Dog Adoption Guide
💛 Welcome!
You’ve just given a rescue dog a second chance. That’s no small thing. Thank you for opening your home and your heart. This No-Nonsense Dog Adoption Guide walks you through what to expect in the first days and weeks, and how to give your new dog the best possible start.
📦 Before Your Dog Arrives
Secure Outdoor Space
Most of our dogs need secure, minimum 4ft fencing (6ft preferred). This includes:
- No gaps, loose panels, or flexible barriers (like bamboo screening, trellis, or chicken wire).
- Remove anything near the fence that could be used to climb (bins, furniture, BBQs, trampolines, etc).
Some rescue dogs may bolt if frightened — especially those with street or shelter backgrounds.
Working Full Time?
That’s fine — as long as you have a plan. Dogs can’t be left alone all day. Arrange a dog walker, sitter, or daycare in advance.
Balcony-Only Homes
We do rehome to flats with only a balcony, as long as the balcony is fully secure. Falls can happen easily, even with small dogs, so safety is essential. Dogs also need daily walks and outdoor time to stay healthy and happy.
Babies & Kids
We’re open to rehoming to families with young kids — but only if parents know how to manage dog–child interactions. Toddlers can overwhelm rescue dogs, so supervision is a must. No chasing, no hugging around the neck, and never leave them alone together. It’s not about age — it’s about awareness.
🎒 What You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy gear. Most of it will get chewed, peed on, or ignored anyway.
- Adjustable collar with ID tag (Name + address legally required. Phone number = smart idea.)
- 3-point harness + flat lead. No flexi-leads: These retractable leads reduce control, snap easily, and give too much freedom too soon.
- Plastic dog bed + old towels or blankets, a quiet, safe spot at home. Plastic beds are ideal: chew-proof, easy to clean, and tough enough for first-week nerves.
- Two bowls (food + water)
- Food (ask us if unsure)
- Chews or toys (basic to start)
- Dog shampoo (for later)
🏷️ Microchip & Tags
Your dog’s microchip will be registered to you when the contract is signed. Every dog must wear a collar and ID tag in public. Name and address required. Add your phone number if possible.
⏳ Your 7-10 Day Trial
Every adoption begins with a 7 to 10-day trial. It gives everyone time to settle in. If it’s not the right match, we’ll help you return the dog safely. No guilt. No pressure. We’re here to support you either way.
🚗 Travel Safety
Use a crate or seatbelt harness to bring your dog home. This keeps them safe and prevents distraction. If possible, have someone sit nearby to offer calm reassurance.
Car sickness is common. Expect: Drooling, Whining, Panting, Vomiting (bring towels just in case).
Keep the drive quiet and direct — no loud music or errands. Just get home and let them rest.
📆 The 3 Days, 3 Weeks, 3 Months
A general guide to what most dogs experience during their adjustment:
🟧 First 3 Days (3D)
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Scared, unsure of surroundings
- Might not eat or drink
- Hiding, shutdown, or sleeping a lot
- Testing boundaries
🟨 After 3 Weeks (3W)
- Settling in, feeling more secure
- Understanding routine
- Personality begins to show
- Might test rules
- Guard lowers slightly
🟩 After 3 Months (3M)
- Fully comfortable at home
- Bond strengthening
- Shows true character
- Builds trust and security
- Settled into routine
Some dogs adjust fast, others don’t. Don’t compare — follow your dog’s pace.
🧘 Settling In & Building Trust
When your dog arrives, keep things calm and quiet. Even friendly dogs need time to decompress.
- Give them one safe room or corner to start. Let them come to you.
- Avoid visitors the first two weeks.
- Don’t fuss constantly. Over-attention can overwhelm.
- Avoid shadowing you constantly — it can lead to anxiety later.
- Teach kids to be calm and respectful. No hugging around the neck.
- Never leave young kids unattended with the dog.
It’s tempting to smother them with love. But what they need is calm, quiet, and space to breathe. Let them settle, choose closeness, and take things at their pace.
Your job isn’t to rush bonding — it’s to make them feel safe enough to choose it. That’s how trust is build!
🚶 First Walks & Lead Training
- Keep the lead on in the garden for the first few days.
- Use a collar and harness with two leads on early walks.
- Slip leads = emergency backup only. They tighten and can cause panic.
- No flexi-leads. Too much freedom, not enough control.
- Stick to short, quiet walks near home at first.
- Don’t let them off lead — not for weeks, possibly longer. Prey drive and poor recall are a dangerous mix. Even a calm dog can bolt if spooked.
Practice lead work in your garden. Do recall games with no distractions. Confidence outside starts with trust inside.
🩺 Vet Care
Many dogs over 6 months are tested for common diseases, and some are already in treatment. We take every step to ensure our dogs are healthy. But we can’t afford to test every dog and some conditions (like leishmaniasis or ehrlichia) lie dormant and show later. We recommend follow-up tests with your vet.
