How to help a rescue dog adjust to a new home

Bringing a rescue dog into your home can be challenging, as these dogs often come with a troubled past that can manifest in fear, aggression, or anxiety. It can be frustrating and upsetting to see your new rescue dog struggling to adjust to their new home. You may worry that they will never feel comfortable or happy, and you may feel guilty for not being able to do more to help them.

Barkio, a remote pet monitoring solution, can help you ease the transition and help your rescue dog adjust to its new home.

Ease the adaptation process with Barkio

With Barkio, you can observe your dog's behavior in real time using the live video feed. This can help you identify any triggers that may be causing stress or anxiety, and it can also help you reassure your dog that you're still there for them. Barkio also sends activity alerts to your smartphone, so you can be notified of any changes in your dog's behavior. This is especially helpful for pet owners with dogs with separation anxiety or other medical conditions.

Try Barkio and taste the feeling of well-being and security without the stress of your dog being unhappy and you with it.

1. Install Barkio app on your phone/laptop and follow the instructions

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2. Enhance your dog's adaptation with these features:

• Live video feed: The live video feed isn't just about catching fun moments; it's also a window into your dog's world. Whenever you're away or in a different room, tune in to see how your rescue dog is adjusting. Are they exploring confidently? Are they hiding in a corner? Being able to see your dog's actions in real-time provides a nuanced understanding of their comfort level in the new environment. Plus, it's also handy for ensuring they aren't getting into mischief or potential danger.

• Activity alerts: With Barkio's intelligent activity alert system, you're always informed of any abrupt changes in your dog's behavior. If your rescue dog starts pacing excessively, barking, or shows any sign of distress, Barkio will notify you immediately. This promptness ensures that you can act quickly, whether it's calling a neighbor, rushing home, or just checking in via the app to see what might have triggered the behavior.

• Two-way communication: One of the most significant challenges for a rescue dog is dealing with the unfamiliar. Your voice, however, is a slice of familiarity in their new world. With Barkio's two-way communication feature, you can talk to your dog and hear their responses. It's a way of reminding them that even if you're not physically there, you're still present in their life, offering comfort and assurance.

• Real-time audio monitoring: It's common for shelter dogs to feel anxious when left alone in a new environment. Some rescue dogs are more vocal about their anxieties than others. Through Barkio's real-time audio monitoring, you can keep an ear out for any signs of distress like prolonged whining, growling, or barking. Understanding the sounds your dog makes in different situations helps pinpoint moments of anxiety or unease, allowing you to address them more effectively.

• Activity log: Every dog, rescue or not, has its rhythms—times when it's active, times when it's calm. Barkio's activity log doesn't just track movement; it creates a detailed record of your dog's daily patterns. By tracking your dog's daily activities, you can identify patterns and possible triggers for stress or anxiety. Maybe the dog becomes anxious at a specific time each day, signaling a past trauma or routine. Recognizing these patterns gives you a chance to provide reassurance and comfort.

• Commands: Consistency is key, especially for rescue dogs who are trying to adjust to new environments. Being able to play prerecorded commands ensures that your dog hears the same instructions in the same tone, regardless of where you are. Over time, this repetition not only helps with behavior training but also fosters a sense of stability and predictability for the dog.

User experience

Laura from Washington and her Border Collie, Finn: "Finn was shy and scared when he first arrived," Laura says. "Using Barkio, I could observe him and understand what made him comfortable." With time, Finn opened up, and Laura attributes much of that success to Barkio. "I was able to build trust with him, even when I wasn't physically present. Barkio made adapting Finn a beautiful experience."

"Finn was shy and scared when he first arrived. Now I am able to build trust with him, even when I am not physically present. Barkio made fostering Finn a beautiful experience."

Megan from Colorado and her fostered Greyhound, Rex: "Rex had some behavioral issues when I first got him," Megan admits. By using Barkio, she was able to understand his triggers and work on them specifically. "Barkio was instrumental in Rex's transformation. It allowed me to interact with him and understand his needs in a way I wouldn't have been able to otherwise. Rex found his forever home, and I believe Barkio played a big part in that."

Alex from Barcelona and her rescue German Shepherd, Gard: "Gard displayed aggressive tendencies whenever he heard loud noises," Sofia explains. "Thanks to Barkio's activity alerts, I was able to identify these triggers and work with a behaviorist to address his fears."

Conclusion

Adopting a rescue dog is a journey of patience, love, and understanding. Barkio can be an indispensable ally in this journey, offering insights and tools to make the transition smoother for both the dog and the owner.

Download Barkio today and share your success stories in our Barkio community of compassionate pet parents as you welcome your rescue into its forever home.