COverseas Rescues

Overseas rescues have grown substantially over the last 5 years. Often families who are turned down by UK rescue charities are welcomed by these rescues, and the images of the dog struggling in the horrific conditions overseas can be heart-breaking. 

It is worth thinking about the dog’s life before they were rescued. Some of the dogs will be street dogs- dogs who were found living on the street. They may have been dogs that previously had owners and were dumped, or they could be dogs that were born on the streets or into shelters. 

How you can help:

Simple Food enrichment can release Serotonin and Dopamine- all the happy chemicals.

Scatter feeding is simple and effective and has many benefits. This means sprinking food on the floor or grass and letting your dog use his ‘ seeking system’ which is both calming and lowers heart rate, stress and anxiety or arousal, and gives happy brain chemicals. For such a simple activity, the rewards to a dog’s brain and emotional state are huge.

Slow is good, no rushing required.

Take everything very slowly with your dog, it is likely they have a lot of adjustments to get used to. From sensory adjustments to feeling of flooring under their paws, to different sights, smells, sounds and tastes.

Allow your rescue dog to decompress for at least a week before they are taken for a quiet walk. On this walk choice is key, allow your dog to sniff and watch their body language to help you understand how they are feeling.

Minimise visitors to your home to allow your dog time to adjust. Although it can be an exciting time bringing your rescue dog home, your rescue dog needs time to adjust and get used to his new environment first.

A safe place will really help- you could create a den or a safe, cosy and quiet place that is made available to access at all times -, where your rescue dog is left alone to relax, be alone or sleep on his terms.

Use natural training methods such as rewarding things you see that occur naturally, we call this ‘capturing’

Our founder of Barks & Splendour spent two years supporting a rescue in Cyprus both volunteering in Cyprus working directly with the dogs in the pound, raising equipment donations, and fostering and re-habilitating foster dogs before they went to their new homes as well as supporting adoptee’s.

Taking things slow and understanding what overseas rescue dogs need immensely helps dogs to have a positive transition.