Where am I? and who are all these people? courtesy of Golden Opportunities - Golden Retriever Rescue of Illinois, Inc. -

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 would be bound to offend a few people before you got the hang of things. This is probably how your new Rescue Golden 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 Golden you are adopting has been through a difficult journey that started when his family gave him up or 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, concerned stranger's home or one of the volunteers from Golden Opportunities. Once in our program he had a complete physical examination, and possibly surgery or medical treatment. In the process of receiving the best medical care possible, he was handled, bathed and petted by a sea of strangers. Once deemed healthy and ready for adoption, he was possibly placed in one of our foster homes - another new environment with more happy strangers and a new routine. He has, now, at long last found a new person of his own although he does not know or understand it yet. It is now up to you to help him feel loved and secure.

In the process of transforming your dog's confusion into security and knowledge, it is important to look at things from his point of view. Goldens are eager to please their owners once 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 it is not permissible, 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, hugs and a happy voice. Corrections for inappropriate behavior should be used sparingly. Goldens can be sensitive and often a calm but firm verbal reprimand is enough. Make him familiar with key words that elicit certain behaviors. Along with the regular commands like "sit", "stay", and "come", it is very helpful to teach him "off", "give" or "trade", "leave it" and other terms that will foster communication. We strongly suggest an obedience class, even if your dog 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.

As your Golden 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 excited, 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 then there are those dogs that 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 should 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 the new rules before he meets your friends, co-workers and the neighborhood. Be realistic about your expectations during the transition period. Never assume that your dog can cope with all the new situations 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, when around unfamiliar dogs and 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.

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 or he will automatically stay with you on a walk. Use your chain or nylon training collar when out walking so he can't slip out of his collar if panicked or aroused. Most importantly, please 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 very 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 Golden's point of view, we know you will do your best to make the strange new land into a safe and happy home.

Best Wishes!

Golden Opportunities - 8/98
Golden Retrieve Rescue of Illinois
Courtesy of Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue

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