DOG-Bust: Operation Rescue

August is "DOG-Bust: Operation Rescue!"

Animals can make loving companions. So, if it makes sense in your life to bring a furry companion into your family, August may be just the right month to! Help us find furever homes for these animals by visiting the sites below.

Many dogs in shelters are there through no fault of their own. Life circumstances like moving, financial hardship, or health issues often force people to make heartbreaking decisions. These dogs deserve patience, understanding, and a chance to feel safe again.

Bonding is extremely important! Bonding before rushing into new experiences is especially important. Just like people, dogs need time to build trust and feel secure in a new environment. Giving them that space and time can make all the difference in forming a strong, lasting relationship.

To help you and your new furry family member have a happy and healthy start together, a list of helpful tips has been compiled.

The 3-3-3 Rule for Dog Adoptions

CONGRATULATIONS! You’ve just adopted a dog and saved their life! To help ensure adoption success and years of enjoyment with your new dog-member, some tips and suggestions are provided for you. The transition period for a rescue or shelter dog into a new home is incredibly delicate. These dogs are often coming from environments of stress, neglect, or trauma, and they need time, patience, and structure to adjust. A few key things can make a huge difference in ensuring a successful adoption:

 3 Days - The first three days should be used for adjusting to their new surroundings

 3 Weeks - The next three weeks for training and bonding

 3 Months - The first three months for continued socialization and training.

A Few Suggestions After Adopting Your Dog

•Give Them Time to Decompress

The "decompression period" can take days or even weeks. During this time, dogs need a calm, predictable environment with minimal pressure to interact or perform.

•Establish a Routine

Dogs thrive on routine. Regular feeding, potty breaks, walks, and quiet time help them feel secure.

•Limit Freedom at First

Too much freedom too soon can lead to accidents or destructive behavior. Use baby gates, crates, or closed doors to manage their space.

•Avoid Overwhelming Situations

Skip the dog park, big gatherings, or introducing too many new people right away. Let the dog build confidence slowly.

•Use Positive Reinforcement

Reward good behavior with treats, praise, or play. Avoid punishment—it can increase fear and anxiety.

•Watch for Stress Signals

Yawning, lip licking, pacing, or hiding can all be signs your dog is overwhelmed. Respect their signals.

•Get Professional Help Early

If you notice signs of aggression, extreme fear, or other concerning behaviors, consult a certified dog trainer or behaviorist right away.

•Be Patient and Compassionate

Mistakes will happen. What matters most is how the human responds—with understanding and a commitment to helping the dog succeed.

5 Things NOT to Do When First Adopting Your Dog

The first decisions you make after adopting can be critical. Here are 5 suggestions to help ensure success and prevent your new family member from being overwhelmed and potentially harm them:

#1 Avoid taking a newly adopted dog straight to a pet store. No matter how well-intentioned—can be overwhelming and dangerous. The dog is:

•Already stressed from the shelter or transport.

•Unfamiliar with their new human and surroundings.

•Not yet bonded or trained to respond to their name or commands.

•Easily overstimulated by the sights, smells, and sounds of a busy store.

•These conditions can lead to fear-based reactions like biting, bolting, or shutting down. And sadly, as your stories show, the consequences can be tragic.

Safer Alternatives for the First Few Days:

•Buy supplies before the dog comes home. Have everything ready—crate, food, leash, collar, ID tag, toys, etc.

•Keep outings minimal. Focus on calm, short walks in quiet areas and time at home to build trust.

•Let the dog settle in. Give them a few days (or more) to decompress before introducing new environments or people.

•Use a double leash or harness. Especially for new or nervous dogs, this can prevent escapes.

#2 Avoid dog parks for new adoptees. The reasons are because:

•No Bond or Recall Yet

The dog doesn’t know you and you don’t know them. If they run off, they may not come back when called.

•Unknown Behavior with Other Dogs

Even if the dog seemed friendly at the shelter, stress or new environments can trigger unexpected aggression or fear.

