Terrified Rescue Puppy Lights Up With Happiness After Foster Parent Shows Her Love
Despite certain circumstances, some animals don't show any signs of fear and are calm, while others can feel utterly distressed. It's understandable that stressful situations, such as a rescue mission and shelter life, could add to the change of behavior; however, so can the adoption and fostering of a shelter animal.
TikToker Sarah Quas shares proof of her foster pup, who was rescued from Puerto Rico and who changed its demeanor from terrified to happy in a matter of days, as you can see in this video, posted on November 30.
Aw, look at her coming out of her shell!
Such a sweet baby girl, who, by the way, is still up for adoption.
This is the perfect example of how resilient animals are and how easily they can adapt to new situations, as long as they receive tender, loving care and a lot of patience because that's what it's going to take: patience and dedication.
Why Some Rescue Puppies Show Signs of Fear or Stress
There are various reasons why some rescue dogs show signs of fear and distress; however, the most common is trauma due to neglect and abuse.
Such as the case here with our foster pup. It appears as if she went through some neglect and trauma in Puerto Rico, and it may be hard for her to trust new people because her previous owners failed to take care of her.
Another reason, in addition to neglect, is a lack of socialization, including socialization with other humans.
Also, while this pup was rescued and brought from a bad environment to a better one, the change in environment can add to stress as well, which can result in anxiety since dogs are used to having a routine, very similar to cats.
Due to these factors, the pup may also have low confidence, which adds to feeling anxious.
How To Win the Trust of a Terrified Rescue Pup
Proper training that includes positive reinforcement using dog treats is crucial when it comes to winning the trust of rescue pups while being calm and gentle. The sound of your voice plays an important part in helping the pup feel comfortable around you and get used to its new environment.
This, of course, can take some time; therefore, being patient and having the time available will play an important part in seeing the desired results.
By petting your pup, you also build trust, but make sure to read its body language, always respect its behavior and space, and don't force anything. In time, the pup will come to you and let you know it has accepted you as its human caretaker.
Tips To Help Your Rescue Adjust Better
Aside from patience, you also want to provide a comfortable and safe space for your new rescue or foster, which includes a bed and blankets, perhaps in a quiet corner of your home where your pup can retreat when it's overwhelmed.
Consistency is also key here to establish a routine; however, you don't want to overwhelm the pup and should give it time and space to explore on its own time as well.
Once the pup feels comfortable with you, you can gradually introduce it to new places, people, and animals.
In addition to providing proper training in simple commands, playtime is also important, as is a way for the pup to form a strong bond with you.
Lastly, regular vet check-ups are also crucial to make sure your pup is healthy, both physically and mentally.
And if you feel as if your pup is not adjusting as well as you'd hoped, you could always consider a professional dog trainer for more advice.
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