What to Expect When Adopting a Rescue Dog
A Simple Guide for New Adopters
Bringing home a rescue dog is an incredible thing—but it’s also a big adjustment for them.
Most dogs coming from shelters or the streets are not “problem dogs.”
They are simply confused, overwhelmed, and trying to figure out where they are and who you are.
What you see in the first few days is not their true personality.
Where They Come From
Most of these dogs didn’t come from homes.
They come from the streets.
They’ve had to find food, avoid danger, and survive on their own—without structure, safety, or consistency.
Some are picked up as strays.
Some are brought in injured or sick.
Some are born outside and have never known a home at all.
From the Streets to the Shelter
When they are rescued, they are brought to shelters—many of which are already overwhelmed.
- Shelters are overcrowded
- There are not enough volunteers
- Time with each animal is limited
They receive medical care, food, and safety—but most are placed in cages or kennels.
For many of them, this is the first time being confined.
They are surrounded by noise, stress, and unfamiliar activity.
They are safe—but they are also unsure.
Then Everything Changes Again
If they are lucky, they are chosen for adoption, fostering, or travel to another country.
But that comes with even more change. They may go through:
- Crates and kennels (for long hours and sometimes days)
- Airplanes and long car rides
- Hotels due to unexpected travel issues
- New environments and unfamiliar people
Puppies may be separated from their mothers.
Dogs may be moved more than once in a short period of time.
Everything in their world keeps changing.
And Then… Your Home
When they arrive, it may look like they’ve finally made it.
But to them, it’s just another new place. They don’t know:
- Who you are
- If they are staying
- What the rules are
- Where they should go/not go
- What they can/can't do
- Where they should lay, sleep, eat, relieve themselves
- What they can/can't play with or chew (most don't know what toys are or soft beds)
They are going from survival… to shelter… to transport… to a home.
That is a lot for any dog to process.
What You Might See in the First Days
Your new dog may:
- Have accidents inside
- Seem nervous or withdrawn
- Pace or feel restless
- Not respond to their name
- Not understand commands
- Eat too fast—or not eat much
- Sleep a lot or have trouble settling
This is all normal.
They are adjusting—not misbehaving.
Please be patient with them and don't give up on them. They have gone through so much just to get to you. Be their hero.
The 3–3–3 Rule
3 Days
They are overwhelmed and trying to understand their environment.
3 Weeks
They begin to settle in and feel more comfortable.
3 Months
They start to feel at home and their true personality comes out.
Every dog is different—but time makes a big difference.
What They Need Most
Not commands.
Not perfection.
They need:
- Patience
- Consistency
- Calm energy
- Time
- Love and lots of cuddles once they feel safe around you
Focus on building trust first. They have so much love to give and a wonderful life to live.
Training will come later.
How You Can Help Them Adjust
Start simple.
Create a routine
Feed, walk, and rest at consistent times.
Give them a safe space
A bed, crate, or quiet area they can go to.
Go slow with introductions
New people, pets, and environments should come gradually.
Use positive reinforcement
Reward good behavior. Stay calm and patient.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Expecting too much too soon
- Getting frustrated with accidents
- Introducing too many new things at once
- Introducing to too many people at the beginning
- Trying to train everything immediately
- Giving up too quickly
Most issues improve with time and patience.
The Most Important Thing to Remember
They are not coming to you as a trained pet.
They are coming to you as a survivor learning how to be a pet for the first time.
With patience, they will learn.
And in time, they will become the dog you were hoping for—and more.
Potcakes are gentle souls with so much love to give. All they need is a chance. Please be patient with them. They have come a long way to be with you.
If the Adoption Does Not Work Out
If for any reason the adoption does not work out, the pe MUST NOT BE rehomed independently.
DO NOT give the pet to another person, family, or another rescue.
Please contact Who Rescued Who NS directly so the pet can be safely returned and properly placed.
This ensures the safety of the animal and allows us to find the right match for them.
For Potential Adopters
If a dog or cat you applied for doesn’t work out, don’t give up.
Sometimes an animal may be adopted and later returned for reasons beyond anyone’s control. When that happens, we keep previous applicants in mind and will reach out if the pet becomes available again.
Not every home is the right fit at the right time—and that’s okay.
Stay in touch and keep an open heart. The right match does happen.