Watch the Moment a Fearful Beagle Finally Realizes She Can Trust Her New Family
We can’t emphasize enough how emotionally rewarding it is to foster a dog. But the truth is, fostering can be a challenging journey, especially if you’ve taken in an extremely fearful and shy dog. Thankfully, this journey does get easier with time.
From the moment Sage — a Beagle rescue dog — arrived at her new foster home a few weeks ago, her fearful demeanor stood out. It was obvious from the get-go that Sage had a long way to go in adjusting to her new home and overcoming her fear. (watch TikTok below)
As narrated on her foster’s TikTok account @the.foster.dog.house, Sage would spend most of her time in hiding, avoiding any eye contact or interaction with her human. Although the genesis of Sage’s deep mistrust towards humans wasn’t clear, her foster knew they had to be patient with her in line with the 3-3-3 rule of fostering or adopting a rescue dog.
It’s roughly three weeks since Sage was brought to her foster home. Her once-tensed body now seems relaxed, and she’s started to open up. Unlike before, Sage now willingly accompanies her foster for potty breaks and explores her surroundings with curiosity. She’s discovered the joy of playing with the other household dogs, and it’s evident her deep-seated fear is gradually melting away. Truly, Sage is proof that being patient with a fearful pup eventually pays off.
Watch Sage’s video below:
@the.foster.dog.house Donate so we can continue helping dogs like Sage! Link in my bio #beagle #beaglesoftiktok #dogtok #beagletok #beagledog #animalrescue #fosteringsaveslives #dogvideo #cutedog #thefosterdoghouse #rufflandkennels #fosterlife #animalrescue ♬ Sweet Love – Myles Smith
Here’s How to Help a Fearful Dog Gain Confidence
There are two kinds of dogs in rescues or shelters: One, the outgoing, confident, dogs who are full of vigor for life, and two, the shy, fearful dogs who prefer to withdraw from the world.
While starting life with a dog from the first category can be a smooth experience from the very beginning, fostering or adopting a fearful dog may be a little different. However, it’s worth noting that these withdrawn, timid dogs also have the potential to make incredible pets: they just need extra help to come out of their shells.
If your rescue dog exhibits a fearful demenor, it could be because of the following reasons:
- They faced neglect, abuse, or other negative experiences in the past
- They didn’t receive adequate socialization as a puppy
- Certain situations, environments, sounds, and objects trigger aggressive behavior or a fear response in them
The good news is, building confidence and getting a fearful dog to lower their guard isn’t impossible. It, however, requires lots of patience and consistency. Here are four few tips to keep in mind as you help a dog get over fear and aggression, according to experts:
Remember the 3-3-3 Rule
When you open your home to a fearful rescue dog, you have to make peace with the fact that it may take longer for them to adjust to your home environment than a confident dog would. The 3-3-3 rule can give you an idea of what this time frame looks like.
So, what is the 3-3-3 rule for rescue dogs?
The 3-3-3 rule is a general timeline of the milestones that a rescue dog is expected to achieve as they acclimate to their new home. It represents the 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months of bringing your new rescue home. According to this rule, rescue dogs need at least three days to decompress, three weeks to start settling in and mastering their routine, and three months to feel fully secure in their new home and comfortable with their family.
“By embracing the wisdom of the 3-3-3 rule, families can navigate the delicate terrain of pet adoption with grace and empathy,” pet rescue advocate Rocky Kanaka says.
- Go At Your Dog’s Pace
When dealing with a scared pup, it’s important to let things flow at the dog’s pace rather than forcing them to do what you want. That means, allowing them to hide if that’s what they prefer, and giving them space to come to you when they feel ready.
“Let your dog set the pace. Don’t rush or push them into situations where they feel uncomfortable. If they show signs of fear or hesitation, take a step back and allow them time to adjust,” says Ryan Palmer-Kiddel, dog trainer and behaviorist at Good Dog Training NZ.
- Create a Safe, Quiet Spot for Them
More often than not, scared dogs feel overwhelmed by their new environment. So, it’s best if they have a designated safe, quiet spot where they can retreat whenever they feel like it. Ensure this spot is cozy enough by adding blankets and leaving their food and water bowls close by.
If they prefer to retreat to a different spot other than the one you’ve designated, respect their choice and make their preferred spot cozy for them. Doing so will go a long way in helping them feel safe and calm.
- Avoid Triggers/ Seek Professional Help
If you realize your rescue dog seems fearful of certain noises or situations, it’s best to avoid exposing them to these triggers during the early days of them coming home.
Plus, you shouldn’t coerce them to experience these situations right away in an effort to make them see that “there’s nothing to be afraid of.” Instead, consider seeking the guidance of a veterinary behaviorist to develop an effective desensitization and behavior modification protocol that will work for your dog.
“When your dog seems to be scared of so many things, it’s tempting to just jump into a desensitization protocol — expose your dog to the scary thing/person/noise/place, etc…..but a lot of the time, this doesn’t work,” expert dog trainer and behaviorist Becca Hamilton of Clarity Canine Education says.
How to Help a Fearful Dog Gain Confidence FAQs
The 3-3-3 Rule Rescue Dog
The 3-3-3 rule refers to the 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months phases that a rescue dog typically goes through as they adjust to their new home.
Rescue dogs rule of 3
This rule, known as the 3-3-3 rule, outlines the milestones that a rescue dog is expected to achieve within 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months of being brought home.
How to help a fearful dog
Experts recommend letting things flow at your dog’s pace, avoiding potential triggers early on, creating a safe, cozy spot for them, and being patient in line with the 3-3-3 rule.
Rescue dog 3 3 3 rule
This rule suggests that it takes three days for a rescue to decompress, three weeks for them to learn a routine and start settling in, and three months for them to feel fully secure in their new home.
3 day 3 week 3 month rule for rescue dogs?
According to the 3-3-3 rule, rescue dogs take 3 days to decompress in their new home, three weeks to master a routine and start settling in, and three months to fully settle.
How to help a fearful submissive dog
As explained earlier, you should offer them their own safe, cozy space, let everything flow at their own pace, avoid triggers, and be patient with them as per the 3-3-3 rule.
How to help a dog overcome fear
According to experts, you should give them their own safe, cozy space, let things flow at the dog’s own pace, avoid triggers, and seek the guidance of a veterinary behaviorist.
How to help a dog with fear aggression?
Taking steps such as creating a safe spot for them, letting things flow at the dog’s pace, seeking professional help, and avoiding potential triggers can go a long way.
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