When you get your dog home, remember these little guys lived on the streets, then were in kennels while at the shelter, so are not used to being in a house. Also remember they have lived all their lives In Romania so won't understand English commands. It also takes many hours to travel from Romania to the UK and your new friend will need to adapt.
Let your new friend explore his new home without being fussed or followed. Keep the environment as calm as possible, don't invite people round to meet him, until he knows you and feels safe with you.
Allow him to come to you, rather than you chase him, after all you chose him to be your friend, he didn't choose you, and he will need time to adjust to you and all the changes in his life.
Make sure there is a bowl of fresh water available to your new dog at all times.
He may have an 'accident' or two initially, don't scold him, teach him where it is good for him to go, and praise him when he does.
NEVER rub a dogs nose in it's wee or poo, that will cause a bad reaction from the dog and make toilet training harder.
Feed your dog twice a day, once in the morning and again at tea time. Choose a good quality food either dry or wet or a combination. If you stick to the same food, your dog is less likely to get an upset tummy.
Cows milk is not advised as it can cause tummy upsets and very loose stools, however goats milk is fine and gives a good level of calcium.
NEVER let your dog out in public without a collar and lead and an identity disk. All dogs by law must have an ID disk.
When your dog is asleep don't wake him or allow children to wake him, he will sleep when tired, and you don't like to be woken up do you? Neither will your friend.
Register your dog with a vet as soon as possible, and take them each year for their booster vaccinations. All ROLDA dogs are vaccinated but still need annual boosters. Also take your dog to the vet if you are concerned about any aspect of your dogs health. Vets would rather see a healthy animal and reassure it's owner all is well, than not see the dog at all and perhaps miss the early stages of an illness/disease. It is also recommended that you insure your dog with a reputable insurance company.
Your dogs coat needs looking after too. He needs a good groom every day, brushing through the fur, and underneath making sure there are no knots. Many good quality dog shampoos are very gentle and match the PH of your dogs skin, so you can bath your dog once a month to keep his coat and skin clean and fresh. Don't forget to wash all his bed and bedding too, to keep that clean and fresh also.
Your dog needs exercise, at least one really good walk each day, but more is better. ROLDA dogs are not usually lead trained, so short walks often to get them used to the noises smells and sights, and the lead is a good idea. These short walks can be built up as your dog feels fitter and more relaxed.
Now you have all the basic skills for looking after your new ROLDA rescue dog, all he needs is love, and as ROLDA checks out all our prospective homes and owners carefully, we are sure he won't lack that. Enjoy him!
