Rescue Dog

Sadly love and patience whilstvessential aren’t enough.
Spoiling any dog is a bad idea, particularly with Dogs like this, who haven’t had stability, security, routines, consistency and kindness in those early weeks and months.

Yes I can only reiterate what others have said. Routine very important so she gets to know what will happen throughout her day and it helps build her confidence. Peace and quiet and love. No sudden movement or noise.

Quality plain diet.

Really I think everyone has said it.

I would love to hear about her as she settles in and perhaps a photo?

Spoil her, that's all I can say, bless her, what a terrible start. Talk to her all the time ( I know it sounds daft ) then she'll get to know you as the person who'll see to her needs and also help her to forget her past. Just be patient and give her little treats for encouragement.

I'm as daft as a brush with animals

I’m sure patience and love will be enough to reassure her. A calm environment, consistent gentle training and enough space to settle in without smothering her will work wonders. Bless you for your kindness.

Ive rescued and fostered many dogs but only from this country. Friends who have adopted dogs like yours have all found these dogs a challenge, in different ways. The advice they’ve had from behaviourists is to keep the dog quiet for at least a month, not to mix them with other dogs till your Dogs confidence improves.
You don’t see your rescue dogs temperament for about three months.
Good routines, plain diet, no visitors in the early days, peace and quiet. Your little dog. Had. A terrible start in life and may find the change quite difficult but it’s good that she’s been in foster care as you’ll be able to pick up their routines and they will have an early assessment of her.

I have had rescue cats and my last cat was terrified of the electric kettle. Heaven knows where he had been kept but he had never socialised and that was something I could not do but he was so loving and appeared to be so grateful for a quiet home with somebody who loved and cared for him.

It will take time and a lot of patience but you will not regret it.

Poor dog and how good of you to give her a good home.

Three years ago I adopted a street dog from Sicily where they are treated like vermin. He is a lovely dog, but he still has issues which stem from his puppyhood on the streets.

He is afraid of everything and taking him out is extremely difficult because he is so strong and wants to go after every animal, human or vehicle he sees! He’s not vicious, just frightened.

At home he is obviously secure and you couldn’t wish for a sweeter natured dog, but I have to be careful not to startle him. Even picking up the broom, or mop has him cowering in a corner. I think he must have taken a beating in his past which he can’t forget, poor chap.

I’ve tried many different trainers who have helped a little, but haven’t addressed all the issues.

I wish you all the best with your rescue. She’s lucky to have found a good forever home.

That's a terrible story about the poor little dog, and not uncommon, especially in places like Romania.

I'd say be patient, kind, (I'm sure you will), and be aware that she may well be very afraid of certain things:

being alone/confined/strange sounds/other dogs etc.

Good luck x

Thanks so much you two. That has boosted my confidence. I feel sure that she will be ok once she has settled in but the help with the initial period is much appreciated.

We used to home rescue dogs and foster when we lived in our family house,we can't do it on the scale we did as we don't have the space now but we do have two dogs one of which is a rescue.
You are used to having dogs in your family so you will pick up very quickly the needs of this little girl,I have found in the past that not leaving them alone is vital and give at least a month before you even attempt to try at any training of any sort.
Take for short walks and gradually let her meet people but do not let her get too excited,speak to her quietly but firmly and you should not have a problem.
Best wishes with your new family member I'm sure she will settle in and be a great addition to your family.

I've not had a rescue dog but have had rescue cats, I've found them to be the most loving and grateful animals.

As you are not a new dog owner and have had dogs all your married life , am pretty sure you will know instinctively how to treat her. You know she has had a difficult early life but with the correct love and care she should be ok. As she is in foster, hopefully they will have managed to housetrain her and will be able to tell you her little foibles or if there are any behavioural or medical issues that need addressing. Good luck