•Overstimulation

Dog parks are full of unfamiliar dogs, people, smells, and sounds. It can be overwhelming and lead to reactive behavior.

•Risk of Injury or Conflict

If a fight breaks out, your dog could be injured—or injure another dog, which could have legal or life-threatening consequences.

•False Sense of Safety

Just because a dog is off-leash doesn’t mean it’s safe. Many dog parks lack proper supervision or separation for different energy levels and sizes.

Safer Alternatives:

•Leash walks in quiet areas to build trust and observe behavior.

•Structured playdates with known, calm dogs in a controlled environment.

•Training sessions to build recall and responsiveness.

•Time and patience to let your dog decompress and learn to trust you.

#3 Wait to introduce your new dog to friends and family. So, you’ve just adopted your dog and you’re super excited to show him/her off to friends and family. We get it! Consider these points:

•Sensory Overload

New smells, voices, and people crowding into their space can be terrifying for a dog who’s just trying to figure out where they are.

•No Established Trust

The dog doesn’t know who to trust yet—not even their new human. Adding more strangers can increase anxiety and fear-based reactions.

•Risk of Defensive Behavior

If someone reaches out to pet or hug the dog too soon, the dog may react with a growl, snap, or bite—not out of aggression, but fear.

•Potentially Fatal Consequences

One bite—even if it’s a warning—can lead to the dog being returned, labeled dangerous, or even euthanized.

Safer Alternatives:

•Create a calm, quiet environment for the first few days or weeks.

•Let the dog come to you and initiate contact when they’re ready.

•Introduce new people slowly, one at a time, in a controlled and calm setting.

•Educate visitors to ignore the dog at first, avoid direct eye contact, and let the dog approach on their own terms.

#4 Keep your dog on a leash in public, unfenced areas including your yard. The reasoning is:

•No Recall Training Yet

You don’t know if the dog will come when called—or even recognize their name yet.

•Unknown Triggers

Squirrels, bikes, kids, loud noises—any of these could cause a dog to bolt, chase, or react unpredictably.

•No Bond or Trust

The dog doesn’t know you well enough to see you as a safe place to return to if they get scared or overstimulated.

•Legal and Liability Risks

If your dog bites someone, causes an accident, or gets into a fight, you could be held legally responsible.

•Tragic Outcomes

As you mentioned, dogs can get lost, injured, or worse. And if they cause harm, they may be labeled dangerous or euthanized.

Safer Alternatives:

•Use a long-line leash in open spaces to give them freedom while maintaining control.

•Practice recall in a fenced area or indoors first.

•Build trust and responsiveness before ever considering off-leash time.

•Wait until you truly know your dog—their temperament, triggers, and training level.

#5 Avoid leaving your new dog in your yard unattended. Your backyard might seem like a safe space but for a newly adopted dog, it can be full of escape opportunities and dangers. After all, you probably don’t think like a dog! The reasons being:

•High Risk of Escape

A scared or disoriented dog may try to jump the fence, dig under it or squeeze through a gap—especially in the first few days when they’re still unsure of their surroundings.

•No Bond or Recall Yet

If they get out, they may not come back when called—or even recognize their name.

•Unseen Hazards

Wildlife, toxic plants, sharp objects, or even neighborhood dogs can pose a threat.

•No Opportunity to Redirect

If you’re not there, you can’t stop escape attempts or reinforce good behavior.

•Emotional Support Matters

Being outside with your dog helps them feel safe and supported, and it builds trust between you.

Safer Alternative:

•Supervise all outdoor time for at least the first few weeks.

•Walk the perimeter with your dog to help them learn the boundaries.

•Check for escape routes—loose boards, gaps, low spots, or climbable surfaces.

•Use a leash or long line if you’re unsure about the fence or your dog’s behavior.

•Treat outdoor time as bonding time, not alone time.