The first few days after adopting a rescue dog can be exciting, emotional, and sometimes overwhelming. Unfortunately, that excitement can also cause families to ask too much of their new dog too soon.
On this episode of Rescue Tales, Robert Forto and Robin Lucas discuss what really happens during the first seven days with a rescue dog. They break down the 3-3-3 rule, explain why decompression matters, and share three important rules for helping a new dog adjust: limit new people and places, provide a quiet and safe space, and allow the dog to approach people rather than forcing interactions.
Robert and Robin also discuss common signs of stress, including hiding, low appetite, pacing, whining, and shy body language, along with more serious behavioral and medical red flags that adopters should not ignore.
Then, in this week’s Rescue Tale, they share the remarkable story of Scooby, a rescue dog whose journey took him from Busan to Seoul, Rebel Rescue South Korea, Alaska Dog Works, and ultimately an adoptive home in Alaska. His story shows why difficult behavior does not always mean a dog is beyond help. Sometimes the environment, training, patience, and people surrounding the dog can change everything.