If your dog isn’t neutered yet, it’s in your contract to arrange it when appropriate. Some dogs must wait until they’re older — your vet will guide you.
💩 Picking Up After Your Dog
Always carry bags and clean up. It’s respectful, required by law in many places, and protects animals and people alike.
🚽 Toilet Training
Even trained dogs can regress with stress.
- Take them out regularly: after sleep, food, play.
- Praise outside toilet trips like they won gold.
- Stay calm during accidents. Clean, reset, and move on.
🧡 What Matters Most
You don’t need to be perfect — just present, patient, and kind.
If you’re unsure or struggling, please ask. We’re here to help.
Thank you for adopting. Now go build something beautiful together.
With love, patience and kindness, your dog will love you unconditionally and until their dying breath. To them, you are their world. It’s up to you to make it a happy one! 🐶
– The Wigglestail Team 🐾
🧠 Let Them Settle
- Resource guarding of sofas or toys is common early on. Be aware, separate dogs for high-value treats.
- If you already have a dog, expect some tension. Give each dog space.
- An anxious dog can feel worse in large, open spaces — keep their world small at first.
- You may see regression, nervousness, or confusion. Be kind. Let them find their feet.
🧩 Does My Dog Feel Safe?
Rescue dogs often come with baggage — fear, confusion, or trauma. Instead of pushing for cuddles or closeness, ask yourself:
| 💬 Are they choosing contact? | 🛑 Are they anxious or unsure? | 🧠 What are they really saying? |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Do they come to you on their own? If you stop stroking, do they nudge or lean in for more? | ⚠️ Am I noticing signs of fearfulness? E.g. whale eye, lack of eye contact, splayed out belly-up (may look “cute” but can mean “don’t hurt me”) | 🟥 Look for signs of stress: yawning, lip curls, lip licking, growling, moving away, tucked tail or shaking off. These are ways dogs say “I’m not OK.” Never punish a growl — it’s a warning, not misbehaviour. Give them space. |
⬇️ Prefer to revisit it later?
Download the Wigglestail Adoption Guide to keep or share.
FAQ: Wigglestail Dog Adoption Guide
How can I help my dog settle in?
Start calm and simple. Your dog needs a secure garden — that’s a must for safety, toilet training, and daily stress relief. In the beginning, keep them on lead outside, even in fenced areas — many rescues will bolt if startled. Inside, limit access to one quiet space. Skip visitors, keep your routine steady, and don’t hover. Let them come to you when they’re ready. Safety first. Trust follows.
What should I expect in the first few days?
Sleep, hiding, no appetite, or nervous energy — all normal. Your dog is overwhelmed. Don’t expect affection or obedience yet. Keep everything slow, quiet, and predictable. Let them decompress before expecting interaction or routines to click.
When can I take my dog for a walk?
After a few days of settling. Start with short, quiet walks — no crowded parks, no off-lead, no meet-and-greets. Use a harness and collar with two leads. Stick close to home and let them sniff. Walks should lower stress, not add to it.
Should my dog have their own space?
Yes — they need a place that’s just theirs. A crate or quiet corner helps them feel safe and protected, especially in the early days. Think of it as their den: no one disturbs them there, no surprises, no stress. It’s not about confinement — it’s about giving them control and calm. Make it soft, quiet, and always optional.
How do I toilet train my dog?
Garden access helps massively — that’s why it’s required. Take them out after sleep, food, and play. Praise every success like they just won gold. Accidents will happen — don’t punish. Clean up and carry on. Be consistent.
Can I leave my dog home alone?
Yes — but start small. Give them a calm, secure space (like a crate or quiet room), then step out for just a few minutes at first. Gradually build up time apart. The goal isn’t to sneak out — it’s to show them you always come back. That’s what builds confidence.
What if things don’t work out?
That’s exactly why we offer a 7 to 10-day trial — not every match clicks right away. But it’s also not about deciding after one tough day. Most rescue dogs need time, space, and patience to settle. These first two weeks are about learning each other. If, by the end, it’s not the right fit, that’s okay. We’ll help you return the dog safely, with care — no guilt, no pressure.
How to help a rescue dog adjust to a new home?
Start slow. Give them structure, quiet, and a small space to decompress. Let them approach on their terms. Stay calm, consistent, and avoid overloading them with attention or new experiences. Time and safety build trust.
What’s realistic advice for dog adopters?
Forget instant bonding. There’ll be accidents, nerves, and maybe zero tail wags at first. That’s normal. Your job isn’t to “fix” them — it’s to create safety, routine, and space for them to feel secure enough to show up.
What should I avoid when adopting a dog?
Don’t let them roam the whole house. Don’t introduce them to everyone. Don’t expect love right away. Skip the hugs, the dog park, and the bath. Early days are about calm, not chaos.
My rescue dog won’t eat or settle — what now?
That’s common in the first few days. They’re overwhelmed. Keep meals in the same spot, offer quiet, and don’t fuss. Hand-feeding tiny bits can help. If you’re unsure or it lasts more than a few days, ask us or your vet.