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DFW Cocker Spaniel Rescue

Cocker Spaniel Rescue in Dallas-Fort Worth

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Bringing Home Your New Dog

After you’ve prepared the basics (collars, leashes, food, bedding, toys, etc.) here are some tips to help your new dog adjust to his new family and unfamiliar surroundings.

When you first bring him home, don’t treat him as though he’s always lived there. In other words, don’t give him too much freedom or too much physical affection. Start him on a routine right away, including crate time while you’re at home, overnight, and when you leave the house.  Place his crate in the room of your house where you spend the most time.  Give him time to decompress.  Some rescue dogs need quiet time to just hang out and observe, without the pressure of interacting directly – crate time is good for this. 

Don’t take him for rides, or to someone else’s home, until he’s really settled in. Don’t have more than 1-2 visitors the first couple of weeks.  He may be a bit subdued at first, and only begin showing you his real personality after a couple of weeks.  (He may need more time, but 2 weeks seems to be the turning point for most dogs.)  He could be one of those dogs who comes home and shows you who he really is right off the bat.  It’s nice when that happens, but most dogs need the adjustment time.

Start training right away.  Just 2-3 short sessions a day (5 minutes), with treats. Don’t give him treats for free, he should earn them with Sits, Downs, and coming when called.  Even if your yard is fenced, take him out on leash for the first few days, while you work on recall inside.  Rescue dogs released in your yard may either refuse to come back in or even jump a fence.  Keep your dog on leash outside until he’s bonded with you.

3-3-3 Rule

The 3-3-3 Rule is a general guideline.  Every dog is unique and will adjust differently.  Give your dog space and allow him to go at his own pace.

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DONATE

Dallas Fort Worth Cocker Spaniel Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our ability to rescue and rehome Cocker Spaniels in North Texas depends entirely on your financial support. All donations are appreciated.

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Adopt

DFWCSR is dedicated to finding forever homes for each and every dog. We have an application process we have used for many years that helps us make the best possible placement. If you are ready to move forward with an adoption, the first step is to complete and submit an application. Please allow 48 hours for a response.

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Contact Us

Dallas Fort Worth Cocker Spaniel Rescue
P. O. Box 863704
Plano, TX 75086-3704
972-994-1133
[email protected]

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Surrender A Dog

Whenever possible, DFWCSR will take owner releases; depending upon available foster homes. You will need to first Contact Us. If we can fit your Cocker into our program, we require owners to complete and send to us an Owner Release Form. We also ask for a $50 donation to help us with the various costs in the sheltering and adoption process.

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