Raising a rescue dog can be rewarding and challenging at the same time.
There are times of pure joy and love, and times we find ourselves feeling defeated, alone, and not sure what else to do or who to turn to.
Knowing the path will help you plan for the good and the rough times.
This is your success path to a happy, healthy super dog!
Where are you on your path of adopting and raising a rescue dog?
Use the step-by-step chart below to gauge your milestones and plan your action steps.
If you prefer to download this as a printable workbook, you can find it in our store here.
Getting ready to adopt a dog
Start your journey by adopting a dog that best fits your lifestyle.
Milestones
- Have you defined your perfect dog?
- Do you know where you are going to adopt a dog?
- Have you filled out an adoption application with the rescue or shelter?
- Have you adopted a dog yet?
- Have you brought home your dog?
Action steps
- Complete The Roadmap to Adopting Your Perfect Dog Workbook.
Transitioning your new dog
The first month with your new dog is all about supporting them through the transition.
Milestones
Is this the first month with the dog?
Action steps
- Schedule a wellness exam with your veterinarian.
- Read and understand the 3-3-3 rule / guideline.
- Create a comfort zone in your home.
- Give your dog time to decompress and avoid big crowds and stressful situations.
- Use The Diary of a Nervous Dog.
- Join the Canine Play Therapy Program and watch module 1 – 2 and complete the workbook.
Building the foundations
Create specific goals you want to reach with your dog to build a solid foundation.
Milestones
- Have you created specific goals that you want to reach with your dog?
- Do you know how to read your dog’s body language?
- Do you have a routine?
- Do you journal your dog’s behavior?
Action steps
- Create a comfort zone if not already done.
- Download The Diary of a Nervous Dog.
- Join the Canine Play Therapy Program and watch module 1 – 2 and complete the workbook.
Boosting confidence and trust
Grow a strong bond together and help your anxious, scared, or reactive dog thrive.
Milestones
- Do you know how to boost your dog’s confidence and trust levels?
- Do you have an unbreakable bond with your dog?
Action steps
- Continue to watch and implement the Canine Play Therapy Program.
- Work on socializing and basic training skills. Implement play therapy and touch techniques.
Overcoming fears
Help your dog overcome their fears of noises, things, places, people or dogs.
Milestones
- Is your dog anxious, scared, or reactive?
- Is your dog afraid of certain noises, things, places, people or dogs?
Action steps
- Continue to watch and implement the Canine Play Therapy Program.
- Implement counter-conditioning and desensitization skills.
The happy and healthy Super Dog!
Write your happily ever after story, with fun training skills and healthy life choices.
Milestones
- Is your dog super confident and healthy?
Action steps
- Maintain your dog’s confidence levels by continuing to socialize in various scenarios.
- Keep learning about your dog’s health and find ways to boost their physical and mental health.
- Is your dog’s food the best for them?
- Find natural remedies to replace conventional products.
- Boost their emotional and physical health through a variety of modalities.
How to best implement the action steps?
We reference our Canine Play Therapy Program and other resources in many of the action steps. While these are not required to get you to the happy and healthy super dog stage, they will help you fast-track your success.
If you have any questions, please leave a comment below and I will guide you in the right direction.
Want more support?
We are in the process of planning and creating the Forever Home Pup Club. This will be an awesome opportunity to join a supportive community of like-minded dog parents when you are ready to transform your dog’s life. Click here to join the waitlist and get the checklist for FREE and be notified when registration opens.
