Adopting a Rescue

Question
Hi Kristin!

You seem like just the person to help answer some questions I have. Without a doubt, the dog I am thinking of adopting will be a rescue. I know they come with some behavioral issues already and it is stressful for them to adapt to a new environment. How can I make the experience as painless as possible for us both?

I've only ever had experience with one other rescue dog and thank god he turned out to be extremely well adjusted from the start. I don't think I will be as lucky this time around (but that's ok!) so I'd like to be thoroughly prepared.

Could you share your thoughts on how best to integrate a dog into my home? I have a crate which the dog will need to stay at first until it can be trusted while I'm away at work. I know we have to work up to it being ok to stay in there for extended periods. But what should I do when I first bring it home when it comes to bedtime? It may not be housebroken. I took a dog in on a trial run a couple weeks ago and I tried having him sleep in the same room as me but he was agitated all night and paced around. His foster home said he did fine with a crate so I'm thinking I should crate during the night but I've read online that you shouldn't put a dog in a crate all night until they're ready. The dog I am thinking of adopting will most likely come from a shelter where the dogs have already gotten used to some kenneling.

Are you able to provide me with some advice or guidance as to how to proceed? Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Answer
It will depend on the dog's housetraining status,as well as his or her background is. If they are housetrained(as my last rescue was) A crate might not even be needed other then a  place for the dog to go into when he/she wants to be left alone and for a while crate him/her when you are not home. However if he/she is not housetrained and not a puppy mill rescue,crating at all times except to feed,to take outside to play with ect is the best way to go. Puppy mill rescues are about the only dogs that can't be crated

Another route to go is to use puppy pads and block off a room,and once the dog learns to use them,start moving them closer to the door

Now as for getting him/settled the best way is to let him/her get used to things on it's own terms,some dog take up to a month while other settle in right away. Another good idea is to take the dog to obedience classes

In my experience most rescue dogs(other than puppy mill rescues or extreme abuse cases)have few problems,other than bad manners like jumping up or pulling on the leash,both of which can be corrected by training