Like people, dogs deal with change and stress in many different ways. Some dogs will be overly active, other dogs will be a bit depressed by the loss of family and surroundings. Some are needy and clingy, still others might be a bit defensive and worried. And some dogs just take it in stride. No matter your dog's reaction, remember to go slowly, start teaching the new rules from day one, and be respectful of the difficulty of being air-dropped into a different world.
It will take time for your dog to bond with you. Offer love and guidance but never force yourself on the new dog. Children must be supervised closely when with your new dog and contact should be limited during this time. Keeping the environment quiet for the first few days will be important. Allow your dog to get comfortable with your home and new rules before he meets your friends, co-workers, and the neighborhood. Your Rescue Lab may drink an excessive amount of water his first week, due to stress. He may have "accidents," so observe the water intake and take him out more often. Be consistent on which door he goes out when it's time to relieve himself, so he can begin to let you know when he needs to go out.
Have realistic expectations
Be realistic about your expectations during the transition period. Never assume that your dog can cope with all the changes in his life without a problem or two. Set up precautionary measures when he is alone in the house, when he first meets new children, and when around unfamiliar dogs. Get him outside more often to help him adjust to a new toileting schedule. Living by the old saying—an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—will prove wise during this time.
Unleashed is unloved
Be extremely careful when taking your dog "out and about" for the first month or two. Do not assume that he will come to you when called, or that he will stay with you on a walk. Use a well-fitted collar when out walking so he can't slip out of his collar if panicked or aroused. Do not allow him off leash in unfenced areas for the first few weeks and not until you are sure he will come when called, even when distracted. Getting your new dog to come when called takes practice and must always be a positive experience. (Food rewards combined with praise work well.) Remember not to let him off leash except in very safe areas that are far from cars and only when you have complete control. Rushing ahead before your dog is ready could teach him bad habits or cause a horrible tragedy.
Now that you have had the opportunity to consider this new relationship from the Rescue Lab's point of view, we know you will do your best to make the strange new land into a safe and happy home. Be positive, be consistent, work out a daily routine, and use lots of encouragement. And, most of all, enjoy your new Lab.
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